Benin Youth Leaders Hail Idahosa’s 4,000-Beneficiary NHIA Initiative

The President of the Benin Youth Leaders Forum, Pastor Prince Orobosa Omorede, has commended the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, for underwriting the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) GIFSHIP Constituency Health Insurance Programme for 4,000 residents of Ovia Federal Constituency, describing the initiative as a demonstration of visionary leadership and people-centred governance.

Omorede, in a statement issued on Friday, said the healthcare intervention underscores Idahosa’s commitment to improving the quality of life of his constituents through sustainable investment in human capital development.

The youth leader, who was elected President of the Benin Youth Leaders Forum on July 31, 2026, said the initiative reflects the Deputy Governor’s dedication to inclusive governance, social welfare and equitable access to quality healthcare.

He noted that the forum recognises Idahosa’s exceptional leadership, visionary statesmanship and selfless service as a distinguished son of Edo South, citing his contributions to preserving Edo’s cultural heritage and advancing the political and socio-economic development of the state.

“The Benin Youth Leaders Forum heartily congratulates His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, on this 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.

He urged political office holders to prioritise programmes that directly improve citizens’ welfare alongside infrastructure development.

Omorede also 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. He said the organisation is committed to preserving Edo’s cultural heritage, promoting peace, youth empowerment, good governance and community development.

The commendation followed the unveiling of the NHIA GIFSHIP Constituency Health Insurance Programme in Benin City, where NHIA 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 remains central to responsive governance.

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

He 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.

Hon. Igbinedion also hailed the initiative as a people-centred intervention capable of transforming lives.