Dr Isaac Akpoveta presenting the award of IEAI brand advocate for Universal Health Coverage to the sponsor, Chief John Nani who was represented by Chief Happy Otojareri
By Pat Gbemudu
300 women drawn from the various kingdoms in Urhobo nation have been adopted and enrolled into the Indigent Enrollee Adoption Initiative of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission.
The gesture, courtesy of the Chairman of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Chief John Nani, is in fulfillment of Chief Nani’s promise, while paying for health insurance for 240 persons earlier in April this year, that he would sponsor more Urhobo women.
While describing the gesture as a demonstration of commitment to social responsibility and the welfare of the vulnerable, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, Olorogun Isaac Akpoveta, commended Chief John Nani.
Dr. Akpoveta stated that healthcare is a fundamental human right, many cannot access it; hence, the importance of such philanthropic efforts to ensure no one is left behind.
He thanked Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his consistent support for the scheme, which has enabled the commission, adding that before the 2030 deadline of the World Health Organization (WHO), Delta State would have achieved the Universal Health Coverage goal.
While reiterating the readiness of the commission for a hitch-free implementation, the Director-General called on well-meaning individuals, associations, and groups, including those in the diaspora, to key into the Indigent Adoption Initiative of the Commission and purchase health insurance for as many indigent persons as they could, at the subsidized cost of ₦7,000 per person per year.
The sponsor of the 300 new enrollees and Chairman of DESOPADEC, Chief John Nani, represented by Chief Happy Otojareri, lauded the state government for the initiative, saying it was apt, especially at a time when the country was experiencing inflation, leading to high costs of medication.
The President of the UPU Women’s Wing, Dame Rose Oghene, and other women leaders who spoke, expressed gratitude, adding that the adoption and enrollment of their members into the scheme have not only helped to spread good health in the Urhobo nation but have also led to a significant increase in membership of the UPU Women’s Wing.
A beneficiary thanking the sponsor and the DSCHC for the opportunity to access free healthcare for a year
Beneficiaries said they have never had it this good and thanked the state government, their sponsor, and the UPU leadership for selecting them to enjoy free healthcare for a year.
It is noteworthy that Chief Nani had earlier sponsored the health insurance of 240 women from the UPU Women’s Wing, bringing the total number of women sponsored by him to 540.
