In a remarkable step toward breaking healthcare access barriers, 150 residents of Naifoh Island, Ogbe Ijoh, a remote riverine community in Warri South West Local Government Area, have been enrolled into the Delta State Contributory Health Scheme (DSCHC). This initiative was made possible by Light Up the Creeks Foundation, a charitable organization committed to supporting underserved communities.
The sponsorship aligns with the Indigent Enrollee Adoption Initiative of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission (DSCHC), which calls on individuals and organizations to sponsor health insurance for vulnerable residents, ensuring that quality healthcare reaches every corner of the state.
Speaking at the enrollment ceremony, the Director General and CEO of DSCHC, Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, applauded the Chairman of Light Up the Creeks Foundation, Chief Favour Izuokumor, for prioritizing healthcare in the region.
Dr. Akpoveta, represented by Mr. Emmanuel Akpofure, Director of Planning, Research, Statistics, and ICT at the Commission, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to affordable and inclusive healthcare, emphasizing Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s massive investment in the health sector. He highlighted key initiatives such as:
✔ Free healthcare for pregnant women and children under five
✔ Subsidized healthcare for formal and informal sector workers
“Healthcare is not a luxury reserved for the rich. We urge other well-meaning Deltans and organizations to sponsor health insurance for the less privileged at the subsidized rate of just ₦7,000 per year per person,” Akpoveta stated.
The Chairperson of Light Up the Creeks Foundation Management, Mrs. Agbajor Jolomi Pajiah, alongside Pastor Jeremiah Samson, explained that the foundation was created to empower the vulnerable, particularly in Delta’s creek communities. They stressed that their sponsorship of health insurance for 150 Naifoh Island residents aligns with their vision of providing sustainable solutions to poverty and lack of access to basic needs.
“We are passionate about uplifting riverine communities, and healthcare is a fundamental right. We appreciate the Delta State Government for creating a platform where indigent persons can benefit from quality medical care,” Pajiah noted.
The State Coordinator of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Mr. Sunday Ojoneh, represented by Mr. Samuel Uzoka, emphasized the critical role of health insurance in preventing financial hardship due to medical bills. He urged more individuals and organizations to embrace health insurance as a tool for financial protection and better health outcomes.
The newly enrolled beneficiaries could not contain their excitement as they expressed heartfelt appreciation to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the DSCHC, and their sponsor, Chief Favour Izuokumor, for making quality healthcare accessible to their community.
The event’s high point was the presentation of a plaque to Chief Favour Izuokumor, recognizing him as a Health Insurance Ambassador for his dedication to expanding access to affordable healthcare. Other activities included:
✅ Official registration of new enrollees into the DSCHC
✅ Distribution of health insurance cards to beneficiaries
With this initiative, Delta State continues to lead the way in achieving universal health coverage, ensuring that no one—regardless of location or financial status—is left behind in the pursuit of quality healthcare for all.