— Maikaya clarifies gesture not driven by political affiliation ahead of 2027
By Yahaya Idris, Lafia
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has revealed that plans are in progress to establish a programme dedicated to financing healthcare for the state’s most vulnerable residents.
Gov. Sule stressed that the state’s economy can only flourish with a healthy population, specifically in vital sectors such as agriculture and industrialization.
The Governor announced this at the flag-off ceremony for enrolling 750 vulnerable individuals into the state health insurance scheme, organized by the Maikaya Development Foundation, on Thursday in Lafia, the state capital.
He pointed out that the state’s health indicators have improved, reflecting a larger healthy population, and reaffirmed the government’s dedication to achieving universal health coverage.
The Governor, represented by Commissioner of Health, Dr Gaza Gwamna, emphasized that investing in the health sector yields valuable returns, as health financing boosts citizens’ trust in healthcare service delivery.
Dr. Muhammed Musa Maikaya, Chairman/CEO of Maikaya Development Foundation, stated in his address that this initiative is the first of its kind in the state, aimed at supporting the health well-being of underprivileged communities.
Maikaya, a former governorship aspirant, explained that the enrollees were randomly selected from 13 local government areas, working closely with stakeholders to ensure uniform distribution and inclusive participation.
Musa Muhammed Maikaya and his entourage receiving arousing welcome by Chief Operating Officer of Maikaya Development Foundation, Comrade Shuaibu Sani
He denied speculation about the programme’s political leanings, asserting that there is no basis for such claims.
According to Maikaya, the humanitarian outfit has provided support to vulnerable individuals for almost a decade and is committed to ensuring long-term sustainability.
Yahaya Ubam, Executive Secretary of Nasarawa State Health Insurance Agency, encouraged citizens to enroll in the state health insurance scheme, citing its accessibility, affordability, and efficiency in providing basic healthcare services to the formal and informal sectors.
He appealed to politicians and philanthropists to collaborate and cater to the health needs of the less fortunate.
While delivering goodwill messages, Safiyanu Andaha, State Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Ibrahim Sa’ad, Member representing Ugya/Umaisha at the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, and Elsie Monde, Senior Special Assistant on Women Affairs, praised Maikaya Development Foundation’s charitable gesture for bringing joy to the less fortunate.
Safiyanu Andaha, State Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and Chairman of Akwanga LGC,
Program beneficiaries, including Amina Ali and Ewongulu Martha, acknowledged the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to advancing their welfare.
The event gathered notable individuals from the state, such as LG chairmen, government appointees, private sector stakeholders, and several groups.
CEO MMaikaya Development Foundation, Dr. Musa Muhammed MMaikaya
Global Times Nigeria reports that Dr. Musa Muhammed Maikaya holds the titles Chiroma Toto and Kuyanbana of Opanda, Umaisha Kingdom, and hails from the Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
