Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Abia State has emerged as the best-performing state in Nigeria on the health emergency preparedness index.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this during a press conference in Umuahia, noting that the ranking was contained in the SBM 2025 report.
Describing the achievement as a significant milestone in the health sector, the Commissioner attributed the feat to the unprecedented efforts of Governor Alex Otti toward revolutionising the state’s critical health system.
He appreciated SBM Intelligence, a research and strategic communications consultancy, for its assessment.
“The report confirmed that the reforms being carried out in the health sector by the Governor are the best in the country.
“The state’s leading performance is anchored on a robust per capita health spend of about N22,962,000 and a consistent 15% budget allocation to the health sector since 2023.
“The entire report translates to an impressive Human Development Index of 0.674—one of the best in the country and above the national average,” Prince Kanu stated.
He added that the functionalisation of the renovated primary health centres across the state is progressing well and is likely to be concluded before the end of the year.
The Commissioner further said the state’s health insurance enrolment continues to rise, with the current figure standing at 119,438. “If you combine the state’s enrolment in the scheme with that of the federal government, we have about 217,000 enrollees in both the state and national health insurance schemes.
“Abians are therefore encouraged to keep registering to continue enjoying these services, which enable them to access medical care without much hindrance,” he stated.
Prince Kanu also revealed that no Abian or resident has died from diseases of public health importance within the first 47 weeks of the year—a statistic he described as a profound reflection of the impact of ongoing health sector reforms.
He added that the state currently has no recorded cases of diseases of public health importance, such as cholera, mpox, yellow fever, or diphtheria.
The Commissioner announced that the Abia Medical Outreach for 2025 will hold between December 12 and 15, adding that preparations are in advanced stages to ensure a hitch-free exercise.
He also disclosed that the much-anticipated Abia–Turkey Investment Summit would be declared open on Tuesday, November 20, 2025, by Governor Alex Otti, and the main summit would hold between November 25 and 27 at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia.
According to him, the summit will highlight the state’s investment potential while strengthening bilateral business relations between Nigeria and Turkey, and between Abia State and Turkey in particular.
Contributing, the Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, said the Governor’s revolutionary interventions in the health sector were responsible for Abia emerging first in the health emergency preparedness index.
“The SBM Intelligence 2025 rating is simply a confirmation of what has been happening in the health sector.
“The rating is based on data from very notable sources, including the National Bureau of Statistics, WHO, the National Demographic and Health Survey, Budget, the Global Data Lab, and a reputable research university.
“We are very happy with where we are, but we are not yet where we want to be. The reforms will continue, as outlined in the Governor’s social contract with Ndi Abia.
“This government’s consistent 15% annual budget allocation to the health sector has helped bring direct care to our people. Billions have been saved in healthcare costs for ordinary Abians through the outreach programmes,” Prof. Uche said.
He highlighted some of the indices used for the rating, including the doctor-to-population ratio and the Human Development Index, which considers life expectancy, quality of education, and other development indicators.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, was also present at the briefing.
