Benin Youth Leaders celebrate Idahosa at 46, hails NHIA health initiative

BENIN CITY — The President of the Benin Youth Leaders Forum, Pastor Prince Orobosa Omorede, has congratulated the Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, on his 46th birthday, describing him as a people-centred leader whose commitment to the welfare, healthcare and socio-economic advancement of Edo people is worthy of commendation.

Omorede, in a birthday message issued on Friday, particularly lauded Idahosa for underwriting the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) GIFSHIP Constituency Health Insurance Programme for 4,000 residents of Ovia Federal Constituency, describing the intervention as a practical demonstration of compassionate, responsive and visionary leadership.

According to him, the initiative goes beyond the provision of healthcare, as it represents an investment in human lives, family welfare and the future of communities.

“The Benin Youth Leaders Forum heartily congratulates His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, on his 46th birthday and commends his landmark NHIA intervention that will guarantee access to quality healthcare for 4,000 residents of Ovia Federal Constituency.

“This initiative is not merely a health insurance programme; it is an investment in human lives, family well-being and the future of our communities. It demonstrates compassionate and responsive leadership worthy of emulation,” Omorede said.

The youth leader, who was elected President of the forum on July 31, 2026, said Idahosa’s approach to public service reflects an understanding that leadership must translate into tangible improvements in the quality of life of the people.

He noted that the Deputy Governor’s support for health insurance coverage would help protect vulnerable families from the financial burden associated with accessing essential medical care, while advancing inclusive governance and equitable access to healthcare.

Omorede said the intervention also underscores the importance of placing human capital development and citizens’ wellbeing alongside infrastructure and other development initiatives.

He further commended Idahosa’s contributions to the preservation of Edo’s cultural heritage and the political, social and economic development of the state, describing him as a distinguished son of Edo South whose public service record demonstrates concern for the people.

The commendation followed the unveiling of the NHIA GIFSHIP Constituency Health Insurance Programme in Benin City, where health insurance cards were presented to Idahosa and the member representing Ovia Federal Constituency, Hon. Omosede Gabriella Igbinedion, by the Edo State Coordinator of the NHIA, Dr. Theodore Ehannire.

Idahosa said the initiative, facilitated during his tenure in the House of Representatives, would provide fully funded healthcare coverage for 4,000 residents without out-of-pocket payments, stressing that quality healthcare remained central to responsive governance.

Dr. Ehannire disclosed that more than 2,000 beneficiaries had already been enrolled, while the remaining beneficiaries would be registered through the office of Hon. Igbinedion.

He said beneficiaries would have access to consultations, treatment, maternal healthcare, minor surgical procedures and other essential services at accredited facilities, including the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Edo Specialist Hospital and designated general hospitals.

Ehannire described the programme as the first of its kind in Edo State under the NHIA and appealed for its expansion beyond the initial one-year duration to enable more residents to benefit from the intervention.

Also speaking, Hon. Igbinedion hailed the initiative as a people-centred intervention capable of transforming lives and improving access to quality healthcare across Ovia Federal Constituency.

Omorede urged political office holders to emulate the Deputy Governor by prioritising programmes that directly improve citizens’ welfare, noting that healthcare investment remains critical to building a productive population and achieving sustainable development.

He described the Benin Youth Leaders Forum as a duly registered Incorporated Trustee and Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and an affiliate of the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum.

According to him, the organisation is committed to preserving Edo’s cultural heritage, promoting peace, youth empowerment, good governance and community development.

Omorede wished Idahosa greater wisdom, strength, sound health and continued success in public service, expressing confidence that his years ahead would be marked by greater accomplishments and deeper impact on the people of Edo State.