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Fasawe, NUJ call on philanthropists to sponsor health insurance for media professionals
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council has launched a historic health insurance scheme for journalists, enrolling more than 150 media professionals in the Federal Capital Territory Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS).
At the launch in Abuja, the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, urged philanthropists, political office holders, religious leaders, and business executives to sponsor health insurance for journalists, describing healthcare as a collective responsibility.
The initiative, led by NUJ FCT Chairman Comrade Grace Ike, aims to safeguard the welfare of journalists who serve as first responders to national discourse. Ike thanked supporters, including the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Information, Hon. Akin Rotimi Jr., and the Permanent Secretary Dr. Babagana Adam, whose contributions brought the total number of beneficiaries to about 200 journalists, with plans to cover more.
Dr. Fasawe announced an additional 50 health insurance slots, bringing coverage to about 65 per cent of FCT journalists. She also highlighted the FCT Administration’s zero-tolerance approach to maternal and child mortality, with free antenatal and delivery services for vulnerable women.
NUJ National President Comrade Alhassan Yahya praised the initiative, noting that less than one per cent of Nigerian journalists currently have health insurance. He described the scheme as critical for reducing healthcare costs and achieving universal health coverage.
The launch, held during the NUJ FCT Congress, was attended by over 450 members, including Dr. Salamatu Belgore, Director of the FCT Health Insurance Scheme, and other stakeholders. Journalists who benefited from the scheme described it as a timely intervention that significantly eases healthcare expenses.

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