The Ajoke Ayisat Afolabi Foundation (AAAF), the philanthropic arm of SIFAX Group, has launched a free health insurance scheme targeting elderly and vulnerable residents of rural Ijebu communities, with 60 beneficiaries enrolled in the programme’s first phase.
The initiative, implemented in partnership with the Ogun North East Local Government and the Ogun State Health Insurance Agency (OGSHIA), covers residents from ten villages: Isade, Ajowa, Idomila, Iken, Igbogila, Rasonwa, Ilefon, Ileshe, Sanyindo and Idomowo.
The launch ceremony was held at the 400-seater community hall built by the Chairman of SIFAX Group and AAAF, Dr Taiwo Afolabi. Presenting a cheque to OGSHIA officials, the Foundation’s Executive Coordinator, Mrs Foluke Ademokun, who represented Dr Afolabi, said the initiative was informed by the underutilisation of a health facility earlier donated by the Foundation to the Isade community.
She explained that many residents were unable to access healthcare services due to financial constraints, prompting the Foundation to collaborate with OGSHIA to provide free health insurance coverage for indigent and elderly residents.
“This initiative is another opportunity for Dr Taiwo Afolabi, SIFAX Group and the Ajoke Ayisat Afolabi Foundation to deepen our social intervention efforts in rural communities,” Ademokun said. “By removing financial barriers, we are confident that beneficiaries will be encouraged to seek proper and timely medical care.”
Chairman of Ogun North East Local Government, Hon. Foluso Badejo, accompanied by the council’s Health Supervisor, Hon. Oside Olalekan, expressed appreciation for Dr Afolabi’s sustained support for the area. He noted that the philanthropist’s interventions ranging from markets and schools to ICT centres, football fields and health facilities have significantly complemented government efforts at grassroots development.
Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers in the area, the village head of Isade, Chief M. S. Odunuga, described the health insurance scheme as timely and impactful, commending Dr Afolabi for his unwavering commitment to community welfare.
Also addressing the gathering, Otunba Major General Odunsin (Rtd), who oversees AAAF’s community development projects in the locality, praised the collaboration between community leaders, government agencies and the Foundation. He highlighted the transparent beneficiary selection process and the seamless issuance of health insurance cards by OGSHIA officials.
The free health insurance scheme is expected to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, improve access to quality medical services and boost the utilisation of health facilities in the benefiting communities. The Foundation disclosed that additional phases of the programme are under consideration.
The Ajoke Ayisat Afolabi Foundation is the philanthropic arm of SIFAX Group, dedicated to improving lives through healthcare, education, community development and social welfare interventions, particularly in under-served communities across Nigeria.
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