Executive Secretary of Akwa Ibom Health Insurance Agency, Dr Igbemi Arthur Igbemi has explained why he dedicated the African Prestige Honoris award to Governor Umo Eno saying it was for providing “affordable healthcare to the people.”
“This recognition is not just for me, but for a leader who dares to believe in the sanctity of human life and the necessity of affordable healthcare.”
Igbemi, who spoke after receiving the award which took place in Nairobi, Kenya said the Governor’s unwavering support and belief in his capacity to deliver on the mandate made the award possible.
“The Governor’s vision for the state is what fuels our passion at AKSHIA. He has created an enabling environment where innovation can thrive, and for that, we are seeing the fruits today in the city of Nairobi,” he added.
According to him, commitment by the governor to the health sector has provided the agency with the necessary resources to ensure that no Akwa Ibomite is pushed into poverty by medical bills.
While emphasizing the importance of cross-border collaboration, knowledge sharing, and institutional innovation, he called on African governments to strengthen partnerships that move beyond resource dependence toward knowledge-driven, people-centred economies.
In a release made available to the media, it stated that the award
was conferred in recognition of Dr Igbemi’s role in driving reforms through the state health insurance scheme, which has widened access to affordable healthcare services.
The award, presented during a high-level summit of continental policy leaders, recognised Dr. Igbemi’s leadership in expanding health insurance coverage and promoting sustainable healthcare financing in Akwa Ibom State.
Under his leadership, the agency has rolled out the Arise Care Programme, a flagship initiative aimed at improving access to quality healthcare for vulnerable groups and formal sector workers.
The scheme has continued to record steady progress in enrollment and service delivery in line with efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC), with thousands of residents reportedly benefitting since its launch in 2024.
He was recognised alongside other health sector leaders for contributions to health systems strengthening and the promotion of insurance-based healthcare delivery models across Africa.
The recognition by the African Prestige Honoris Award positions Dr. Igbemi as part of a new generation of African public sector reformers and leaders committed to strengthening institutions, challenging conventional approaches, and delivering measurable impact in public service delivery.
The recently concluded award ceremony in Nairobi set the tone for broader reflections on what African public service can achieve when vision, leadership, and innovation are effectively aligned, underscoring that meaningful reform often begins with a deliberate decision to do things differently, sustained by the discipline and consistency required to translate vision into results.
The event was attended by a wide range of stakeholders from across Nairobi and the broader African health and development community.
