News in Brief:
– Niger State is partnering with Niger Foods to enroll 350,000 farmers in the state’s health insurance scheme, aiming to address out-of-pocket medical expenses and acknowledge the crucial role farmers play.
– This initiative seeks to improve the lives of farmers through healthcare access, recognising their vital contribution to the state’s development.
The Niger State Contributory Health Agency (NiCare) has partnered with Niger Foods, a food security and logistics company, to enroll 350,000 farmers in the state’s health insurance scheme.
This initiative aligns with NiCare’s advocacy for farmer enrollment and aims to address out-of-pocket medical expenses for this vital demographic.
NiCare Executive Secretary, Sulayman Abu-bakr, emphasised the partnership’s significance. “This development is a visionary step towards transforming the lives of farmers and communities in the state,” he said. He further highlighted the collaboration’s alignment with Governor Bago’s ‘New Niger’ agenda, which prioritises the well-being of the state’s population.
NiCare has been actively forging partnerships with various government agencies to achieve its vision and the agreement with Niger Foods underscores this commitment to farmer well-being.
Elaborating further, Abu-bakr revealed the reason behind honouring the farmers stating that they are heroes and the backbone of the state’s prosperity. However, he decried the lack of attention usually given to the demographic, noting that their contributions are often overlooked.
Niger Foods, echoing this sentiment, expressed their dedication to improving farmers’ lives, particularly in the area of mental health during challenging times. Their company slogan, ‘Make Farmers Great,’ aligns with Governor Bago’s vision of restoring recognition to farmers’ essential role.
Onyaole Patience Koku, Executive Director of Niger Foods, emphasised the state’s immense agricultural potential. “Niger State has the potential to provide over 500,000 hectares of arable land, boosting food production, revenue generation, and job creation,” she said.
Both parties expressed optimism that this partnership will provide farmers with a sense of belonging and access to high-quality healthcare, empowering them as crucial contributors to the state’s development.
