Gov Eno Declares State Of Emergency On State’s Health Sector

… Approves Employment Of 2,000 Healthcare Workers
By Bassey Nkponam 
UYO
In his avowed commitment to accelerating reforms and delivering efficient healthcare services to the citizenry, the Akwa Ibom governor has declared a state of emergency on the state’s health sector.
Pastor Umo Eno, who took the decision during Friday, September 13, 2025 State Executive Council meeting, at the State Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Uyo, directed further upgrade of medical facilities across the State, reopening of the recruitment portal and engagement of 2,000 healthcare workers, with the Voters’ Identification Number, VIN, requirement waived for applicants.
   Eno further directed the upgrading of health training institutions, enrollment and training of health professionals, as well as the engagement of retired but willing medical personnel on contract basis.  
The commissioner for information, Dr Aniekan Umanah, who stated this, in an excerpt from the meeting said, to ensure effective implementation of the emergency regime, a 12-man inter-ministerial steering committee was constituted, with the commissioner for health, Dr Ekem John, as chairman.
Members of the committee, as stated by Umanah, include: the commissioners for science and digital economy, Dr Frank Ekpenyong; information, Dr Aniekan Umanah; youth development, Dr Ekerette Ekanem; budget and economic planning, Dr Linus Nkan; women affairs and social welfare, Mrs Inibehe Etukudo; education, Professor Ubong Umoh; labour and manpower planning, Mr Ikoedem Ekong; head of civil service, Elder Effiong Essien.
Others are: permanent secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Pat Essiet; honourary special adviser to the governor on labour matters, Elder Udo Kerian Akpan; as well as the personal physician to the governor and senior special assistant to the governor on medicals, Dr Usenobong Morgan.
“Council undertook a comprehensive review of the state’s healthcare development roadmap, after which the governor declared a state of emergency on the health sector to accelerate reforms and deliver efficient healthcare services. 
“Key directives under this emergency regime include: further upgrade of medical facilities across the State, reopening of recruitment portal and engagement of 2,000 healthcare workers, with the VIN requirement waived for applicants. Council further directed the upgrading of health training institutions, enrollment and training of health professionals, as well as the engagement of retired but willing medical personnel on contract basis. To ensure effective implementation of the emergency regime, an Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee was constituted,” he said.