By Rich Ade
When Governor Ademola Adeleke campaigned on a promise to improve the welfare of senior citizens, many pensioners in Osun State hoped for change. Today, members of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Osun State chapter, say that promise is being fulfilled through sweeping reforms in the state’s health system.
At the heart of the transformation is the expansion of the Osun Health Insurance Scheme (OHIS), which has enrolled 20,000 pensioners free of charge in 2025. The initiative, designed to guarantee access to affordable and quality healthcare, is already making measurable impact among retirees.
Speaking at the NUP headquarters in Osogbo, the union’s Secretary, Comrade Lawrence Aina, described the policy as a “soul saver,” particularly at a time when the cost of healthcare continues to rise nationwide.
According to him, the scheme has significantly reduced financial pressure on retirees whose monthly pensions barely cover basic needs. “The monthly pension is not even enough for feeding, let alone medical bills. This enrollment into OHIS has brought relief not just to our members but also to their families,” Aina said.
He confirmed that the 20,000 enrollment figure was carefully monitored by the union and found to be accurate. While the scheme initially focused on minor ailments, it has gradually expanded to cover a percentage of surgical procedures. The union, however, is appealing for full coverage of major operations to further protect vulnerable retirees.
Beyond healthcare access, pension adjustments by the Adeleke administration have also contributed to improved welfare. Aina noted that the addition of N25,000 to existing pensions has strengthened retirees’ purchasing power and contributed to what he described as a noticeable reduction in mortality rates among members.
For beneficiaries like Kolawole Koleosho, the impact is personal and immediate. Since enrolling in the insurance scheme, he says he now spends his pension primarily on feeding and family needs rather than hospital bills. “It has extended our lives,” he said, praising the governor’s commitment to senior citizens.
The reforms reflect a broader effort by the Adeleke administration to reposition Osun’s healthcare system toward inclusivity and social protection. By prioritizing preventive care and expanding insurance coverage, the government is not only reducing out-of-pocket expenses but also restoring dignity to elderly citizens who once struggled silently with medical costs.
As pensioners continue to testify to improved access and survival outcomes, the health insurance expansion stands out as a flagship intervention—one that underscores the administration’s pledge to protect the most vulnerable and build a more compassionate healthcare system in Osun State.
