Punch captures emotional moments at the inauguration of a health insurance programme for entertainers in Lagos
At the
Nigerian Entertainment Industry Health Insurance Lecture Series, held at
the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, on Tuesday, some entertainment
practitioners spoke about their most intimate struggles health-wise. One
of such revelations came from popular actor and a national leader of
the Association of Theatre Arts Practitioners, Prince Jide Kosoko. While
commenting on what he described as the nonchalant attitude of actors to
healthcare, Kosoko shocked the gathering with a tale about his struggle
with diabetes.
He said, “I
have been living with diabetes since 1996 and I don’t look ill or take
my health for granted. I am very close to my doctors. I keep the
relationship sacred because they have really helped me in many ways. I
have never fallen ill or had an emergency because I pay special
attention to my diet and body.
“Many of
these artistes don’t take their health seriously and it is a serious
challenge for us. Sometime ago, an insurance company came to institute
an insurance cover for the association and because they had dropped a
huge amount of money, we simply asked all the members to pay a token of
N1,000 each to have access to unlimited healthcare.
But you
won’t believe that out of over 12,000 members, less than 800 indicated
interest in the scheme and paid the money. Since it was not up to what
was invested and required of us, so we had to jettison the idea. The
government can also assist by ensuring strict compliance in line with
enabling laws.”
On her part,
Nollywood actress-turned singer, Jennifer Eloigu, expressed displeasure
over what she described as her colleagues’ apathy to healthcare and
other ‘serious issues’. She noted that the turnout was poor because it
was not all about showing off shoes and bags or popping champagne the
turnout is poor.
She said,
“It’s unfortunate that artistes are seen as not being interested in
serious issues that require intellect. We are not the most hit by the
situation or ailment, but because we are in the public domain everything
that concerns us is in the open for public scrutiny.
“The next
man does not have genuine love or concern for you and you are scared to
tell him when you have a headache. If we take insurance as we have been
advised to do, artistes can save themselves the embarrassment whenever
they need a life line to treat themselves.”
The session –
organised in partnership with the National Health Insurance Scheme of
the Lagos State Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Medical Association –
initially witnessed a large turn-out of Nollywood personalities,
including Saidi Balogun, Kene Mkparu, Charles Novia, Kenneth Okolie,
Yomi Fabiyi, Aishat Abimbol, Jennifer Eliogu and Bayo Alinko Bankole.
Hosted by
comedian Julius Agwu, the evnt also had in attendance some music stars
and stand-up comedians, such as Nikki Laoye, Gbenga Adeyinka, DJ Jimmy
Jatt, OJB Jezerel, Audu Maikori, Cally Ikpe, Omawumi, Sunday Are, Chris
Ubosi, Koffi, Adewale Ayuba, Daddy Showkey, Terry G, Lami Phillips, Tee A
and Sheyman.
However, no
sooner had the event started than some of the guests began to leave,
while others simply resorted to granting interviews on the red carpet
while the host, Agwu, begged them to return to the hall.
Some of the
subjects discussed at the convention include the health implications of
celebrity life styles, benefits of health insurance policies, and the
role of government in health insurance policies.
In her
remarks, the Managing Director of Avon HMO, Adesimbo Ukiri, said, “In
recent times, the Nigerian entertainment sector has lost a number of its
members due to health complications. The unfortunate thing is that some
of these health complications are treatable. In some cases, the
entertainers are forced to appeal to the public for funds to treat
themselves. I think the entertainment and health insurance industries
should work together to proffer solutions to this problem. Collaboration
between the industries will surely put a stop to the needless deaths.”
On his part,
the initiator of the project, Seun Apara, said, “Many newspapers and
journals have written several degrading stories about our entertainers
because of the much undignified and demeaning acts of soliciting funds
whenever they are down with critical ailments. This act of begging has
actually helped keep most of them alive, as it has culminated into
generous donations from fans and government alike.
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