Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has flagged off the Orange Health Insurance Scheme (ORANGHIS) for the informal sector, aiming to provide affordable healthcare to artisans, traders, farmers, commercial transport workers, and private sector workers across the state.

At the launch, Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized the importance of collective efforts to improve healthcare accessibility and affordability, stating, “Health is a fundamental human right and a critical indicator of human development.”

He expressed pride in launching the scheme, saying, “I am delighted that we have been able to create a sustainable source of funding that lowers the financial barriers to healthcare for our residents…

Our painstakingly conceptualized vision as an administration rightly accommodates qualitative and accessible healthcare delivery in order to fulfill the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3.8 that pointedly strive to achieve the global theme of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).”

The Governor encouraged participation in the scheme, stating, “I urge all political leaders, philanthropists, and individuals to enroll themselves and their communities in this life-changing program. Together, we can improve our health indices and ensure qualitative healthcare delivery across Ondo State.”

He also assured the people that his administration remains committed to upgrading the state’s healthcare infrastructure, including the ongoing construction of 250-bed hospitals in Akure and Ondo, recruitment of healthcare workers, and enhancement of doctors’ salaries.

The Ogun State Community, Social Orientation and Safety Corps, codenamed So-Safe Corps, has arrested three suspects in connection with the kidnapping and murder of a 15-year-old boy, Yahu Muhammad, in Ogun State.

According to a press statement by the State Commander of So-Safe Corps, Commander (Dr.) Soji Ganzallo, the suspects, Umar Muhammad, 24, Audu Muhammad, 22, and Umar Danda, 22, were apprehended after a ransom of N500,000 was paid but the victim was not released.

Ganzallo stated, “On Saturday, September 7, 2024, at about 1900hrs, information reached the Imala Division of the Corps regarding a kidnapping incident.

A 15-year-old, Yahu Muhammad, was kidnapped, and a ransom of N500,000.00 was collected, but the suspects refused to release him.”

The So-Safe Corps Special Squad was deployed to rescue the victim, but upon arrival at the kidnappers’ den, they found that the suspects had killed the victim despite collecting the ransom.

Ganzallo commended the operatives of the Vigilante Group for their assistance in apprehending the third suspect, Umar Danda, saying, “The victim was kidnapped and killed while rearing cattle in the Akara forest area. The cattle were left unattended.”

The victim’s corpse and the apprehended suspects have been transferred to the Imala Divisional Police Headquarters for further investigation and likely prosecution.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the alleged killing of Qoyum Abdulyekeen Ishola, a student of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, Kwara State, which occurred on September 4, 2024.

According to a press release by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Homicide section of the FCID Abuja will conduct a detailed investigation into the incident.

The officers involved in the incident, identified as Inspector Abiodun Kayode, Inspector James Emmanuel, and Sergeant Oni Philip, attached to the Department of Operations, Kwara State Command, have been detained for investigation.

The Inspector-General of Police expressed his deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased, saying, “He acknowledges the profound grief and loss caused by this unfortunate act and reassures the family and members of the public that Justice will be served.”

The IGP described himself as “deeply saddened” by the incident, which led to the loss of a young Nigerian.

The investigation is ongoing, and the police have promised to ensure that justice is served in the case.