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by Jayne Augoye
Jide Kosoko
JAYNE AUGOYE captures emotional moments at the inauguration of a health insurance programme for entertainers in Lagos
At the Nigerian Entertainment Industry
Health Insurance Lecture Series, held at the Eko Hotel and Suites in
Lagos, on Tuesday, some entertainment practitioners spoke about their
most intimate struggles health-wise. One of such revelations came from
popular actor and a national leader of the Association of Theatre Arts
Practitioners, Prince Jide Kosoko.
While commenting on what he described as
the nonchalant attitude of actors to healthcare, Kosoko shocked the
gathering with a tale about his struggle with diabetes.
He said, “I have been living with
diabetes since 1996 and I don’t look ill or take my health for granted. I
am very close to my doctors. I keep the relationship sacred because
they have really helped me in many ways. I have never fallen ill or had
an emergency because I pay special attention to my diet and body.
“Many of these artistes don’t take their
health seriously and it is a serious challenge for us. Sometime ago, an
insurance company came to institute an insurance cover for the
association and because they had dropped a huge amount of money, we
simply asked all the members to pay a token of N1,000 each to have
access to unlimited healthcare.
But you won’t believe that out of over
12,000 members, less than 800 indicated interest in the scheme and paid
the money. Since it was not up to what was invested and required of us,
so we had to jettison the idea. The government can also assist by
ensuring strict compliance in line with enabling laws.”
On her part, Nollywood actress-turned
singer, Jennifer Eloigu, expressed displeasure over what she described
as her colleagues’ apathy to healthcare and other ‘serious issues’. She
noted that the turnout was poor because it was not all about showing off
shoes and bags or popping champagne the turnout is poor.
She said, “It’s unfortunate that
artistes are seen as not being interested in serious issues that require
intellect. We are not the most hit by the situation or ailment, but
because we are in the public domain everything that concerns us is in
the open for public scrutiny.
“The next man does not have genuine love
or concern for you and you are scared to tell him when you have a
headache. If we take insurance as we have been advised to do, artistes
can save themselves the embarrassment whenever they need a life line to
treat themselves.”
The session – organised in partnership
with the National Health Insurance Scheme of the Lagos State Ministry of
Health and the Nigeria Medical Association – initially witnessed a
large turn-out of Nollywood personalities, including Saidi Balogun, Kene
Mkparu, Charles Novia, Kenneth Okolie, Yomi Fabiyi, Aishat Abimbol,
Jennifer Eliogu and Bayo Alinko Bankole.
Hosted by comedian Julius Agwu, the evnt
also had in attendance some music stars and stand-up comedians, such as
Nikki Laoye, Gbenga Adeyinka, DJ Jimmy Jatt, OJB Jezerel, Audu Maikori,
Cally Ikpe, Omawumi, Sunday Are, Chris Ubosi, Koffi, Adewale Ayuba,
Daddy Showkey, Terry G, Lami Phillips, Tee A and Sheyman.
However, no sooner had the event started
than some of the guests began to leave, while others simply resorted to
granting interviews on the red carpet while the host, Agwu, begged them
to return to the hall.
Some of the subjects discussed at the
convention include the health implications of celebrity life styles,
benefits of health insurance policies, and the role of government in
health insurance policies.
In her remarks, the Managing Director of
Avon HMO, Adesimbo Ukiri, said, “In recent times, the Nigerian
entertainment sector has lost a number of its members due to health
complications. The unfortunate thing is that some of these health
complications are treatable. In some cases, the entertainers are forced
to appeal to the public for funds to treat themselves. I think the
entertainment and health insurance industries should work together to
proffer solutions to this problem. Collaboration between the industries
will surely put a stop to the needless deaths.”
On his part, the initiator of the
project, Seun Apara, said, “Many newspapers and journals have written
several degrading stories about our entertainers because of the much
undignified and demeaning acts of soliciting funds whenever they are
down with critical ailments. This act of begging has actually helped
keep most of them alive, as it has culminated into generous donations
from fans and government alike.
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