From Emmanuel Iyoho
ABUJA
The Akwa Ibom governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has been applauded for his sustainable efforts and commitment in expanding health insurance coverage in the State, even as Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency (AKSHIA) was recognised as the fastest growing agency in health care coverage 2025 in the country.
Chairman of the Institute For Health Insurance and Managed Care of Nigeria, Dr Hope Uweja, made the commendation during the 1st Health Insurance and Managed Care leadership Award presentation ceremony in Abuja, recently.
In his opening remarks Uweja appreciated the efforts of States like Akwa Ibom for their commitment to expanding health insurance coverage, maintaining that “If there is one aspect of our health insurance ecosystem that I particularly appreciate, it is the establishment of the State Health Insurance Schemes. These schemes are playing a significant role in paving the way towards achieving UHC in Nigeria”.
Welcoming participants from across the country to the event, Uweja felicitated Governor Eno, other awardees and recognised their outstanding contributions to the growth of the health sector in Nigeria.
During the ceremony, Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency (AKSHIA) was honoured with the ‘Fastest Growing Agency in Health Care Coverage in 2025’ award, by the Institute.
Uweja praised the efforts of government in establishing State Health Insurance Schemes across the country, describing them as key drivers in Nigeria’s pursuit of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
According to him, his eight years of experience in the sector had deepened his appreciation of the impact these schemes are making.
Receiving the award on behalf of AKSHIA, the executive secretary, Dr Arthur Igbemi, thanked the organisers, saying the scheme was launched on September 20, 2024.
According to him, the scheme was established to provide affordable and accessible healthcare to all residents of Akwa Ibom, and attributed the success of the agency to the health loving governor, Pastor Umo Eno.
Igbemi dedicated the award to the governor and people of Akwa Ibom, saying, “We started the journey barely a year ago with the Governor’s idea of branding the agency. We came up with the name, a branding name: The ARISE Care.
“I will be very happy to present this Award to His Excellency, the executive governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, the health-loving governor. Without his support we would not have been where we are today.
“When he came in as governor, everything changed about Health Insurance with his support. I am overwhelmed to find out that Akwa Ibom State is being awarded alongside Lagos, Bayelsa, Imo States, among others,” Igbemi said.
The executive secretary thanked the commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekim Emmanuel John and his predecessor, Professor Augustine Umoh, for laying the foundation before his exit as well as for their contributions to the success of AKSHIA.
“We are not just celebrating individuals, we are celebrating Akwa Ibom State. We are putting Akwa Ibom in the map in terms of health care coverage which is what the United Nations (UN is looking for and Akwa Ibom is ranked among the very few that were recognized,” Igbemi added.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the award ceremony, the chairman of AKSHIA Governing Board, Dr Edikan Ekwere, expressed special appreciation to the governor of Akwa Ibom, Pastor Umo Eno, for his compassionate approach in making sure that the issue of health care delivery is handled very seriously in the State.
“I am so elated and in high spirits, and it’s no small feat for us to receive this award just six months after launching our programme. For me, it is a great joy, and I thank God for making this day possible.”
Ekwere dedicated the award to God, the governor, AKSHIA board members, and the agency’s staff for their dedication and hard work, saying, “This award serves as a motivation for us to do more and we pray that by next time of such an event, we will receive not only the award, but in other categories of recognition and honour to the glory of God,” Ekwere added.
The minister of state for Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Yusuf Sununu, while presenting the award on behalf of the institute to AKSHIA team, thanked Gov. Umo Eno for his unwavering support, political will, and investment in the health sector, particularly through the ARISE Agenda.
“The governor has been instrumental in setting up the health insurance board and giving us a clear mandate. Since then, we have been working tirelessly towards achieving this milestone,” he said.
In his remarks, the permanent secretary of Akwa Ibom Liaison Office, Abuja, Mr Aniekan Akpan, thanked Governor Umo Eno for his proactive leadership in enabling the state’s participation in the health insurance programme.
“Since we started, we have improved health coverage for low-income earners, which is crucial for the health insurance scheme to take off in the state.
“The setting up of the board to monitor the agency’s activities has been pivotal, and we are already reaping the benefits of this pragmatic leadership, as evidenced by this award,” Akpan added.
The event, which had as its theme, “Selecting the Best of Universal Health Coverage,” featured dignitaries across the states of the federation, stakeholders in the health sector as well as professionals from other sectors of the nation’s economy.
Discussion about this post