UYO – Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to transforming the state into a leading destination for medical tourism through sustained investments in world-class healthcare infrastructure, modern diagnostic facilities, manpower development, and quality healthcare delivery.
Governor Eno made the declaration on Tuesday while receiving the Minister Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission of the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Nigeria, Ms. Kristen Weringsaasen, and a delegation from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) during a courtesy visit to Government House, Uyo.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, the Governor described healthcare as one of the top priorities of his administration, stressing that ongoing investments in infrastructure and human capital are aimed at reducing the need for overseas medical treatment, improving access to healthcare services, and ensuring affordable, quality care for residents.
He highlighted several initiatives undertaken by the government, including the construction of a 250-bed Specialist Hospital along the state’s medical corridor, the establishment of model Primary Healthcare Centres in all 31 local government areas with solar-powered staff quarters, the recruitment of over 3,000 healthcare workers, the expansion of the State Health Insurance Scheme to rural communities, and the provision of ambulances for emergency response services across local government areas and hard-to-reach communities.
Governor Eno expressed appreciation to the Government of Norway and UNFPA for their support to healthcare interventions in the state, particularly programmes focused on the treatment and rehabilitation of women living with obstetric fistula.
Earlier, Ms. Weringsaasen said the delegation was in Akwa Ibom to commission upgraded health facilities implemented in partnership with the state government and to formally hand over medical equipment to Emmanuel General Hospital, Eket.
Also speaking, the UNFPA Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Muriel Mafico, noted that the visit reflected the shared commitment of governments and development partners to supporting women affected by obstetric fistula and ensuring they receive the care and dignity they deserve.
Mafico disclosed that UNFPA has maintained a strong partnership with Akwa Ibom State for the past 17 years and pledged continued support towards improving maternal and reproductive healthcare outcomes in the state.
She emphasized that sustainable progress in women’s health requires collective action and inclusive participation, commending the philosophy embodied in the Akwa Ibom State Anthem, which she said aligns with UNFPA’s principle of “leaving no one behind.”
The UNFPA representative also lauded the state government’s sustained investments in healthcare and appreciated the Government of Norway for supporting UNFPA programmes in several countries.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem John, described obstetric fistula as a preventable condition, stressing that no woman should be left to suffer from it. He assured that the state government, working with development partners, would intensify efforts towards eradicating the condition in Akwa Ibom.
While expressing gratitude to Norway and UNFPA for their support to the state’s health sector reforms, the commissioner urged UNFPA to fulfil its commitment to providing solar-powered lighting facilities for healthcare centres across the state.
The meeting was attended by several government officials and development partners, including the Commissioner for Economic Development and Budget, Dr. Nsikan Linus Nkan; Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr. Joseph Esidem; Political and Development Adviser, Ms. QueenEsther Ironausi; SRH Programme Coordinator, Lordfred Achu; Head of CRSO, Andrew Kirima; Programme Specialist, Yakubu Aliyu; Sexual and Reproductive Health Specialist, Baba Mari; and the Governor’s Special Assistant on Boundary Matters, Elder Okokon Ufi, among others.
