RismadarVoice Reporters, June 10, 2026
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming the state into a leading destination for medical tourism through sustained investments in healthcare infrastructure, manpower development, and quality service delivery.
The Governor made the declaration on Tuesday while receiving the Minister Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission of the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Nigeria, Ms Kristen Weringsaasen, and a delegation from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) on a courtesy visit to Government House, Uyo.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Governor Eno said healthcare remains a critical pillar of the ARISE Agenda, with ongoing interventions designed to improve access to quality medical services, reduce the need for overseas treatment, and enhance healthcare outcomes for residents.
He highlighted major achievements in the sector, including the construction of a 250-bed Specialist Hospital along the state’s medical corridor, establishment of model Primary Healthcare Centres in all 31 local government areas, recruitment of over 3,000 healthcare workers, expansion of the State Health Insurance Scheme, and deployment of ambulances to local government areas and remote communities.
The Governor expressed appreciation to the Government of Norway and UNFPA for their support, particularly in addressing obstetric fistula and improving maternal healthcare services in the state.
Earlier, Ms Kristen Weringsaasen said the delegation was in Akwa Ibom to commission upgraded health facilities executed in partnership with the state government and to hand over medical equipment to Emmanuel General Hospital, Eket.
Also speaking, UNFPA Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms Muriel Mafico, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting women suffering from obstetric fistula and strengthening reproductive healthcare services.
She noted that UNFPA has maintained a productive partnership with Akwa Ibom State for 17 years and commended the government’s sustained investments in healthcare delivery.
