By joshua 137,000 EBSHIA Beneficiaries Endorse Governor Nwifuru For Second Term
By Agbo Emmanuel, Abakaliki
The beneficiaries of EBSHIA free health care services numbering over one hundred and thirty seven thousand (137,000) persons have unanimously endorsed the Ebonyi State Governor Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for second term in office ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The beneficiaries staged a road walk from Ecumenical centre to Pa- Ngele Oruta township stadium Abakaliki, to demonstrate their total support and solidarity to the governor’s administration.
The Motion for the Governor’s endorsement was moved by Mr. Godwin Nwafor chairman WDC, seconded by Mrs. Agbo perpetual and unanimously adopted by the entire beneficiaries.
In her remarks, the chairman of EBSHIA in the State Barr. Elizabeth Ogechi Ogbaga said the reason for the endorsement was based on the numerous achievements of the governor Francis Nwifuru, especially in the health sector, and human capital development.
She commended Governor Nwifuru and his wife for their commitment and dedication in saving the lives of the less privileged persons through their free health care services in the State.
Ogbaga vowed that governor Nwifuru must be returned for the second term in office to enable him complete all the numerous ongoing infrastructures in the state.
On his part, the Executive Secretary of the agency, Dr. Divine Okemefuna Igwe, while addressing the mammoth crowd said “We have not gathered because we were compelled to do so.
“We are here because gratitude demands expression. We are here because good leadership deserves appreciation. We are here because a compassionate government deserves our collective endorsement.
“On behalf of the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA), our accredited healthcare providers, our development partners, and over 137,133 beneficiaries of the Scheme, I proudly stand before you to declare that the governor, Francis Nwifuru, has performed exceptionally well and therefore deserves a second term as the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State.
“Since assuming office, the governor has transformed the healthcare landscape of our dear State through unprecedented investments in Universal Health Coverage, making quality healthcare more affordable and accessible to our people than ever before.
The EBSHIA boss further enumerated the governor’s achievements to include; “EBSHIA enrolment has increased by over 429%.
According to him “More than 137,133 Ebonyians are now protected by health insurance”
“Our beneficiaries have recorded over 394,387 hospital visits.
– More than 478,607 healthcare services have been provided without the devastating financial burden that once kept families away from hospitals.
“It is worthy of note that 31,051 pregnant women have been enrolled into the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Scheme through the support and commitment of His Excellency.
“As I speak today, over 28,000 of these women have safely delivered their babies completely free of charge under the Scheme.
“This means that because of the compassion and visionary leadership of Governor Francis Nwifuru, more than 28,000 babies are alive today, and thousands of mothers returned home safely after childbirth without paying the enormous costs of maternity care.
“we shall continue to work tirelessly to expand health insurance coverage until every household in Ebonyi State enjoys quality healthcare without financial hardship.
“We remain committed to achieving the EBSHIA 2030 Vision, ensuring that no Ebonyian is left behind.
“Finally, on behalf of the entire EBSHIA family and all our beneficiaries across the 171 wards of Ebonyi State, I proudly and wholeheartedly declare our total support and endorsement of governor Francis Nwifuru, for a second term in office” he concluded
In their separate remarks, the permanentinistry of health Dr. Lawrence Ezeogo and chairman house committee on health and member representing Ohaukwu North Hon. Esther Agwu lauded Governor Francis Nwifuru for providing adequate health care services to the entire Ebonyi people, adding that he has performed creditably well in the health sector while saying that his reelection is sacrosanct.
Responding, the State governor, Francis Nwifuru who was represented by the state chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief Stanley Emegha, applauded the EBSHIA beneficiaries for coming out em mass to adopt him for the second term and vowed to redouble his efforts if reelected come 2027 general elections.
The party chairman described the endorsement as angelic and divine outing as it superseded every other endorsement so far made in the State.
“This is an endorsement that is going to the heaven, it is a heavenly endorsement. They used to say build the youths build the nation. No, it is build the health build the Nation. We need your prayers because prayer is the key to success” he said
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke including Okafor Victoria-Ezza South, Nkwuda Joy- Izzi,Roseline nwankwegu-Ishielu, Eze Augustine Ikechukwu Ineke-Onitcha local Government Areas among others testified that they were treated free of charge and prayed God to replenish the Governor.
The Governor was presented with certificate of endorsement.