Chief Nani Sponsors Health Insurance for 300 Urhobo Women Under Delta’s Indigent Enrollee Initiative
By Pat Gbemudu
WARRI/Nigeria: Three hundred women from various kingdoms in the Urhobo nation have been adopted and enrolled into the Indigent Enrollee Adoption Initiative of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission. The initiative, driven by the Chairman of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Chief John Nani, is part of his ongoing commitment to support the vulnerable in society.
Chief Nani’s latest gesture fulfills a promise he made earlier in April when he sponsored health insurance for 240 individuals. At the time, he vowed to extend this support to more Urhobo women, and his recent sponsorship brings the total number of beneficiaries to 540.
Olorogun Isaac Akpoveta, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, praised Chief Nani for his continued commitment to social responsibility. “Healthcare is a fundamental human right, but many cannot access it,” said Akpoveta. “Philanthropic efforts like this ensure that no one is left behind.”
Akpoveta also acknowledged Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s unwavering support for the health scheme, which has enabled the commission to make significant strides towards achieving the World Health Organization’s Universal Health Coverage goal by 2030. He encouraged well-meaning individuals, associations, and groups, including those in the diaspora, to participate in the Indigent Adoption Initiative by sponsoring health insurance for indigent persons at the subsidized rate of ₦7,000 per person per year.
Chief Nani, represented at the event by Chief Happy Otojareri, highlighted the importance of the initiative, particularly during a time of economic hardship and rising healthcare costs. “This initiative is timely, especially now when inflation has driven up the cost of medications. We must ensure that our people have access to essential healthcare services,” he said.
The president of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Women’s Wing, Dame Rose Oghene, and other women leaders expressed their deep gratitude for the enrollment. They noted that the initiative has not only promoted better health among Urhobo women but has also led to a significant increase in the membership of the UPU Women’s Wing.
Beneficiaries of the initiative shared their appreciation, with many stating that they had never received such support before. They thanked the state government, Chief Nani, and the UPU leadership for giving them the opportunity to enjoy free healthcare for a year.
Chief Nani’s sponsorship of 300 more women underscores his dedication to improving the welfare of Urhobo women and ensuring that they have access to the healthcare they need.
