Akwa-Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno has been honoured with the Outstanding Contribution to Health Insurance Development Award 2026 in recognition of his administration’s commitment to expanding access to affordable healthcare and strengthening health insurance coverage across the state.
The award comes as the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency (AKSHIA) continues to record impressive growth in enrolment and healthcare service delivery since its establishment under the current administration.
Governor Eno inaugurated the state health insurance agency less than a year after assuming office. Within two years, the scheme has witnessed a steady rise in enrolment, with thousands of residents subscribing through affordable premium contributions.
Announcing the recognition, the organisers said the governor was selected for his remarkable leadership and contributions to advancing health insurance in Nigeria.
“This award is in recognition of outstanding leadership and exceptional performance at the Outstanding Contribution to Health Insurance Development in Nigeria Award 2026,” the organisers said in a statement.
The award was presented by Health Insurance and Managed Care National Leadership, which also honoured the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency as one of the fastest-growing state health insurance agencies in the country.
According to the organisers, the recognition celebrates the “exceptional achievements of state social health insurance agencies” that have distinguished themselves in expanding healthcare access and promoting innovation.
They added: “Such agencies have demonstrated excellence, innovation and impact in driving Universal Health Coverage and strengthening Nigeria’s health insurance ecosystem.”
The organisers further noted that the awards are aimed at promoting innovation, encouraging the adoption of best practices, strengthening collaboration among stakeholders, setting industry benchmarks and fostering greater accountability within the health insurance sector.
Receiving the awards on behalf of Governor Eno, the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency and Special Adviser to the Governor on Health Insurance, Edikan Ekwere, described the honours as a reflection of the governor’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to healthcare reforms.
“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 continues to make quality and affordable healthcare more accessible to our people.”
“We will continue to expand health insurance coverage, particularly for the vulnerable, strengthen our partnerships, and work tirelessly towards achieving universal health coverage in Akwa Ibom State,” he stated
Reacting to the double recognition, the Executive Secretary of the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency, Igbemi Arthur Igbemi, described Governor Eno as a visionary and unifying leader whose administration has prioritised the welfare of the people through strategic investments in healthcare.
He said the awards would further inspire the agency to consolidate its achievements and expand healthcare access across the state.
According to him, the agency has strengthened healthcare delivery by accrediting more than 240 Primary Health Centres under the state health insurance scheme, thereby improving access to quality medical services, especially at the grassroots.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by members of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Eastern Obolo Chapter, Igbemi explained that the success of the health insurance scheme was made possible through the pooling of resources, alongside the state government’s commitment to paying health insurance premiums for vulnerable residents.
“I must commend the youths and the people for the support given to the governor which has made it possible for the governor to record significant achievements in various sectors,” he said.
He encouraged young people to embrace exemplary leadership values that would promote sustainable development in the state. He also pledged to organise a leadership training programme for youths and expressed appreciation for the honour bestowed on him by members of his community.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Eastern Obolo Chapter, Roland Peter, reaffirmed the support of the youth body for the agency and urged it to continue implementing programmes that would improve the wellbeing of residents.
Peter, who led other members of the council on the visit, also called for stronger collaboration to deepen the reach of the health insurance scheme in rural communities and support peace-building initiatives in the local government area in line with the ARISE Agenda.
He disclosed that the youths would continue to mobilise support for Governor Eno’s programmes and policies across the state.
The delegation also congratulated Igbemi on his appointment as Executive Secretary of the agency and pledged their continued support for Governor Umo Eno’s second-term ambition.
