Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has received an Award of Excellence from the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives in recognition of his leadership and contributions to the development of healthcare services and infrastructure under the ARISE Agenda.

The award was presented to the governor during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the nursing profession, including heads of nursing institutions and principal officers from across Nigeria, who were in Akwa Ibom for the 2026 Commonwealth Nurses and Midwives West Africa Regional Conference.
The delegation commended Eno for what it described as the transformation taking place in the state, particularly in the healthcare sector, as well as his support for the advancement of the nursing profession.

Receiving the award, Eno said he regarded the honour as recognition of the collective efforts of the people of Akwa Ibom and members of his administration who had contributed to the state’s development.

“Each time I receive an award like this, I like to throw it back to the people of Akwa Ibom and everyone who has cooperated with the administration to interpret our vision in different areas, especially in the health sector,” he said.
The governor commended the Commissioner for Health, Dr Ekem John, for his commitment and leadership in driving reforms in the sector, saying the recognition received by the state was evidence of sustained efforts to improve healthcare delivery.

He stressed that the welfare of the people remained the essence of governance, with healthcare being a critical component.
“If people are not healthy, no matter what you build, there will be nobody to enjoy it,” Eno said, assuring residents that his administration would continue to invest in improving healthcare delivery.
He highlighted the growth of the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Scheme, describing it as one of the fastest-growing health insurance agencies in the country.

The governor said the state was also considering measures to enrol elderly citizens in the scheme to reduce the burden of out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.
According to him, expanding health insurance coverage would make healthcare more accessible and affordable, particularly for vulnerable residents.
Eno also acknowledged the important role of experienced nurses and midwives in the healthcare system, saying their years of professional knowledge and practical experience remained invaluable to younger medical practitioners.
He said the state would explore ways of retaining the expertise of retired nurses and other experienced healthcare professionals, stressing that their knowledge should not be allowed to go to waste.

“Some of those experienced nurses and midwives command tremendous respect, and even young doctors rely on them to explain actual work procedures. Making use of their experience is to our advantage,” he said.
The governor assured the nursing leadership that his administration would continue to support initiatives aimed at strengthening the healthcare system and improving the working conditions of healthcare professionals.

Earlier, the nursing delegation said it was in Akwa Ibom for a nationwide programme designed to chart a new course for the nursing profession, advance the sector and enhance its value.
The delegation presented the Award of Excellence to Eno for “exemplary leadership, voluntary contributions to the development of health services and infrastructure through the ARISE Agenda” and his support for the advancement of nursing in Akwa Ibom.
Eno thanked the delegation for the honour and wished the participants a successful conference and a safe return to their respective destinations.