In a significant milestone for healthcare access in Kogi State, no fewer than 200,000 residents have so far been enrolled in the state’s health insurance scheme, according to a statement released on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo.
Describing the achievement as a landmark in the administration’s quest to deliver quality and affordable healthcare to the people, Fanwo credited the growing success of the initiative to the committed efforts of the Kogi State Health Insurance Agency, currently led by Dr. Kunle Aledare. He noted that the enrolment figure is a direct reflection of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s determination to prioritise the health and welfare of Kogites.
Fanwo explained that the expanded scope of the insurance scheme now accommodates individuals across both public and private sectors, including their dependents. This, he said, has significantly reduced out-of-pocket expenses and the financial pressure that often prevents families from accessing essential medical services.
“Kogi is now ranked 14th nationwide in terms of the number of enrollees under a state-managed health insurance scheme,” the commissioner revealed, adding that the government is not resting on its oars. He stated that ongoing awareness campaigns are being intensified, especially in rural communities and the informal sector, to ensure even wider participation.
He encouraged corporate bodies, philanthropic individuals, and development partners to support the scheme by sponsoring vulnerable individuals, including orphans, indigent persons, and rural dwellers. He stressed that healthcare access must be seen as a collective responsibility, not just a government function.
Fanwo further disclosed that students in tertiary institutions in Kogi can enjoy a full year of healthcare coverage for as low as ₦2,000, while children under five, pregnant women, and other vulnerable groups receive free healthcare under the state’s BelloCare initiative. This approach, he said, reaffirms the pro-poor, inclusive nature of the state’s health insurance programme.
Highlighting the administration’s philosophy, he stated, “We are building a system where no Kogite is denied quality healthcare due to financial constraints. This is the essence of Governor Ododo’s people-first style of governance.” He described the scheme as more than just a policy but a life-saving intervention that ties directly into the governor’s broader social investment framework.
Fanwo also acknowledged the role of the immediate past administration under former Governor Yahaya Bello in laying the foundation for the initiative. He noted that Governor Ododo has now significantly widened the coverage and strengthened institutional capacity, positioning the Kogi State Health Insurance Agency as one of the most efficient in the country today.
According to him, the administration is complementing the insurance initiative with the massive remodeling, reconstruction, and equipping of Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the state. He said this dual approach of infrastructure and financing reform is gradually transforming the health sector and improving outcomes for ordinary citizens.
He concluded by urging families to take advantage of the scheme and enroll their loved ones, saying, “This initiative is not just about statistics or enrolment numbers — it is about saving lives and guaranteeing dignity for every resident of Kogi State.”
