Fasawe urges philanthropists to support health insurance for journalists as NUJ FCT launches programme

Fasawe urges philanthropists to support health insurance for journalists as NUJ FCT launches programme

Goodness Ekpang

More than 150 journalists in Nigeria’s capital have been enrolled in the Federal Capital Territory Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS), marking a major step towards improving access to healthcare for media professionals in Abuja.

The development comes as the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Adedolapo Fasawe, called on philanthropists, political office holders, religious leaders and business leaders to support journalists by sponsoring health insurance coverage for them.

The initiative, championed by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council Chairperson, Grace Ike, is part of efforts to deliver on her campaign promise of prioritizing the welfare and well-being of journalists in the Federal Capital Territory.

Speaking at the official launch of the program in Abuja, Ike described the initiative as a historic milestone for the NUJ FCT Council and a significant step towards protecting journalists who dedicate their lives to reporting to society.

“Today marks a historic moment for the Nigeria Union of Journalists, FCT Council,” he said. “For the first time in our council’s history, we are flagging a health insurance initiative specifically designed to support the health and well-being of journalists in the Federal Capital Territory.”

He noted that journalists often serve as first responders in the national discourse by amplifying citizens’ voices and drawing attention to pressing social issues, but their well-being is often overlooked.

Ike expressed appreciation to the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Information, Akin Rotimi Jr., for supporting the program and helping to initiate the health insurance program.

“Your belief that journalists deserve access to quality healthcare has translated into practical action, and we are deeply grateful for your support and advocacy,” he said.

He also praised Fasawe for providing 150 free health insurance places to NUJ members, describing the gesture as a demonstration of compassion and commitment to better access to healthcare.

“Our sincere gratitude also goes to the Permanent Secretary, Babagana Adam, who personally pledged to sponsor 50 more journalists in memory of his late brother, Mohammed Alkali. This touching gesture speaks volumes of your dedication to the well-being of the media community,” Ike added.

According to her, the combined contributions have enabled around 200 FCT journalists to benefit from health insurance coverage, a development she said would significantly reduce the financial burden of healthcare by encouraging journalists to prioritize their health.

“As journalists, we understand the power of information. When we experience firsthand the benefits of initiatives like this, we become stronger advocates for the people we serve,” he said.

Speaking at the event, Fasawe highlighted the importance of universal health coverage and promised continued support for journalists in the field. He also announced an additional 50 health insurance places for journalists, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to around 65% of NUJ members in the FCT.

“Primary health care is not a luxury; it is a necessity,” he said. “Health is a collective responsibility and must be achievable, affordable and accessible to all.”

Fasawe also highlighted the commitment of the FCT Administration under the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in addressing maternal and child mortality, stressing that the administration has adopted a zero tolerance approach towards maternal deaths.

“In the FCT, our minister has declared absolutely zero tolerance for maternal mortality. There is no reason why a woman should labor in vain. There is no reason why at the time of delivery the mother or child should be harmed,” he said.

He revealed that pregnant women, particularly vulnerable ones in the FCT, can access free antenatal care and delivery services, including caesarean sections, at primary health centers across the territory.

“My purpose in being here today is to ask political office holders, religious leaders and individuals who want their voices to be heard to purchase health insurance for a journalist,” he added.

“Purchase health insurance for a member of the press today and you will be heard loud and clear, because you support those who tell your stories to the public.”

Fasawe revealed that about 480 of the estimated 800 journalists in the FCT are now covered by the program and expressed optimism that the figure will soon reach full coverage.

NUJ National President Alhassan Yahya also praised the initiative, describing it as a landmark intervention that would improve access to healthcare for journalists.

He revealed that studies indicate that less than 1% of Nigerian journalists currently have some form of health insurance, stressing that the system would help bridge the gap.

“Insurance is critical to our work. Through insurance we can reduce maternal mortality, dramatically cut out-of-pocket healthcare costs and move closer to achieving universal health coverage,” Yahya said.

In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of her husband, the immediate past Permanent Secretary of the FCT Health and Environment Secretariat, Mrs Babagana Adam assured the union of continued cooperation and called on public-spirited people to support journalists.

Some beneficiaries who spoke at the event expressed appreciation to the NUJ FCT Council led by Grace Ike and the FCT Health Secretariat for the opportunity to benefit from the programme, describing it as a timely intervention that would ease the burden of healthcare costs.

The event, held during the NUJ FCT Congress, was attended by over 450 members. Also present were FCT Health Insurance System Director, Salamatu Belgore, among other stakeholders.

The initiative is widely seen as a significant step towards strengthening the well-being of journalists and advancing the broader goal of universal health coverage in the Federal Capital Territory.