AKSHIA Is A Role Model To Other Agencies – Group Says

…As Gov Eno Bags Excellence Award

By Patrick Titus, Uyo

Barely two years after inauguration the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency (AKSHIA), has positioned itself as the fastest growing health insurance agency in Nigeria, earning accolades nationally.

This assertion was confirmed by Health Insurance and Managed Care National Leadership, while conferring an award of excellence on the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno in Abuja recently.

According to the group, AKSHIA has demonstrated excellence, innovation and impact in driving Universal Health Coverage and its strengthening of Nigeria’s health insurance ecosystem.

AKSHIA has, within the period recorded, over 200,000 enrollees on the scheme with 240 primary healthcare centres accredited across the state, thus, expanding access to affordable healthcare to the people.

“This award is in recognition of outstanding leadership and exceptional performance of the outstanding contribution to health insurance development in Nigeria award 2026,’’ the organisers said.

During the award presentation, the group described Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency as the fastest growing health insurance agency in the country, adding that the award, is an indication of the “exceptional achievements of state social health insurance agencies.”

According to the group, “such agencies have demonstrated excellence, innovation and impact in driving Universal Health Coverage and is strengthening Nigeria’s health insurance ecosystem.’’

The group maintained that the awards showcase innovation, best practices and inspires stronger collaboration, stressing that “it sets a benchmark for the sector as well as promotes accountability.”

Dr. Edikan Ekwere, Chairman of AKSHIA and Special Adviser to Governor Umo Eno on Health Insurance, who received the award on behalf of the governor, noted that “these prestigious recognitions are a testament to the Governor’s visionary leadership and his unwavering commitment to transforming the health sector in Akwa Ibom State.

“Through deliberate investments in health infrastructure, the expansion of health insurance coverage, the recruitment of healthcare professionals, and strengthened emergency medical services, our administration has continued to make quality and affordable healthcare more accessible to our people,” he stated.

He pledged that the Agency would continue to expand health insurance coverage, particularly for the vulnerable, strengthen the people partnerships, and work tirelessly towards achieving universal health coverage in Akwa Ibom State.

Reacting to the awards, the Permanent Secretary/Executive Secretary of AKSHIA, Dr. Igbemi noted that the Agency, despite being less than two years old, has recorded significant achievements, including the accreditation of over 240 Primary Health Centres across the state.

Igbemi spoke while receiving a delegation of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Eastern Obolo branch, who paid him a courtesy visit in office in Uyo on Friday.

He said that health insurance scheme has a lot of value chains, describing Governor Umo Eno as a visionary and unifying leader whose commitment to healthcare has positioned Akwa Ibom as a national model in health insurance delivery.

“Health insurance is not free. Whenever someone receives free medical services, someone else is paying through pooled resources from government, the healthy and the wealthy to subsidise healthcare for the vulnerable. This is why we are committed to ensuring the scheme works effectively for everyone,” he explained.

He lauded on one part, the effort of the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekemini Emmanuel John for implementing the policies of government and also creating workable policies that have doubled the progress of the Agency, and Dr. Edikan Ekwere for proper coordination of the Agency as the Chairman of the Board on another part.

Dr. Igbemi assured the delegation that the Agency would work closely with the youth council to intensify health insurance sensitization in all wards of the local government.

The AKSHIA boss further commended the Youth body for seeking a strategic partnership with the Agency, saying that AKSHIA was ready to partner with any responsible organisations in expanding more access to services of the Agency.

Dr. Igbemi commended the youths for embracing unity and supporting government programmes aimed at improving the welfare of Akwa Ibom people.

Earlier, the Coordinator of the Eastern Obolo branch of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Comrade Rowland Peter had said that the visit was to seek partnership with the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency (AKSHIA) to deepen health insurance awareness and improve access to quality healthcare in the riverine Local Government area.

Peter emphasized that the partnership would foster a cordial working relationship between the NYCN and the Agency, noting that the youth body as the apex youth organization in the country, was prepared to mobilize youths across Eastern Obolo in support of health insurance campaigns and other public health initiatives.

He congratulated Governor Umo Eno on his recent recognition as Nigeria’s Best Health Insurance Governor, describing the award as a product of visionary leadership and outstanding performance.

He also commended the management of AKSHIA for translating the Governor’s ARISE Agenda into tangible healthcare outcomes.

“Awards come from performance, and performance comes from goodwill. From all indications, our Governor has demonstrated goodwill, and that is why the ministries, departments and agencies under his administration are vibrant. We have come to congratulate the Governor and the Agency for this remarkable achievement,” he said.

They used the opportunity to declare the support of the youth of Eastern Obolo to Governor Eno for his second term bid in office in 2027.