Politics
AMBODE LAUNCHES LAGOS HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME
…Says State Now On Journey To Achieve Affordable, Comprehensive Health Coverage
…World Bank, USAID, Netherlands Govt, Sanwo-Olu, Others Laud Initiative
Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday launched the much-awaited health insurance scheme of the State Government, saying it was gratifying that the State was now on a journey to achieve affordable, comprehensive and unhindered quality healthcare services for all residents.
Speaking at the official launch of the scheme held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Governor Ambode said the decision to come up with the initiative, which had already been backed by law enacted in May 2015 by the State House of Assembly, was inspired by the desire of government to provide access to affordable and quality healthcare services and truly bring about healthy population.
He said though the task of providing health insurance for residents of the State was a tough venture, but it was nonetheless historic and heartwarming that the implementation of the policy which started three and half years ago by his administration had eventually culminated in its smooth take off.
“I am delighted that we have fulfilled that promise and are gathered at this historic and momentous occasion today for the formal launch of the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme (LSHS). It is historic because it marks a distinct milestone in the State Government’s effort to ensure the sustained provision of a critical social service to our teeming Lagos population,” the Governor said.
He recalled that since the passage of the Lagos State Health Law, the Ministry of Health and the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), the entity established by the law as the regulator of the scheme, had been working with several local and international technical partners to design the scheme in line with the requirements of the law and best practices driven by local needs, experiences and technological developments.
He said though the effort was time consuming, it was necessary to ensure that the people had access to healthcare scheme that was fit for purpose and sustainable, adding that one percent of the consolidated revenue of the 2018 budget had been put into the scheme to get it running.
Giving details, the Governor said: “It is a known fact that out of pocket payment for healthcare deters access to Health Services especially for indigents and other vulnerable persons in our society. This situation contributes to increased morbidity and mortality with the resultant adverse effect on the human capital development and economic prosperity of Lagos.
“To ensure that the indigent and vulnerable, who are most susceptible to the difficulties of out of pocket payments for healthcare, are enrolled into the Lagos State Health Scheme, we have set aside 1% of the State’s consolidated revenue in the 2018 budget for this purpose.”
He said by law, the health insurance scheme was mandatory for all residents, while the process of identifying and registering the beneficiaries had already commenced in a number of developing communities in the State whose residents were mostly indigent, adding that provision had also been made for all State and Local Government workers and their nuclear families to be enrolled at a subsidized rate.
While assuring that robust mechanisms have been put in place to ensure transparency in operations and management of the funds, Governor Ambode also expressed optimism that the scheme would outlive his administration, adding that it was instructive that the Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu had already committed to its sustainability.
Besides, the Governor urged corporate bodies, high net-worth individuals, government agencies, and multilaterals, among others to key into the scheme and use it as a vehicle to positively impact their communities by adopting vulnerable groups of persons and funding their healthcare coverage, adding: “It will be an investment which will yield incalculable dividends because every life saved could be a very valuable member of society and potential leader.”
He also urged all Lagos residents to embrace the scheme which, according to him, aligns with global best practice in healthcare financing, adding that a flexible payment plan had also been put in place.
The Governor, who also recalled the recent launch of Human Capital Development Programme by President Muhammadu Buhari which focuses on three main areas of health and nutrition, education and labour force participation, said the initiative was another demonstrable evidence of why Nigerians should support the APC government to continue the good works in the country.
“The launch of the initiative by the President ties in with what we have done here today. This is what our great party, All Progressives Congress stands for. Our gubernatorial candidate, Jide Sanwo-Olu, is also committed to this initiative. His presence and that of his running mate is a clear indication of our doctrine of continuity in governance.
“I urge all Lagosians to ensure that this people-oriented scheme is sustained by voting wisely and voting continuity,” he said.
Earlier, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris said over 150 health care providers both public and private institutions have been registered for the scheme, adding that the initiative would cater for basic primary and selected secondary healthcare services for beneficiaries such as treatment and management of malaria, hypertension, common childhood illnesses, antenatal care services, delivery including caesarean section, among others.
Also, Sanwo-Olu lauded and congratulated Governor Ambode on the successful launch of the health scheme, assuring that the initiative would be sustained.
There were also goodwill messages from the World Bank, The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Government of Netherlands, PharmAccess Foundation and National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), all describing the health scheme as the right move to attain universal health coverage.
*Go out and vote, it’s your right – Ogun APC charges electorate*
As the party campaigns for the 2024 Local Government election in Ogun State draws to a close midnight of today (Thursday), the All Progressives Congress, APC, has charged registered voters in Ogun State to go out and exercise their fundamentals rights on Saturday “without any fear whatsoever”.
Addressing the grand finale of APC in Odogbolu Local Government, the Publicity Secretary of the party in Ogun State, Tunde Oladunjoye said, “APC has done very well under the administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun, and we are poised to win the chairmanship and councilorship elections overwhelmingly come Saturday”.
Oladunjoye, who is also Senior Media Consultant to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Media, thanked the Odogbolu people for showing massive support to the APC in the local government.
“With what I have seen here, victory is sure. I want to thank you on behalf of the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON and the Chairman of APC in Ogun State, Chief Yemi Sanusi. “Come out and vote peacefully on Saturday. It is your constitutional duty and obligation.”
Oladunjoye added that people should learn from the chairmanship candidate of the party in Odogbolu local government, Dr. Babatunde Oyetola Diya, who vied for the office about three and half years ago and did not get it, but remained faithful in the party and continued to reach out to people with his humanitarian efforts.”
