In a profound act of compassion and social impact, the First Lady of Cross River State, Bishop (Dr.) Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, has brought hope and healing to the state’s elderly population by fully sponsoring 500 senior citizens—aged 70 and above—into the Cross River State Health Insurance Scheme (CRSHIS), with two years of coverage fully paid upfront.
The initiative, which reaches across all 18 Local Government Areas of the state, is not just an act of charity—it is a powerful statement of inclusion, dignity, and care for those often forgotten in society’s margins.
Confirming the development, the Director General of the Cross River State Health Insurance Agency, Chief Godwin Iyala, praised the First Lady’s intervention as a “lifeline” for the elderly, many of whom live in rural areas with little or no access to consistent medical care.
“This is more than a health intervention—it is a restoration of dignity for our elders,” Iyala said during a phone interview. “These are people who have given the best of their years to family and community. Now, they are receiving the recognition and support they truly deserve.”
Chief Iyala further revealed that full payments have already been made, and enrollment processes will begin immediately to integrate the beneficiaries into the state’s health insurance database, ensuring they receive timely and uninterrupted medical care.
Beyond its immediate impact, the First Lady’s gesture sends a strong message about the importance of caring for the elderly—a population segment often neglected in public policy.
“The ripple effects are immeasurable,” Iyala added. “When elders are cared for, families thrive, and the moral conscience of our society is reinforced.”
This latest initiative adds to the First Lady’s growing portfolio of people-centered philanthropy and advocacy. From empowering women and children to championing health access and education, Her Excellency continues to redefine what it means to serve with empathy and purpose.
In a time when many senior citizens struggle under the weight of medical costs and limited incomes, Her Excellency’s bold intervention not only relieves financial burdens—it rekindles hope.
And for 500 elderly citizens across Cross River, that hope now comes with a renewed assurance: they will not be left behind.
Ebi Collins, Beagle News
