The Chairmen of Abeokuta North and Abeokuta South Local Governments have urged the public, particularly commercial motorcycle (Okada) riders, to disregard false claims suggesting that the newly introduced daily health insurance scheme is compulsory or interferes with existing union ticketing arrangements.
Speaking at a joint press conference held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Abeokuta, Oyegbola-Sodipo said the programme was in line with Governor Dapo Abiodun’s directive to deepen his legacies at the grassroots while addressing the safety and welfare needs of operators and commuters.
He added that the initiative exists purely to protect lives, provide peace of mind, and ensure quick medical response in emergencies.
He explained that the informal health insurance programme, in existence for over two years, had already benefited more than 2,000 elderly and indigent residents in Abeokuta North and South, providing them with a full year’s cover at no cost.
Oyegbola-Sodipo refuted claims of exploitation, explaining that the scheme permits riders to make daily payments while still enjoying a full year’s coverage even if they had contributed for just one day before an accident occurred.
“The next level is to focus on those in the informal sector who earn a certain level of income. Our first priority is to identify the most critical group, particularly in relation to safety, and that is the Okada riders.”
“We saw health insurance as a good means to at least establish a profiling system to know exactly who is riding Okada. On top of that, we decided to bring more value to these informal sector operators. This is what we began over a week ago, starting with Abeokuta North.
"By the grace of God, tomorrow in Abeokuta South, we are going to onboard Okada riders onto the health insurance scheme provided by the state.”
“It is important to set the record straight. Abeokuta is a metropolis. There is nowhere in the world where you do not think about insurance, it is a critical safety net. Recently, the President directed that insurance cover should be provided for the poor.”
“In particular, on this matter, we are standing with the Okada riders and passengers, extending the same to market women, traders, and soon, artisans within the local government. The whole idea is that this becomes part of the dividends of democracy., Oyegbola-Sodipo concluded.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Abeokuta South Local Government Hon. Afeez Balogun outlined the onboarding process, explaining that riders will be invited to their local government secretariat for registration, card issuance, and selection of the nearest primary health centre for routine check-ups.
He added that in case of accidents, beneficiaries will be referred to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, or other designated state hospitals.
“We are bringing value, and we have an obligation to the people. The unions should consider reducing their charges because we are introducing something that truly benefits the riders and passengers,” he said.
Meanwhile, Abeokuta South Local Government is set to begin onboarding Okada riders onto its own health insurance programme tomorrow, expanding the initiative beyond Abeokuta North.
