By Mercy Gadia Adi
The House of Representatives has facilitated the enrolment of members of its Press Corps into the Federal Capital Territory Health Insurance Scheme, in what officials described as a landmark welfare intervention for parliamentary correspondents.
The development was announced in a statement issued on Tuesday by the House Spokesman, Akintunde Rotimi, who said the initiative underscores the chamber’s commitment to strengthening institutional capacity and supporting media professionals covering legislative activities.
Under the one-year insurance package, an FHIS identification card was symbolically presented at an enrolment ceremony held at the National Assembly Complex to the Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps on behalf of 130 journalists.
Rotimi, who chairs the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, credited the Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen, with fostering what he described as an institutional culture that prioritises open engagement and the welfare of the Press Corps.
“We recognise that the Press Corps works just as hard as we do in amplifying legislative activities. You are critical stakeholders in our democracy, and this initiative is part of our commitment to the welfare and capacity development of the media,” he said.
The Mandate Secretary for Health and Environmental Services in the Federal Capital Territory, Dolapo Fasawe, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Baba-Gana Adam, said the move aligns with the FHIS “Adopt and Enroll” programme aimed at expanding universal health coverage.
According to her, the programme encourages philanthropists, corporate organisations and public office holders to pay health insurance premiums on behalf of individuals in their communities.
“It is a practical pathway toward achieving Universal Health Coverage and ensuring that no one is left behind. We call on other leaders and institutions to emulate the worthy example of the House of Representatives,” she said.
Chairman of the House of Representatives Press Corps, Gboyega Onadiran, described the gesture as a practical demonstration of commitment to universal health coverage.
Similarly, the Chairperson of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, FCT Council, Grace Ike, said the initiative reinforces recognition of journalists as key partners in democratic governance.
Other dignitaries at the ceremony, including Chike John Okafor and Acting Director of the FCT Health Insurance Scheme, Salamatu Belgore, commended the initiative and described it as a landmark welfare intervention.
The insurance coverage will benefit members of the House of Representatives Press Corps, parliamentary media teams and executives of the NUJ FCT Council.
The House reiterated its commitment to promoting a productive working environment for stakeholders supporting legislative transparency and accountability, noting that a well-supported press corps strengthens democratic governance and public trust.