Obong of Calabar Urges Effective Implementation of NCH Resolutions as Health Leaders Visit Palace
By Ebi COLLINS and Jessica Edet
The 66th Regular Meeting of the National Council on Health (NCH), hosted in Calabar, concluded on Friday, November 21, 2025, with a high-powered courtesy visit on the Obong of Calabar, His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V. The visit, led by the Federal Ministers of Health, served as the final official engagement of the week-long summit, held under the theme: “My Health, My Right: Accelerating Universal Health Coverage through Equity, Resilience, and Innovation.”
Before departing for the royal palace, the Federal entourage was formally honoured at the Calabar International Convention Centre (CICC). The host, Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, presented appreciation awards to the Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu; the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, CON; the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako; and the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, in recognition of their invaluable roles in ensuring the success of the 66th NCH meeting.
Upon receiving the Ministers and other senior health officials at his palace, the Obong delivered a powerful charge centered on the indispensable role of health in national development. Declaring that “health is wealth,” he stressed that the decisions reached at the NCH must translate into tangible improvements for Nigerians.
“We need effective health centres everywhere, not just structures, but fully functional facilities with drugs, doctors, and personnel,” the Obong said. “The life of every human being is important. Please execute what you have agreed to deliver, and let your work bring joy to the people.”
Leading the delegation, the Coordinating Minister, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, conveyed warm greetings from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, noting that the President instructed his team to show respect to traditional institutions across the country. Prof. Pate confirmed that the NCH in Calabar produced “far-reaching decisions” on the future of Nigerian healthcare and honoured the memory of a son of the palace, the late Dr. Emmanuel Esin, a former Minister of Health.
In his brief remarks, Dr. Ayuk described Prof. Pate as the “father of our health sector” and praised the Obong as a respected defender of primary healthcare in the state.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Ekpo Ekpo Bassey, recalled that upon arrival, Prof. Pate had insisted that it would be inconceivable to spend two days in Calabar without paying homage to the revered monarch.
The visit ended with His Eminence offering prayers for peace and security across the country and inviting delegates to return to Calabar for the upcoming Carnival season. Dr. Ekpo Ekpo Bassey thereafter wished the Ministers and all visiting delegates safe travels back to their respective states.
Other notable attendees included the Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Kelechi Ohiri; the WHO Head of Office in Nigeria, Dr. Pevel Ursu; and representatives of development partners.
