…as Council Chair reaffirms Commitment to accessible, affordable healthcare.
Ibeno Local Government Area, under the visionary leadership of the Executive Chairman, Hon. Dcns. Glory Effiong, on Wednesday, 17th December 2025, hosted the 2025 Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day Celebration, at the Council Hall, Upenekang.
The event, held in strategic partnership with the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency (AKSHIA), showcased the local government’s commitment to ensuring equitable and sustainable healthcare for all residents of Ibeno.
In her welcome address, the Ibeno Chairman described healthcare equity as a critical pillar of grassroots development and assured residents of her administration’s continuous commitment to policies and programmes that expand access to quality healthcare services.
She commended Governor Umo Eno for what she described as his people-centred leadership, innovative health policies and commitment to the welfare of citizens.
On his part, the Chairman of Board of Trustees of AKSHIA, Dr. Edikan Okon while delivering the 2025 UHC Day message, highlighted the importance of health insurance in reducing catastrophic out-of-pocket health expenses and improving overall health outcomes.
Dr. Okon who double as Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Health Insurance, applauded the State Chief Executive for approving 200 free health insurance packages for residents of Ibeno and lauded the collaboration with the Ibeno Local Government Chairman, whom he described as a strong advocate for public health at the grassroots.
Also Speaking, the Executive Secretary of AKSHIA, Dr. Igbemi Arthur Igbemi, in a thematic presentation titled “Unaffordable Health Costs? We Are Sick of It!”, stressed the need for sustainable healthcare financing and increased enrollment in the state health insurance scheme.
He called for stronger community participation as a pathway to achieving universal health coverage across the state.
The event featured goodwill messages by prominent stakeholders, including Dr. Enobong Akpan, representing the Honourable Commissioner for Health; Prince Ndayo Nyaudo, Head of Service, Ibeno Local Government Area; Obong Emmanuel Peter, Village Head of Atabrikang; Mrs. Iquo Okon, APC Women Leader, Ibeno; and Comrade Victor Edikpo, Youth Leader. Collectively, who all lauded the Council Boss leadership style and emphasised the importance of collaboration in delivering effective healthcare services.
Highpoint of the well-attended event was the recognition of individuals for their contributions to health advocacy and service delivery, among them were; the Executive Chairman of Ibeno, Hon. (Mrs) Glory Effiong who was honoured with award of Excellence; the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Emmanuel Ekem, represented by Dr. Enobong Akpan; and Rt. Hon. Okpolupm Etteh, represented by Hon. Eko-Akwaha Etteh.