The Nigeria Solidarity Support Fund (NSSF) has called for a robust policy reform and financial commitment to revamp maternal health equity through health insurance. This is contained in a statement signed by Ms Esther Anolu, Head, Marketing and Communications, NSSF, and made available to Newsmen on Thursday in Lagos.

The Managing Director/CEO, NSSF, Dr Fejiro Chinye-Nwoko, reaffirmed its commitment to championing maternal health equity in Nigeria during the 7th edition of its Fireside Chat Series in Abuja. Chinye-Nwoko said that the theme of the chat, “Breaking Barriers to Maternal Health Equity: The Role of Health Insurance in Promoting Women’s Wellness,” was apt considering the staggering statistics of maternal health in the country. “Nigeria’s maternal mortality rate remains unacceptably high with over 1,000 deaths per 100,000 live births. “This cannot continue.“We are here to ask the hard questions: how can we ensure that when a woman needs care, she can access it without money in her pocket and without delay? “That’s what health insurance is meant to do, and it must be inclusive and accessible.” During the panel discussions, Dr Mojisola Odeku, Senior Officer at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, underscored the need to leverage donor support to improve access to women’s health services. Prof. Chima Onoka, representing the Director– General/CEO of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), highlighted the Authority’s work in expanding insurance coverage and digitizing registration processes.Dr Binyerem Ukaire, Director and Head, Family Health Department, Federal Ministry of Health, discussed national interventions, including free emergency cesarean sections (C-sections) and treatment for Vesico-Vaginal Fistula (VVF) in over 20 states. Chinye-Nwoko added:“We know from our work in the field that women are not just uninformed — they’re unregistered, unempowered, and underserved. Awareness is low. Access is difficult.“But we have the tools, the data, and the partnerships to change that. What we need now is policy implementation and financial commitment that match the urgency of this crisis.”According to the statement, one of the most urgent conversations that emerged from the event was the question: “Who pays for the health of the poor?”It said the question sparked robust dialogue around the need for sustainable financing models that ensure maternal care is not a burden for vulnerable women. The statement said that there was a consensus that without strong financial support systems including government-subsidized health coverage, millions of women will continue to fall through the cracks. “Another key theme was the importance of prevention as a cost-saving strategy. “Panelists agreed that scaling up preventive care, such as screenings, mental health support, and access to contraception, would significantly reduce maternal deaths and lower long-term healthcare costs. “NSSF also shared insights from its grassroots work, including field experiences in Ekiti State and its WeNaija Impact Cohort programme. “These programmes have revealed the real-world barriers women face, including misinformation, lack of trust, affordability concerns, and difficulties navigating the enrollment process,” the statement said.It expressed the commitment of the fund to transforming the resolution of the conversation into action. The NSSF would be developing a set of targeted policy briefs, capturing the key insights shared at the Fireside Chat, and presenting them to relevant stakeholders in government, health institutions, and civil society. “These briefs will offer actionable recommendations aimed at shaping inclusive, gender-sensitive health insurance policies that prioritize maternal wellness. “As part of our next steps, we are also adapting some of these learnings into our internal programmes, particularly through the WeNaija Impact Cohort. “This is where community advocates are integrating innovative solutions such as insurance education, wellness voucher models, and localised engagement strategies to improve maternal health access at the grassroots,” the statement said.(NAN)

From Ayinde Akintade, Osogbo

The Osun State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, yesterday announced the tragic death of one of its operatives, Lamidi Abiodun, who was killed during an ambush by suspected armed hoodlums at the Papa boundary area in Iwo, Osun State.The incident occurred on Wednesday, following a distress call from local farmers operating in the Papa Farm area Iwo.

The farmers alerted the Iwo Area Command of Osun Amotekun Corps about an ongoing attack on their farmland. In swift response, a team of Amotekun operatives, in company with members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), mobilized to the scene to confront the threat and safeguard lives and property.Upon arriving at the location, the team was ambushed by a group of armed men allegedly led by a notorious criminal known as Akeem Olofa, who has been a menace in the region. During the confrontation, Mr. Abiodun was attacked. Although initial gunfire did not penetrate his body, he was brutally assaulted with a machete to the head and died instantly at the scene.While most of the operatives managed to escape the ambush, one member of the VGN identified as Nurudeen Alowonle remains unaccounted for as of the time of this report and one Alex Sola was shot on the leg. The tragic loss of Abiodun has sent waves of grief throughout the Amotekun Corps and the entire security community in Osun State.The incident has been formally reported to the Nigeria Police in Iwo, and the body of the fallen hero has been deposited at a local mortuary for further procedures. Investigations are ongoing, and efforts are being intensified to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice.The Osun Amotekun Corps remains resolute in its mission to protect the people and communities of Osun State from all forms of insecurity. We urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.”We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Lamidi Abiodun and stand united in honor of his bravery and ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty”.

By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) yesterday said only the current President of the association, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, is empowered according to the constitution of the association, to speak on matters of national and international importance.This was contained in a statement by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh in Abuja.

The statement added that while the zonal, state and local chapters may issue communications relevant to their immediate contexts, they are not authorised to issue statements representing the national position of CAN unless expressly permitted by the national leadership. ”The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) issues this official clarification regarding its organisational structure and the authority to speak on behalf of the Association, in accordance with the provisions of its Constitution. This clarification is necessary to ensure accurate public representation and to prevent the spread of misinformation.”CAN operates a four-tier structure. At the national level, the Association is headquartered in Abuja and led by the President and the National Executive Council (NEC). The General Assembly ratifies significant decisions, including the election of the President. This level is responsible for national policy direction and represents all Christian denominations across Nigeria.”At the Zonal level, CAN is organised into six geopolitical zones: North-West, North-East, North-Central, South-West, South-East, and South-South. Each zone is coordinated by a Zonal Chairman and a Zonal Executive Committee. The zonal structure serves as an intermediate level for coordination, communication, and implementation of national directives across the broader regional blocs. Zonal leaders facilitate unity and consistency among the state chapters within their jurisdictions.”At the State level, CAN maintain chapters in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Each chapter is led by a State Chairman and a State Executive Committee, coordinating Christian activities within the respective states under the guidance of the zonal and national bodies.”At the Local Government level, CAN maintains councils in all 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across the country. These councils, headed by Local Government Chairmen, manage Christian affairs at the grassroots and report to their respective state chapters”.”The authority to issue official press statements on behalf of CAN resides solely with the President, as stipulated in the CAN Constitution. The current President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, is therefore the only person empowered to speak on behalf of the Association on matters of national and international importance. While zonal, state, and local chapters may issue communications relevant to their immediate contexts, they are not authorised to issue statements representing the national position of CAN unless expressly permitted by the national leadership.”It has come to the attention of the national leadership that certain statements attributed to entities such as “Northern CAN,” “Southern CAN,” and other regional or unofficial groups are in circulation. CAN categorically states that these entities are not recognised within its constitutional structure. Any statements issued by such groups do not reflect the official position of CAN and should be disregarded by the public and the media,” the statement reads.