FG Delegates, Others, Converge in Calabar for 66th NCH Summit as Cross River Seeks N200bn for Obudu Resort Revamp

The second day of the 66th National Council of Health (NCH) in Calabar, Cross River State, progressed with renewed momentum on Tuesday as federal and state delegates gathered for a high-level technical session led by the Federal Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kacholloms S. (mni).

 

Centred on the theme “My Health, My Right: Accelerating Universal Health Coverage through Equity, Resilience, and Innovation,” the session reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to advancing equitable and accessible healthcare across the country.

 

A key highlight of the day was a presentation by the Cross River State delegation, led by Commissioner for Health, Elder (Dr.) Henry Ajuk Egbe. The delegation submitted an important memo titled “Improved Access to Fistula Care in Cross River State,” which shed light on the state’s initiatives to reduce maternal mortality and expand access to fistula treatment for women.

 

The memo, presented by the Permanent Secretary, Cross River State Ministry of Health, Dr. Jonah Bassey Offor, earned praise from delegates and was officially noted for council consideration. Participants commended the state for prioritising women’s health and strengthening essential healthcare services.

 

The gathering attracted critical stakeholders, including 36 Permanent Secretaries, Directors-General of health agencies, development partners, donors, and representatives from the FCT and all 36 states—underscoring the national importance of the summit’s outcomes.

 

Also present was the Special Assistant to the Cross River State Governor on Nursing, Mr. Coco-Bassey Esu, whose participation highlighted ongoing efforts to reform nursing practice and improve health outcomes in the state.

 

Stakeholders say discussions at the ongoing summit are shaping into a defining moment for Nigeria’s health sector, paving the way for stronger policies, innovative solutions, and measurable gains in universal health coverage.

 

 

Cross River Requires N200bn to Rehabilitate Obudu Mountain Resort

 

In a separate development, the Cross River State Government has revealed it needs over N200 billion to rehabilitate and upgrade the iconic Obudu Mountain Resort.

 

The disclosure was made by Sunday Michael, Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu on the Obudu Mountain Resort, during an interview in Calabar.

 

According to him, the proposed rehabilitation covers major infrastructure, including an airstrip, a 3WM power plant, a cable car system, and other critical facilities. He noted that planned housing units for the resort are not included in the N200 billion estimate.

 

Michael revealed that several private firms from Egypt, India, and other countries have already expressed interest in the project due to the resort’s vast economic potential.

 

He added that talks with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) have been concluded for the development of the power plant dedicated to the resort.

 

To ensure long-term sustainability, the adviser said the resort will be listed on three major global stock exchanges, allowing the private sector to take the lead while the government maintains a supervisory role.

 

He also confirmed that the Federal Government has released N5 billion to support the rehabilitation, with the funds currently being used for remedial work at the site.

 

Obudu Mountain Resort has faced years of deterioration. In 2017, the state government under former Governor Ben Ayade entered into a public-private partnership with CIBA Construction Company Limited to rebuild and operate the facility, with Marriott International proposed as a partner.

 

However, in March 2025, Governor Otu terminated the agreement, citing CIBA’s inability to meet critical development commitments, including hotel renovations and investment obligations. The government reported severe damage and vandalism at the resort, estimated at ₦6.8 billion, as part of the reasons for revoking the concession.

 

(NAN)