By Tosin Kolade
The Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency (AKSHIA) has been commended as a leading humanitarian institution in Nigeria’s health sector.
The commendation followed the conferment of the African Leadership for Development and Humanitarian Service Hall of Fame Award on its Executive Secretary, Dr Arthur Igbemi, by the Humanitarian Institute of Peace and Community Development.
The award was presented at a ceremony on Sunday in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the Institute’s Executive Director, Samuel Ugoh, described AKSHIA under Igbemi’s leadership as a place of refuge for the people of Akwa Ibom.
“In Nigeria today, the most important aspect of our livelihood is access to quality and affordable food, healthcare and shelter.
“In the healthcare sector as at today, Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency stands out for her uncommon zeal and commitment to touch the lives of everyone in the state.
“Now, more than ever before, the vulnerable population who ordinarily cannot afford good healthcare services, are now included, which is the primary essence of governance,” he said.
Ugoh said that his 13 years of experience in the humanitarian sector had deepened his appreciation of the agency’s impact on the lives of ordinary citizens.
He added that the institute carefully selects awardees based on measurable societal impact driven by purposeful leadership.
“This year, we are honouring seventeen outstanding real African leaders drawn from various sectors with measurable humanitarian impacts in the society.
“The indices are clearly hinged on societal impacts silently driven through purposeful leadership focused on improving lives without seeking public attention, a category which Dr Igbemi clearly fits into,” he said.
Responding, Arthur Igbemi dedicated the award to the Governor of Akwa Ibom, Umo Eno, for his commitment to healthcare delivery in the state.
He said that the Akwa Ibom Health Insurance Scheme, launched in September 2024, was designed to provide affordable and accessible healthcare to residents across the state.
“In less than two years, the health insurance services under the ‘ARISECare’ programme is now accessible by hundreds of thousand residents in all 31 local government areas of Akwa Ibom State.
“Gov. Umo Eno through this initiative is putting smiles on every household in Akwa Ibom State. Our joy today is that no Akwa Ibomite, irrespective of social status or location, is denied access to a functional healthcare delivery.
Enrolment in the scheme is open to all and its benefits come handy when the people need it the most,” he said.
Igbemi attributed the agency’s success to the governor’s prioritisation of health and welfare as key components of his development agenda.
“One thing everyone can see in this present administration under the number one humanitarian leader, Pst. Umo Eno, is putting the health and wellbeing of the people of Akwa Ibom first.
“Ranging from the ‘ARISECare programme’, Medical City project to the ‘Golden Initiative for All (GIFA)’, affordable healthcare delivery, provision of clean water, housing and empowering people lie in the inner heart of the pastor governor.
“That is the main reason we succeed at AKSHIA,” he said.
Also speaking, Isijaan Adasi-Ene, Director of Administration, Utono Obolo Worldwide, commended Igbemi for his achievements in the health sector.
“I am so proud of this great feat achieved by Dr Igbemi in redefining health insurance in Akwa Ibom State after being saddled with the responsibility. He truly deserves this honour,” he said.
Adasi-Ene noted that Igbemi was selective in accepting awards, adding that he had turned down several recognitions that did not align with impactful service to vulnerable communities.
“To the best of my knowledge, he has turned down several other awards, except for few which recognise efforts toward touching lives of people in rural areas especially those who have no one to speak for them.
“He is indeed a blessing to humanity and particularly Akwa Ibom State,” he said.
He also appreciated the state governor for appointing Igbemi and pledged continued support for his administration.
“We sincerely thank Gov. Umo Eno for having faith in our son, and above all giving him all the necessary support to shine the light of development in the health sector in the state.
“As our collective response for his renewed love for our people, we shall continually support Gov. Eno’s administration, and beyond,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the award ceremony honoured 17 outstanding leaders across sectors including health, housing, hospitality and social welfare.
The event also featured the launch of the Majesty Charity Education Foundation.
The Humanitarian Institute of Peace and Community Development said it remained committed to promoting peace, social justice and good governance through recognition of impactful individuals and institutions. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Mark Longyen
