Health
NHIA Appoints Theophilus Egwudah as Plateau State Coordinator
Joel Ajayi
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has appointed Comrade Theophilus Egwudah Ife as its new Plateau State Coordinator, with effect from January 29, 2026.
The appointment was approved by the Director General of NHIA, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, in recognition of Egwudah’s long-standing service, professionalism and contributions to Nigeria’s health insurance system.
Egwudah, who currently holds the rank of Deputy Director (Programme) at the Federal Capital Territory State Office of the Authority, brings over two decades of experience in health insurance administration, stakeholder engagement and programme coordination to his new role.
Born on March 18, 1973, in Ineme-Ibaji River Line area of Ibaji Local Government Area, present-day Kogi State, Egwudah began his early education in Ottah Ibaji before completing secondary school at St. Peter’s College, Idah. He later gained admission into the University of Jos, Plateau State, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Geography and Planning.
He joined the NHIA in 2001 as a fresh graduate and has since served in several departments and state offices. Notably, he played a key role in coordinating the Urban Self-Employed User Group Pilot Social Health Insurance Programme in Aba, Abia State, beginning in 2003, including the Ariaria Market survey. Colleagues and enrollees across the public and organised private sectors have commended his commitment to sensitisation, enrolment advocacy and resolution of healthcare service complaints.
Egwudah also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Studies from Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, and is a Chartered member of ANAN. He previously emerged as the unanimous Vice Chairman of the NHIA branch of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria.
Reacting to his appointment, Egwudah expressed appreciation to the Director General and management of the Authority for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to deepen access to quality healthcare services and strengthen enrolment across Plateau State.
He is married to Queen Ojochenemi Egwudah.
The NHIA management said the appointment is expected to further enhance the implementation of health insurance programmes in Plateau State, in line with the Authority’s mandate to achieve universal health coverage nationwide.
Health
FMC Abuja mourns nurse killed, dumped by roadside
By Folasade Akpan
The Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja, is mourning the tragic killing of 28-year-old nurse Chinemerem Chuwumeziem, describing the incident as gruesome and devastating for the entire hospital community.
The Medical Director, Prof. Saad Ahmed, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja that staff were still in shock, describing Chuwumeziem as a rising star whose future held great promise.
Chuwumeziem, who joined FMC Abuja in 2025, quickly distinguished herself through dedication and compassion, earning admiration from colleagues and patients.
She was named Best Nurse of the Year 2025 at the hospital’s award programme.
A single lady, she lived with her aunt in Wuse, Abuja, and hailed from Orlu, Imo State.
Her death has deeply affected staff and triggered widespread mourning at the hospital.
Ahmed said Chuwumeziem finished her afternoon shift on Saturday and left the hospital at 6:13 p.m., as captured on CCTV. That was the last time she was seen alive.
He said concern was raised early Sunday when her family reported she had not returned home.
“The hospital immediately mobilised staff to search nearby areas and hospitals, but nothing was found.
“The hospital alerted its Chief Security Officer, who contacted security agencies.
“The police later discovered her body around Bolingo Hotel Junction and took it to the mortuary. Her family buried her in Imo State.
“The incident was reported to the Federal Ministry of Health, the Department of State Services, and the police, who have assured the hospital that investigations are ongoing to identify those responsible.”
Ahmed said measures were being taken to support staff and reduce risks, including reviewing shift schedules, improving the hospital shuttle bus system, and enhancing staff safety arrangements.
He prayed for the repose of Chuwumeziem’s soul and for strength for her family and colleagues to bear the painful loss.
Also speaking, Head of Nursing Services Mrs Abigail Gwimi, described the nurse as gentle, dutiful, and deeply committed to patient care.
“Her disappearance triggered frantic searches through the night.”
Gwimi said the police found the body with her bag, containing personal items, including a Bible, while her phone was missing. The cause of death was reported as asphyxiation.
“The killing has heightened fears among nurses and health workers who often work long shifts and commute late, affecting morale and creating anxiety about personal safety.”
She added that hospital management was engaging staff for emotional support and reviewing duty schedules and security measures to reassure workers and prevent a recurrence of such incidents. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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