By Yahaya Idris, Lafia
Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule has commended the Chief Executive Officer of Maikaya Development Foundation for enrolling 750 needy individuals into Health Insurance Programs in the State.
Engineer Sule disclosed that initiatives are ongoing to launch a specialized program aimed at providing financial support for healthcare services to the state’s most disadvantaged populations.
Nasarawa Governor emphasized that a healthy population is essential for a thriving state economy, particularly in sectors such as agriculture and industrialization.
Sule made this statement at the flag-off ceremony for enrolling 750 vulnerable individuals into the state health insurance scheme, organized by the Maikaya Development Foundation, in Lafia, the state capital, on Thursday.
The Governor noted that the state’s health indicators have improved, indicating a larger healthy population, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to achieving universal health coverage.
Represented by Dr. Gaza Gwamna, Commissioner of Health, emphasized that health sector investments produce valuable outcomes, boosting citizens’ trust in healthcare delivery through adequate financing.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Musa Muhammed Maikaya, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Maikaya Development Foundation MDF, said that this initiative is the state’s first to support the health and well-being of underprivileged communities.
Chief Maikaya, a 2019 gubernatorial aspirant under the podium of All Progressives Congress, APC, clarified that beneficiaries were chosen randomly from 13 local government areas through close collaboration with stakeholders to guarantee equitable distribution and broad-based participation.
He continued by rejecting speculation about the programme’s political agenda, pointing out that there is no justification for such allegations.
According to the APC Chieftain, the humanitarian effort has delivered vital support to vulnerable persons for almost ten years, with a continued commitment to sustainable impact.
On his part, Yahaya Ubam, Nasarawa State Health Insurance Agency’s Executive Secretary, urged citizens to join the state health insurance scheme, highlighting its accessibility, affordability, and efficiency in delivering basic healthcare services to the formal and informal sectors.
Ubam urged politicians and philanthropists to partner and address the healthcare requirements of disadvantaged individuals.
During the event, Safiyanu Andaha, ALGON Chairman and Akwanga LGC Chairman, Ibrahim Sa’ad, Nasarawa State House of Assembly Member for Ugya/Umaisha constituency, and Elsie Monde, Senior Special Assistant for Women Affairs, commended Maikaya Development Foundation’s selfless commitment to spreading joy among disadvantaged groups through their goodwill messages.
Amina Ali and Ewongulu Martha, as well as other recipients, commended the Foundation for its unrelenting commitment to advancing their welfare.
The event brought together prominent figures from the state, including local government chairmen, government officials, private sector representatives, and various groups.
Global Times Nigeria reports that Dr. Musa Muhammed Maikaya retains the honor of holding the revered titles Chiroma Toto and Kuyanbana of Opanda, Umaisha Kingdom, with ties to the Om Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
