A former minister of Aviation and chancellor of the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership, Chief Osita Chidoka, has declared that the health insurance scheme shouldn’t be a luxury but a civic right and a public good.
He stated this while announcing the provision of one year free health insurance for over 1,000 youths and women in Obosi community under the Nneka Chidoka Outreach Programme.
This initiative, which is in partnership with the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency, was announced during the Outing visit by the newly formed Ositadimma Age Grade, young men and women born in 1985 and 1986, who adopted Chief Chidoka’s name in recognition of his leadership and service to Obosi.
According to a statement released by Chidoka’s media assistant, Ikechukwu Okafor, the former minister disclosed that over 300 members of the Ositadimma Age Grade would be enrolled immediately onto the Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme at N12,500 per person, with other civic youth organisations in Obosi to follow shortly, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to over 1,000. Staff of the Agency were present to commence the registration.
“Health insurance is not a luxury. It is a civic right and a public good,” Chidoka stated. “I am proud to support the Anambra State Government’s efforts to make quality healthcare accessible to our people.”
Beyond healthcare, Chief Chidoka also outlined a Four-Point Agenda to guide the age grade’s activities and ensure its long-term contribution to community development.
They include: “Health Insurance Scheme: Fully embrace the Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme and encourage wider enrolment beyond the group.
“Savings Culture: Establish a cooperative savings scheme that will enable the group to undertake a significant community project by their 10th anniversary.
“Group Life Insurance: Put in place a group life insurance policy to provide social protection and ensure mutual support in times of adversity.
“Public School Monitoring: Act as community monitors of the Governor Charles Soludo-led administration’s free education policy to ensure that no child in Obosi is left behind.”
To support the savings initiative, Chief Chidoka donated ₦500,000 as seed capital for the age grade’s fund, to be lodged with Adike Microfinance Bank, Obosi. Chiefs Mgbakogu and Udemba donated ₦150,000 and ₦200,000, while various other sums were donated by other Chiefs present.
“Your Golden Decade — that critical period between the ages of 25 and 35 — is your foundation. Use it for family, community and country. Apply Uche, Uchu na EgwuChukwu in all your endeavours.” Chidoka advised.
