In order to mitigate the effects of the current economic climate in Nigeria on the residents of Ogun State, the governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has started an initiative to help over 70,000 members of the state with free healthcare insurance. He made this known in a press conference held on Wednesday in Abeokuta, the state’s capital.
The beneficiaries of this plan will be the elderly, pregnant women, children, market women as well as other members of the state. Apart from the free health insurance, pregnant women would be entitled to free pre-natal care, and an additional N5,000 per birth in both state and primary healthcare in the state.
He also made it known that apart from the free healthcare insurance,the residents of Ogun State will get to enjoy such as rice and other foodstuffs which will be distributed across 300,000 household in the state.
Speaking on the reason for this initiative he said, “As our Administration acknowledges the concerns raised by many of our citizens regarding the rising food prices and shortages, coupled with the depreciation of the Naira, we identify with you and are taking proactive measures to alleviate the impact of these challenges to guarantee the welfare, well-being and wellness of our citizens in this difficult time.
“In this direction and through targeted interventions, we aim to address these challenges by implementing a series of phased initiatives aimed at alleviating these burdens on all our citizens.
“We will be providing insurance health cover for over 70,000 beneficiaries including pregnant women, children, the elderly, market women and other members of the informal sector.
“More specifically, for pregnant women, under our Ibidero Scheme, we would be providing free pre-natal care, an additional N5,000 per birth and free post-natal care in our State Hospitals and Primary Health Care Centers across the State.”
Also further speaking about the initiative at the press conference, he made it known that “As an Administration, we are not oblivious nor insensitive to these challenges being faced by our citizens. I therefore on behalf of this Government, want to appreciate the perseverance, patience and understanding of all the good people of Ogun State.
“Let me assure you that the present economic situation is just a transient phase that will soon pass. Whatever we experience now are just necessary sacrifices that we have to make towards ensuring a greater tomorrow.
“In a special way, we extend our appreciation to the President and Commander-In-Chief of Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for his continuous efforts in navigating the complexities of our nation’s economic landscape. His dedication to steering the ship through turbulent times has not gone unnoticed.
“Even the IMF and World Bank have commended these initiatives. It is this sincerity of purpose that is the main ingredient of the continued success of the “Renewed Hope” Agenda.
“The Federal Government is not only steadfast in its commitment towards creating a brighter future for all citizens but is also trying hard to foster a society where prosperity and well-being of the entire citizens prevail.”