By joshua Goodwill Widows Association Hail Ododo Govt. Over Free Health Insurance, Honour Health Insurance Boss
By Medinat Ibrahim
Members of the Goodwill Widows Association, Lokoja, have expressed gratitude to the Kogi State Government for extending free health insurance coverage to widows and other vulnerable women across the state.
The commendation came during the association’s end-of-month meeting in Lokoja, where members lauded Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and the Executive Secretary of the Kogi State Health Insurance Agency, KOSHIA, Dr. Adekunle Aledare, for their commitment to improving access to quality healthcare for widows and vulnerable groups.
The association described the initiative as a timely and impactful intervention that will significantly reduce the financial burden of medical bills on widows, many of whom struggle to afford basic healthcare.
Speaking at the meeting, Founder of the association, Mrs. Damaris Agbogun, said her personal experience after losing her husband inspired her to dedicate her life to supporting widows. She said the free health insurance scheme had brought hope and relief to members, describing it as a clear demonstration of compassion by the present administration.
Also speaking, President of the association, Mrs. Adebola Fumilayo Elizabeth, thanked Governor Ododo and Dr. Aledare for their empathy and support for widows in the state. She described both men as the “husband and father of widows” in recognition of their dedication to the welfare of widowed women.
In her remarks, Executive Director of Challenge Parenthood Initiative, Mrs. Abimbola Agbogun, described the Goodwill Widows Association as a strong support system where widows share experiences, encourage one another and find a sense of belonging.
She noted that beyond emotional support, the association also creates avenues for empowerment to help members improve their livelihoods and provide for their children. She commended the Ododo administration for making the health insurance scheme practical and impactful.
Some beneficiaries of the first phase of the scheme, who spoke at the meeting, said the programme had made healthcare more accessible and would enable them to seek medical attention without financial hardship.
Highlight of the meeting was the presentation of an award of recognition to Dr. Aledare for his contributions to the welfare of vulnerable women and widows in Kogi State.
Receiving the award, Dr. Aledare thanked the association for the honour, describing it as the most valuable recognition he has received because it came from direct beneficiaries of the government’s healthcare intervention.
He reiterated that the health insurance scheme is completely free, as government has paid for all enrolments, and urged beneficiaries to report any demand for payment at state-owned hospitals by calling the phone number on their insurance identity cards.
The KOSHIA Executive Secretary reaffirmed the commitment of the Ododo administration to the welfare of vulnerable women and widows, assuring of sustained efforts to expand access to quality healthcare in the state.