A coroner’s court in the United Kingdom has ruled that a 27-year-old Nigerian woman, Beatrice Solomon, died by suicide after battling mental health challenges linked to personal difficulties.

Beatrice, who relocated from Nigeria to the UK on a skilled worker visa in November 2023, was found unresponsive in her home on Norris Road, Stanfield.

According to Stokesentintel UK on Sunday, the inquest heard that her husband, Damian Butler, had left home for his delivery job at about 4:30 pm on the day of the incident before returning approximately two hours later to use the toilet, where he discovered his wife unresponsive.

A police officer, PC Hinchliffe, told the court that emergency responders arrived shortly afterwards, but Beatrice was pronounced dead at the scene at 6:21 pm.

Investigators ruled out any third-party involvement in her death.

During the hearing, Butler told the court that his wife had struggled with her mental health over the past year, which he attributed to ongoing issues involving Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

He also disclosed that he later became aware that Beatrice had made two previous attempts to take her own life.

A post-mortem examination conducted by pathologist Dr Jones found that she died from oxygen deprivation.

Delivering her conclusion, Coroner Li Hammond-Naylor ruled that Beatrice died by suicide.

“It is clear to me that Beatrice had researched and planned how to take her own life. I can only extend my sincere condolences to Beatrice’s family and friends,” the coroner said.

Beatrice, who worked as a caregiver in the UK, is survived by her husband, a son and her siblings.

punch.ng

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to quality healthcare for vulnerable Nigerians through targeted financing programmes, saying the country’s pursuit of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) extends beyond increasing health insurance enrolment to building an equitable system that leaves no one behind.

The NHIA said its interventions, anchored on the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund and other specialised programmes, are designed to improve access to essential health services while protecting poor and vulnerable households from catastrophic healthcare costs.

The NHIA disclosed this in a statement it issued on Tuesday.

It noted that the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) remains one of the key pillars of the Federal Government’s strategy to strengthen primary healthcare and provide essential health services to vulnerable populations across the country.

“Nigeria’s journey toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is not just about expanding health insurance coverage but building a system that protects the vulnerable, advances equity, and ensures no one is left behind.

“Through the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF), the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) continues to broaden access to essential care for vulnerable Nigerians across all 36 states and the FCT,” the statement partly read.

Beyond the BHCPF, the authority said it is implementing additional financing initiatives to support the ongoing Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative aimed at improving healthcare delivery nationwide.

It stated, “Beyond BHCPF, NHIA is deepening its equity mandate through targeted financing programmes aligned with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII). These interventions are designed to reach those most at risk of poor health outcomes and financial hardship.”

Highlighting the interventions, the NHIA noted, “These include: – Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, which provides the Basic Minimum Package of Health Services to vulnerable populations, including the poor, elderly, women at risk, children under five, internally displaced persons, and other underserved groups.

“NHIA Financing Access to Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEmONC), which supports vulnerable women at risk of maternal complications, as well as sick newborns needing urgent care.

“The Fistula-Free Programme (FFP), which provides support for women living with obstetric fistula. Global Fund financial access programmes, which extend coverage to key populations, including people living with HIV and those affected by Tuberculosis.”

Reaffirming its commitment to universal health coverage, the NHIA said, “At NHIA, we are expanding coverage, protecting households, and improving access to quality care for those who need it most. This is a public health and financial protection imperative.”

In recent times, the Federal Government has continued to prioritise Universal Health Coverage as part of broader reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Through the NHIA, the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund and the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, the government aims to increase financial protection, reduce out-of-pocket healthcare spending and improve access to quality healthcare services, particularly for vulnerable and underserved populations across the country.

punch.ng

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

The President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, has said his life experience and practical knowledge have given him more understanding than many university graduates despite not having a formal education.

According to Premium Times on Monday, MC Oluomo made the remarks on Sunday during the 50th birthday celebration of Islamic singer Hafsat Adegoke and the unveiling of her new album in Alausa, Lagos.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Fuji musician Saheed Osupa.

Reflecting on his early years, the transport union leader recounted how he started working as a bus conductor as a teenager, saying he earned enough to support his mother while still enjoying simple pleasures like going to the cinema.

According to him, his rise to the leadership of the transport union was the result of years of hard work and dedication.

“I’ve been spending money since I was 13 years old. I worked as a conductor from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. I would go to Danjuma Cinema to watch Indian movies with my own money, and I still took money home for my mother to buy food,” he said.

MC Oluomo said he did not become NURTW president by chance but worked his way through the ranks.

“I didn’t enter the NURTW as a bastard. I learnt the work, mastered it and got to where I am today. I didn’t go to school, but the knowledge and understanding I have in my head are greater than those held by people with degrees,” he said.

The NURTW president also pointed to the achievements of his children as evidence that although he lacked formal education, he placed a high value on educating his family.

He disclosed that his children have pursued professional careers abroad.

“I always tell people that if I am uneducated, glory be to God. Today, my children are a doctor, a lawyer and an engineer, and they are in America. May God not allow our children to die young,” he said.

MC Oluomo also reminisced about his relationship with Saheed Osupa, revealing that they had known each other since childhood.

He recalled eating meals in the home of Osupa’s late mother while growing up and said the Fuji singer was familiar with his humble beginnings.

Speaking further, he criticised fathers who neglect the welfare of their wives and children, describing such behaviour as unacceptable.

According to him, many Nigerian women have become the primary providers for their families despite being married.

“I have always said that any man who does not take care of his children is an enemy of God,” he said.

He lamented that many women now shoulder responsibilities such as paying school fees, rent, clothing and feeding their children because some husbands have abandoned their duties.

MC Oluomo also accused some men of prioritising children outside their marriages over their own families, warning that such actions would have consequences later in life.

punch.ng

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN