The Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, Natural Ruler, Treaty King, and Grand Patriarch of the Efik Kingdom, received a courtesy visit from the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Ali Pate, and a delegation of health officials.
The delegation included the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Federal Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Daju Kachollom S. (mni), Commissioners from the FCT and 36 states, development partners, donors, and directors from the Federal Ministry of Health.
During the visit, the Obong of Calabar commended the Minister for hosting the 66th National Council of Health in Calabar, a significant milestone for the state. He urged health commissioners to leverage the council’s deliberations and policy gains to ensure that the common man benefits from healthcare policies and implementation.
The Obong of Calabar also praised the state government and President Tinubu’s administration for their healthcare initiatives, calling on citizens to support the administration’s efforts to end insecurity in the country.
Prof. Pate expressed gratitude to the Obong of Calabar for his support for healthcare reform in the state, highlighting the importance of traditional leaders in policy implementation. He briefed the Obong of Calabar on policies developed from the National Council of Health, seeking his support for effective implementation.
The Honorable Commissioner for Health, CRS, Eld. (Dr.) Henry Ayuk, who led the state delegation, thanked the Obong of Calabar for his unwavering support for primary healthcare, citing the construction of a primary healthcare facility in his home as a testament to his commitment.
The visit highlights the importance of collaboration between traditional leaders and government officials in promoting healthcare development in Nigeria. The Obong of Calabar’s support for healthcare initiatives is expected to enhance the effectiveness of policies and programs aimed at improving healthcare delivery in the state and beyond.
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