{
  "id": 9230439,
  "title": "Waidi Akanni Secures Health Insurance Scheme for Lagos Legends",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/waidi-akanni-secures-health-insurance-scheme-for-lagos-legends",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-23T00:39:35.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "This Day",
    "slug": "this-day",
    "url": "https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/09/23/waidi-akanni-secures-health-insurance-scheme-for-lagos-legends/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Lagos Legends Club has extended their gratitude to Convener Engr. Waidi Akanni for establishing a health insurance scheme for retired football players, facilitated through the generosity of Lagos State Lottery Board Chairman Mr. Bashir Abiola-Are. The absence of a functional players' union left a void for the former footballers, many of whom were international stars. Akanni, a former Super Eagles player, stepped in to address the welfare and healthcare needs of these retired athletes. The football veterans who were enrolled for the health insurance scheme expressed their appreciation for the Chairman's contribution. They highlighted the importance of the HMO, which goes beyond being just an insurance scheme. It aims to restore dignity, security, and hope to the football veterans, and is a lasting legacy of Engr. Waidi Akanni's leadership and commitment to his fellow Legends. Former Nigerian international and former Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA), Monday Kanu, described Akanni as a visionary leader who utilized his extensive network and relationships to tackle the pressing issue of access to healthcare for football veterans. The magnanimity of the Lagos State Lottery Board Chairman towards those who dedicated their youth and talent to football is a gesture worth emulating, said Kanu, and the annual renewal of the scheme is the sweetest part of it for the ex-internationals.",
  "summary": "Members of the Lagos Legends Club, have expressed their appreciation to their Convener, Engr. Waidi Akanni, for facilitating a health insurance scheme for them through the magnanimity of the Chairman",
  "key_points": [
    "Engr. Waidi Akanni establishes health insurance scheme for retired football players.",
    "Lagos State Lottery Board Chairman Bashir Abiola-Are supports the initiative.",
    "Former players express gratitude for Akanni's leadership and lasting legacy."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Waidi Akanni's establishment of a health insurance scheme for retired football players marks a significant improvement in their welfare and healthcare, filling a void left by the absence of a functional players' union.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}