Serve Humanity Well - Obong Of Calabar Tasks Health Sector Stakeholders - FOREFRONT NG Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V, Health Sector, NCH, Obong Of Calabar

Offers 66th National Council On Health forum royal blessings

BY UBON EKANEM, CALABAR – As Calabar, the Cross River State steps up preparations to host the 66th National Council on Health (NCH), the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V, has challenged stakeholders in Nigeria’s health sector to serve humanity with the fear of God.

Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V, who is the traditional ruler of the Efik Kingdom, gave the advice when the Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, led a high-powered delegation of health sector stakeholders to his palace in Calabar.

Giving his royal blessings to the event holding from November 17 to 21, 2025, Edidem Abasi-Otu V said the place of a robust, efficient and people-centered health sector in the nation’s development process cannot be overemphasized.

For him, it is important that stakeholders in the sector shoulder the responsibility and demand of promoting vibrant health services, preventing disease, and ensuring every citizen has access to quality care without undue financial hardship.

The Efik Monarch, who described the visit as a “historic and respectful” gesture by the Health Commissioner and his team, further hinted on the collective mandates of health sector operators to include a blend of service delivery, policy formulation, funding, and sustainable advocacy.

While also appreciating Dr. Ayuk’s focused leadership in driving the State’s health sector, the Treaty King described him as a “natural leader” who has consistently demonstrated genuine concern for the well-being of the people.

He made reference to the Commissioner’s recent intervention at a Health Centre in Adiabo community of the Odukpani Local Government Area, noting thus: “That is somebody who has the love of the people at heart, is thinking of the generality of the people, the area, and everything.”

On the delegation’s invitation, the revered Royal Father and grand patriarch of the Efik Kingdom promised to grace the NCH’s opening ceremony and “add color” to the national event.

Speaking during the visit, the Health Commissioner, Dr. Ayuk said they were at the palace to formally inform and invite the revered monarch to the NHC Forum as well as seek his royal blessings ahead of the event.

Ayuk said, “We felt it was non-negotiable to personally visit and seek the blessings of the revered Obong of Calabar, not just as a matter of respect, but as a critical step in ensuring the success and spiritual endorsement of this national summit.

“The presence of His Eminence will add the necessary cultural authority and royal gravitas to an event where the direction of Nigeria’s entire health sector will be decided.”

He said hosting the 66th NCH, the first time ever, was a significant achievement for Cross River State, given ongoing reforms aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in the health sector.

The Commissioner described the Obong’s support as a “royal blessing” and an invaluable boost to the State’s health agenda under Governor Bassey Otu’s leadership.

Others in the delegation were Dr. Ekpo Ekpo Bassey, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health; Mrs. Uduak Spencer Efem, Special Adviser on Nursing Education and Training; as well as key health sector officials.

Established by the National Health Act of 2014, the NCH is Nigeria’s highest policy-making body for health with the Minister of Health as the Chairman. Its membership includes Commissioners for Health from all 36 states, along with other federal and State health sector officials and stakeholders.

Now in its 66th edition, this year’s gathering, expected to draw policymakers, health experts, and development partners from across Nigeria, would focus on strategies to strengthen the nation’s health systems, advance Universal Health Coverage, innovations, and align with global best practices.