Anthony Ojo congratulates Gov Okpebholo, confirms Edo Central Senate aspiration
Influential Edo State politician, Anthony Ojo has congratulated Senator Monday Okpebholo after being sworn-in as the new Governor of the State.
In his congratulatory message, Ojo expressed confidence in the abilities of Gov Okpebholo to bring the dividends of democracy close to the people of Edo State.
“The people of Edo State have total trust in your five-point agenda, capacity as a leader, and this is evident with their immense show of love. We have no single doubt that under you, this state will progress to the promised land,” the statement reads.
Meanwhile, Anthony Ojo has confirmed his aspiration to contest the Edo Central senatorial seat under the flagship of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a position previously held by Senator Okpebholo before he was elected governor.
He cited that sharing the same leadership ideologies with Governor Okpebholo, and the keen desire for transformative human and capacity developments in Edo State are the reasons behind his ambition.
He promised to work closely with the Governor to provide succour to Edo citizens.
Appeal Court Further Affirms Udeze-led NEC Of Action Alliance As Valid, Authentic
ABUJA – The Appeal Court sitting in Abuja has further affirmed Chief Barr. Kenneth Udeze-led National Executive Committee (NEC) of Action Alliance (AA) elected on 14th March 2021 National Convention of the party as valid and authentic.
Action Alliance, in a statement by its National Secretary, Vernimbe A James said, “the court of appeal Abuja Division today in Appeal Number; CA/ABJ/CV/1163/2024 in a lead Judgement delivered by Hon.Justics Abba Mohammed which was concord by the other two Justices dismissed the appeal filed by Adekunle Omoaje faction through one Miller C.Orgwu ( on behalf of himself and all NEC Members Elected at Action Alliance Elective National Convention of 7th of October,2023, held at OOPL Abeokuta, Ogun State ) against 1, INEC, 2, Kenneth Udeze,3, James Vernimbe, 4, Akinuli Fred Omolere.
“The Court also awarded N400,000 cost against the appellants in favor of the Respondents.
The appeal was about the validity of the powers of Action Alliance NEC under Chief Kenneth Udeze led executive to conduct the party Governorship primary in Ondo State for the upcoming Saturday 16th November 2024, Governorship Election.
“The Federal High Court Abuja Division had earlier In Suit Number; FHC/ABJ/ CS/626/2024 Between Miller Orgwu and others (Omoaje faction) claiming to be authentic NEC of the party against 1, INEC, 2, KENNETH UDEZE,3, JAMES VERNIMBE, 4, AKINULI FRED OMOLERE presided by HON. JUSTICE JOYCE O.ABDULMALIK on 24th, September 2024 dismissed their Claim and validated the Ondo State Governorship Primary Election Conducted by Chief Barr Kenneth Udeze led Action Alliance NEC as valid and authentic, thereby Confirming the Ondo State Governorship Candidate of the party AKINULI FRED OMOLERE as the valid Candidate of the party for the 16th, November 2024 Governorship Election in Ondo State.”
The statement further said: “On 28 March 2022, the FCT High Court Abuja had affirmed and validated the Action Alliance National Convention held on 14th, March 2021 wherein Chief Barr Kenneth Udeze led NEC of the party were elected.
“Dissatisfied with the said Judgement, one Adekunle Rufai Omoaje and others were granted leave of the court of appeal to appeal same Judgement.
“On the 26th, January 2024, the Court of Appeal Abuja Division in Appeal Number; CA/ ABJ/ CV/ 955/22 Between Adekunle Rufai Omoaje and others and Chief Uzewuru Nwachukwu and others further Affirmed the FCT High Court Judgement that earlier validated the Action Alliance National Convention of 14th March,2021 wherein Chief Barr Kenneth Udeze led Action Alliance (AA) NEC of the party was elected.
“Dissatisfied with the appeal court Judgement one Adekunle Rufai Omoaje and others have appealed the Judgement to the Supreme Court of Nigeria in appeal Number: SC/ CV/162/2024 Between Adekunle Rufai Omoaje and others and Chief Uzewuru Nwachukwu and others, the matter is still pending at the Supreme Court of Nigeria which he has abandoned but desperately looking for how to come through the back door to claim the leadership of Action Alliance.”
The statement also explained that “INEC has since Complied with the Judgements validating the 14th, March 2021 National Convention of the party wherein Chief Barr Kenneth Udeze led Action Alliance NEC of the party was elected and uploaded on its website the Name of Chief Barr Kenneth Udeze- National Chairman, Vernimbe A James -National Secretary and other Elected NEC of the party as authentic.
“There is no court ruling or Judgement that Affirmed or validated any other National Convention of Action Alliance (AA) held on any other date apart from the 14th, March 2021 National Convention of the party which Courts have already and variously validated.”
Ezenwa Ibegbunam, who is the Counsel to Chief Fred Omolere, the governorship candidate of the party affirmed by the Court, noted that the judgment has further restated the correct position of the law and a vindication of the previous decision of the Court of Appeal which had earlier affirmed Chief Udeze led executive as the authentic leadership of the Action Alliance.
On his part, Chief Kenneth Udeze has praised the Court of Appeal as a citadel of justice and urged the party members across the country to remain focused.
He further noted that the Judgment has cleared the way for the victory of the party in the Ondo State gubernatorial election.
Source: Daily Independent
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