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60 journalists from Plateau enrolled in health insurance scheme

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Sixty (60) journalists in Plateau State have been enrolled in the Plateau State Contributory Health Insurance Management Agency (PLASCHEMA), as the Agency buys a year’s premium for the beneficiaries to enable them to have access to timely health care.

The cards were handed over to the beneficiaries in Jos during a quarterly media interface entitled “Leveraging the Media for Sustainable Universal Health Coverage,” by the Director-General of PLASCHEMA, Dr. Fabong Jemchang.

“The interface is very important because the media is at the heart of achieving universal health coverage.

“Importantly, the media is at the forefront of policy formulation and implementation as far as health insurance is concerned. It is impossible to achieve universal health coverage without the media.

“This meeting is called to motivate journalists on how to report health care services using public indices and to call into consideration public health account and to also drive the agenda so that it transforms health care centers for sufficient services,” he stated.

Dr. Jemchang said a survey conducted by the agency showed that approximately 97 percent of Plateau citizens have access to medical services through out-of-pocket expenditures.

He revealed that those 96.8 percent of out-of-pocket expenditure, we have a whopping 78 percent who are daily-income earners such as farmers, traders, and artisans, among others.

“So, accessing health care becomes difficult. That is why we have poor health-seeking behavior.”

He urged political office holders to buy premiums at the cheapest rate of N12, 000 for people rather than investing in what is not beneficial to them. He also noted that “together with the media, we can eliminate poverty, magnifying the need for health care while shrinking the capacity to finance it.”

The Chairman of Plateau State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Paul Jatau acknowledged that such media engagement would go a long way in strengthening the capacity of journalists in health care reportage.

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United States will monitor Nigeria’s 2027 election — Congressman, Moore  

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A United States Congressman, Rep Riley Moore has said that the United States will closely monitor Nigeria’s 2027 general election and how the electoral process is conducted.

Moore made the remark during an interview on Noire TV on Saturday.

When asked whether he was aware of the forthcoming election in Nigeria and if there was anything the United States could do to provide political support.

Responding, the congressman said, “we will be paying close attention to Nigeria’s 2027 election.”

He added that the United States would be watching the outcome of the polls and the manner in which they are conducted.

“We are certainly going to be watching these results and how these elections will unfold and how they are executed and that something that myself and my administration will pay very close attention too,” he said.

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Sports commission reaffirms commitment to hockey revival

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The chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to revitalising hockey through infrastructure, grassroots development, and domestic competitions.

At the closing ceremony of the 2026 Nigeria Hockey Super League on Saturday in Abuja, Dikko commended the Nigeria Hockey Federation for successfully organising the tournament and repositioning the sport.

“This tournament perfectly aligns with the vision of the National Sports Commission under the Renewed Hope Initiative for a vibrant sports economy,” he said.

He said discussions with African Hockey Federation President Seif El Dine Ahmed and German experts confirmed Nigeria’s immense talent capable of competing globally with the right facilities.

Dikko said President Bola Tinubu approved the nationwide rehabilitation of sports infrastructure, with the national hockey pitch to be upgraded to international standards.

“We have already identified world-class turf in consultation with the African Hockey Federation. Once upgraded, Nigeria can host major African hockey tournaments.

“Sports bring Nigerians together irrespective of tribe, religion or background, serving as a national asset and driver of economic growth through jobs and tourism,” he said.

Also speaking, Abdul Ningi, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports Development, called for greater investment across all sporting federations, not just football.

“Over 20 sporting federations, yet only a few consistently receive attention. Sports development must be diversified so every federation grows and contributes to national development,” he said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Osifo Emefile, expressed satisfaction with the Nigeria Police team’s performance at the championship.

Simeon Nkom, president of NHF, described the Super League as the most successful championship, citing the quality of the competition and the dignitaries in attendance.

“I can confidently say this is the best championship we have organised.

“The presence of NSC chairman, African Hockey Federation president, sponsors, partners, and media shows recognition hockey deserves,” he said.

He said the national hockey pitch built for the 2003 All Africa Games had reached the end of its lifespan and no longer met international standards.

“We are encouraged by the federal government’s commitment through NSC to rehabilitate the facility. Once the new turf is installed, Nigeria can host major African tournaments again, boosting development,” he said.

Kaduna-based Kada Stars defeated Plateau Tigers 3-2 in the men’s final, retaining the title.

The Kada Queens beat Plateau Queens 2-0 in the women’s to also retain their title.

(NAN)

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