From David Onuoja, Abuja
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, led by its Chairperson, Comrade Grace Ike, has launched a health insurance initiative for its members.
The programme which was aimed at supporting the welfare and wellbeing of journalists, who often overlook their own health while reporting on national issues; marked a significant step towards improving healthcare access for media professionals.
The initiative is a result of efforts by Honourable Akin Rotimi Jnr, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Information, who helped initiate the programme.
Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of the FCTA Health Services and Environment Secretariat, provided 150 free health insurance slots for NUJ members, while Dr. Babagana Adam, Permanent Secretary, pledged to sponsor 50 additional journalists.
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The programme will benefit 200 journalists in the FCT, reducing their financial burden and encouraging them to prioritize their health.
The NUJ FCT Council hopes to expand the initiative, promoting universal health coverage and encouraging other stakeholders to support the effort.
“This is the beginning of a new chapter in how we protect those who dedicate their lives to informing society,” said the NUJ FCT Council Chairman. “Journalists are therefore encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity, prioritizing their health and wellbeing”, she urged.
Speaking at the event, the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, has called on philanthropists, politicians, and business leaders to sponsor health insurance for journalists. “Basic healthcare is not a luxury; it’s a necessity,” she said.
The FCT Administration has adopted a zero-tolerance approach to maternal mortality, offering free antenatal care and delivery services to pregnant women.
On his part, the National President of NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, praised the initiative, citing statistics that less than 1% of Nigerian journalists have health insurance. The development is seen as a major step towards strengthening journalists’ welfare and advancing universal health coverage in the FCT.
