Health
Kogi Leads in Health Insurance Coverage, Expands Affordable Care for Workers and Retirees
Kogi State has emerged as Nigeria’s top-performing state in insurance coverage for adults, with 11% of its population enrolled, according to new 2023 data from StatiSense and EFInA. This figure places Kogi ahead of Lagos (9%), Oyo (7%), and the Federal Capital Territory (6%), underscoring the state’s commitment to expanding quality, affordable healthcare.

At the center of this progress is the Kogi State Health Insurance Agency (KGSHIA), led by Dr. Kunle Aledare, whose people-centered approach has driven aggressive enrollment, rural outreach, and partnerships that deliver inclusive, sustainable health financing. Thousands of rural and underserved residents can now access essential health services without fear of financial ruin.

Government Spokesperson, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, noted:
“This data confirms that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration is deeply committed to improving the health and wellbeing of Kogites. With Dr. Aledare’s leadership, we are not just building hospitals but a healthcare system that truly works for everyone.”
Fanwo added that other states are already studying the Kogi model as the administration moves closer to universal health coverage.

In a further push to extend affordable healthcare, the Kogi State Government recently signed a landmark pact with the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), providing Local Government staff access to affordable insurance under the state scheme. The Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Folashade Ayoade, signed the agreement on behalf of the state, describing it as a “game changer.”
Fanwo explained that the initiative also covers retirees, with thousands of Kogi pensioners already enrolled and registration ongoing for others.

“We are actively onboarding our retirees, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to ensure cheap, quality, and accessible healthcare for pensioners and low-income earners,” he stated.
To support the rollout, the government is upgrading over 200 Primary Healthcare Centres across the state to guarantee grassroots access to quality care.

Fanwo hailed the Federal Government for its support, assuring civil servants, Local Government workers, and retirees that the Ododo administration will continue to build a healthy, empowered, and productive population as the foundation for sustainable development.
Health
BREAKING: NCDC Flags 2 New Suspected Ebola Cases in North-East
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported two new suspected cases of Ebola virus disease in the country’s North-East region.
In an update released on Saturday, October 31, 2026, the agency said the two individuals have been isolated. Contact identification and listing are ongoing, and laboratory testing is underway to confirm or rule out the infection.
“Being classified as suspected cases does not mean they are confirmed Ebola cases; confirmation is subject to laboratory results,” the NCDC stated. The agency advised the public to maintain good hand hygiene, practise enhanced sanitation, and follow guidance from public health authorities. Further updates will be provided as verified information becomes available.
The development comes after Nigeria confirmed its first Ebola case in more than a decade on October 20. That case involved a 42-year-old woman who had travelled from Uganda to Abuja and tested positive for the Bundibugyo strain of the virus. She was later medically evacuated to Switzerland along with her husband.
Health authorities continue to monitor contacts linked to the earlier confirmed case while strengthening surveillance nationwide.
Health
Nigeria’s First Imported Ebola Patient Moved to Switzerland
Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, confirmed on Monday that the country’s first imported Ebola patient has been evacuated from Abuja to Switzerland.
In a statement posted on X, Pate said the patient was clinically improving, stable and conscious but remained potentially infectious, necessitating strict safety protocols throughout the evacuation process.
The patient travelled with her spouse, who has remained asymptomatic. The minister commended healthcare workers for their efforts in managing the case.
Pate assured Nigerians that public health measures remain in place to contain the virus and urged citizens to stay vigilant while relying only on credible information.
Health
Ebola: Nigeria Sends Back Swiss Woman Via Medivac Plane
The patient who is the wife of a Swiss diplomat in Nigeria was flown out of Nigeria this morning through a medivac plane which was already at the airport waiting to evacuate her.
A Swiss woman diagnosed with Ebola virus in Nigeria is set to be evacuated from the country early this morning through an air ambulance at the private jet wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
Ohibaba News learned the patient who is the wife of a Swiss diplomat in Nigeria was flown out of Nigeria this morning through a medivac plane which was already at the airport waiting to evacuate her.
Our Reporter deployed to the General Aviation Terminal later obtained pictures of the arrival of a convoy of vehicular ambulance from Abuja city centre with diplomatic vehicles in the entourage.
The three vehicle convoy had an international Agency vehicle entering the Private Jet section of the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport.
Airport officials cordoned off the private wing of the airport but news men eventually obtained videos of a medivac plane with crews eventually evacuating the sick passenger suspected to be the Ebola index case due to the special nature of the medical evacuation.
-
Crime3 days agoArmy Deals Major Blow to Terrorists in Niger, Frees 16 Abductees
-
Politics1 day agoTinubu Woos Nigerian Youths At Rivers Rally
-
Business1 day agoEnugu Air Begins London Gatwick flights From December 10, 2026
-
News1 day agoNNPCL Faults NISO’s Claim of No Gas To Power Generating Plants
-
Sports24 hours agoManchester City lose ground in EPL title race
-
Sports1 day agoNigeria Wins First U-17 Women’s World Cup By 2:1 Against Japan
