By Izunna Okafor, Awka
It was a moment of jubilation and commendation over the week as the Councillor representing Nnokwa Ward in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Hon. Valentine Ifeanyi Mbadugha, successfully enrolled over 250 indigenes of his ward into the Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme (ASHIA), under the Adoption Model.
The historic enrollment exercise, which took place on April 28, 2025, at the Nnokwa Civic Centre, was not only a health-based intervention but also a reaffirmation of Hon. Mbadugha’s passionate commitment to delivering on his promises of people-oriented representation. The event also featured a medical outreach where beneficiaries were screened using PDS Chest X-ray machines to examine heart and lung conditions — a critical intervention aimed at promoting early diagnosis and preventive care.
Speaking during the event, Hon. Mbadugha, who is also the Deputy Leader of the Idemili South Legislative Council and a seasoned journalist, described health as the bedrock of every meaningful existence, insisting that access to quality healthcare should not be a privilege for the few but a right for all, regardless of social or economic standing.
“This enrollment marks a significant milestone in our journey to give practical meaning to the concept of inclusive governance. It is not just about numbers, but about lives that will be saved, families that will be relieved, and futures that will be preserved,” Mbadugha stated.
According to him, the initiative was made possible through collaborative efforts of Nnokwa stakeholders and philanthropic sons of the land who rallied resources to sponsor the premiums under ASHIA’s Adoption Model. He also announced that all beneficiaries would begin to enjoy comprehensive health coverage from June 1, 2025, covering both curative and preventive healthcare services across designated medical facilities.
He commended the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, for creating the enabling environment through his health-centered reforms, while also appreciating the Mayor of Idemili South Local Government Area, Hon. Amaka Obi, for her relentless support for community initiatives.
Reacting to the initiative, Hon. who was present at the event alongside her deputy, Hon. Ifeanyi Anakuba, extolled Hon. Mbadugha’s leadership prowess and described the initiative as a “rescue intervention” that complements Governor Soludo’s healthcare vision for the state. She further called on other public officials to emulate the Councilor’s commitment to responsive representation.
Also speaking at the event, a Marketing Officer with ASHIA, Mr. Chibuike Chukwu, reiterated the Agency’s mission to bridge healthcare gaps, and encouraged beneficiaries to utilize the opportunity maximally. He also praised Hon. Mbadugha for taking a bold step in driving health access at the grassroots.
Representing the ASHIA CEO, Dr. Simeon Onyemaechi, another ASHIA official, Mr. Izuchukwu Ogbaji, advised the beneficiaries to prioritize regular check-ups and preventive healthcare. He emphasized that health insurance goes beyond treating illness, but more about peace of mind, family stability, and economic productivity.
“As we say in Igbo: Ahụike bu akụ — Health is wealth. We encourage everyone to embrace this model as a safeguard against life’s uncertainties,” he added.
In their separate remarks, some of the beneficiaries who spoke with reporters, including Mr. Samuel Udemba, Mrs. Benedeth Okoye, and Mrs. Chinenyenwa Ude, expressed deep gratitude to Hon. Mbadugha for remembering the common man. They hailed him as a leader with a human face and prayed for his success in future political endeavors.
According to them, with this singular act, Hon. Mbadugha has not only strengthened public confidence in his leadership but also set a gold standard in legislative service — one where representation is measured not just in motions or debates, but in tangible impacts on the lives of constituents.
The Councilor, Hon. Mbadiugha, also used the occasion to urge his constituents to remain law-abiding and supportive of the Soludo administration. He emphasized that the benefits of good governance are best achieved when citizens engage positively with their leaders and contribute meaningfully to development efforts.
