NIGERIA: Osun to Enrol Traditional Rulers, Spouses in State Health Insurance Scheme

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria

The Osun Health Insurance Agency has begun arrangements to enrol traditional rulers across Osun State and their spouses into the state’s health insurance scheme.

The agency said the initiative followed a directive by Governor Ademola Adeleke as part of efforts to expand access to healthcare services in the state.

Executive Secretary of the agency, Rasaq Akindele, said the move reflected the government’s commitment to providing accessible and affordable healthcare to residents.

“The present administration remains passionate about the health and wellbeing of the people, hence the decision to extend the benefits of the State Health Insurance Scheme to revered traditional institutions across the state,” Akindele said.

He said officials of the agency would begin visits to palaces across the state from May 20 for the registration and enrolment exercise, which is expected to last for two weeks.

Akindele said the programme was designed to improve healthcare access for traditional rulers and their spouses, while recognising their contributions to peace and development in the state.

“The gesture is aimed at strengthening healthcare access for royal fathers and their spouses while appreciating their immense contributions towards peace, unity and development in Osun State,” he added.

The agency said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to implement healthcare policies aimed at improving resid

ents’ wellbeing.