~ Urges age grade to champion community development
Former Minister of Aviation and Chancellor of the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership, Chief Osita Chidoka, has announced the provision of one year’s free health insurance for over 1,000 youths and women in Obosi community under the Nneka Chidoka Outreach Programme.
This initiative, undertaken in partnership with the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency, reflects Chief Chidoka’s enduring commitment to expanding access to affordable healthcare and supporting state-led programmes that promote public welfare.
The announcement was made during the Outing visit by the newly formed Ositadimma Age Grade, young men and women born in 1985 and 1986, who adopted Chief Chidoka’s name in recognition of his leadership and service to Obosi. The visit took place at his country home, in the presence of the Ndichie, Abummadu, elders, and other community stakeholders.
Chief Chidoka disclosed that over 300 members of the Ositadimma Age Grade would be enrolled immediately onto the Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme at ₦12,500 per person, with other civic youth organisations in Obosi to follow shortly, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to over 1,000. Staff of the Agency were present to commence the registration.
“Health insurance is not a luxury. It is a civic right and a public good,” Chidoka stated. “I am proud to support the Anambra State Government’s efforts to make quality healthcare accessible to our people.”
Beyond healthcare, Chief Chidoka outlined a Four-Point Agenda to guide the age grade’s activities and ensure its long-term contribution to community development:
• Health Insurance Scheme: Fully embrace the Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme and encourage wider enrolment beyond the group.
• Savings Culture: Establish a cooperative savings scheme that will enable the group to undertake a significant community project by their 10th anniversary.
• Group Life Insurance: Put in place a group life insurance policy to provide social protection and ensure mutual support in times of adversity.
• Public School Monitoring: Act as community monitors of the Governor Charles Soludo-led administration’s free education policy to ensure that no child in Obosi is left behind.
To support the savings initiative, Chief Chidoka donated ₦500,000 as seed capital for the age grade’s fund, to be lodged with Adike Microfinance Bank, Obosi. Chiefs Mgbakogu and Udemba donated ₦150,000 and ₦200,000 while various other sums were donated by other Chiefs present.
“Your Golden Decade — that critical period between the ages of 25 and 35 — is your foundation, use it for family, community and country. Apply Uche, Uchu na EgwuChukwu in all your endeavours.” Chidoka advised.
Describing the age-grade system as a uniquely Igbo institution for social progress, Chief Chidoka called on the group to sustain the tradition through innovation, collective responsibility, and a deep sense of service.
In appreciation, the Ositadimma Age Grade presented Chief Chidoka with an Award of Honour, recognising his visionary leadership, philanthropy, and enduring commitment to youth empowerment and community development.
This initiative reaffirms Chief Osita Chidoka’s stature as a patriotic son of Anambra, a firm supporter of progressive state policies, and a tireless advocate for community-led transformation.
Signed:
Ikechukwu Okafor
Special Assistant (Media) to Chief Osita Chidoka
