Nigeria’s Super Eagles striker, Sunusi Ibrahim, has generously covered the enrollment fees for 110 individuals in Nasarawa state for a one-year period through the Nasarawa State Health Insurance Agency (NASHIA).
This compassionate act was facilitated by his SI14 Foundation, and the footballer revealed this while distributing NASHIA Identification cards to beneficiaries in Keffi Local Government Area on Tuesday.
Ibrahim, who plays for Canada’s Club de Foot Montreal, expressed that the initiative aimed to alleviate the challenges faced by certain segments of the public in accessing healthcare services easily.
The 110 beneficiaries encompassed the elderly, individuals with disabilities, children under five, pregnant women, widows, and vulnerable individuals in Keffi’s electoral wards.
Motivated by the realization that some people find it hard to afford basic healthcare, Ibrahim explained, “I made this effort because I know the situation for some people in the country is hard. That is why it is difficult for them to go to the hospital to receive basic healthcare needs.”
He pledged to collaborate with NASHIA to raise awareness about health insurance and encourage more locals in Keffi to enroll in the scheme.
Emphasizing his wholehearted embrace of the idea when it was proposed to him, Ibrahim urged the state and local governments, as well as well-meaning Nigerians, to support the initiative by enrolling more residents in the health insurance scheme.
Dr. Yahaya Ubam, Executive Secretary of NASHIA, commended Ibrahim for the gesture, praising his commitment to supporting the less privileged.
He stated, “Spending for health from your pocket is capital intensive, especially in present-day Nigeria. Giving little for the healthcare of others is a big gesture.”
A beneficiary, Mr. Nwosu Benedict, expressed gratitude, emphasizing the positive impact such acts can have on improving access to healthcare services.
He remarked, “I am happy to be here. It’s not about spraying money here and there. What the young man has done will go a long way in helping some of us have access to healthcare services.”
Ibrahim, who has featured for Nigeria’s Super Eagles and played for Nigeria’s Under-23 side, encouraged more Nigerians to emulate such steps, envisioning a better country if others follow in his compassionate footsteps.
