In the euphoria of the nation’s independence anniversary, it is worthwhile acknowledging individuals who are making significant contributions to the country’s advancement.  Some individuals stand out in this context.  In view of this recognition, The Guardian’s special focus on 50 vision-driven professionals adding value to Nigeria’s economy showcases these remarkable individuals. Among them is Dr. Augusta Ikpea-Enaholo, the Director-General of Edo State Health Insurance Commission (EDOHIC). She is a leader with purpose and aura.

In this interview, she speaks on her educational background, career journey, EDOHIC and other sundry issues.

Educational background

My educational background has been shaped by a strong foundation in law, complemented by specialised postgraduate studies and international exposure. I obtained my Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from the University of Kent, Canterbury, in the United Kingdom. I subsequently obtained an LL.M. in Maritime Law Enforcement from the University of Bristol and another Master’s degree in Maritime Law from the International Maritime Law Institute in Malta. I hold a Doctorate in Peace Education and Health Science from the United Nations Positive Livelihood Award Centre (UN-POLAC). In keeping with my commitment to continuous learning and professional development, I am also pursuing a PhD in Public Governance and Leadership.

Professional path and accomplishments

My professional journey has cut across law, public service, corporate leadership and entrepreneurship. I began my career in the maritime sector and served as a Principal Legal Officer at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), where I gained extensive experience in legal advisory, regulation and public administration.

I subsequently moved into the private sector, where I held leadership responsibilities, including serving as Executive Director at Lee Engineering and Construction, and as Chief Executive Officer of Royal Oaks Events Limited. My transition into healthcare administration represents another dimension of that journey. I accepted the opportunity to serve as Director-General of the Edo State Health Insurance Commission because I see health financing as an area where effective leadership, sound systems and people-centred service delivery can make a direct difference in people’s lives.

Today, one of the accomplishments I value most is the progress we have made at EDOHIC in strengthening systems while expanding access to healthcare. Within the first year of my tenure, more than 55,000 residents were enrolled into various health insurance plans, 25 additional public and private healthcare facilities were accredited, more than 700 healthcare stakeholders were trained, and philanthropic partnerships helped provide coverage for more than 2,000 vulnerable residents. We have also introduced policies around wellness checks and emergency care to strengthen the experience and protection of enrollees.

About Edo State Health Insurance Commission (EDOHIC)

The Edo State Health Insurance Commission was established under the Edo State Health Insurance Law of 2019. Its mandate is to regulate, implement and promote the Edo State Health Insurance Scheme, with the broader objective of ensuring that residents can access affordable and quality healthcare without suffering financial hardship.

Under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Commission continues to support the administration’s commitment to improving access to healthcare and strengthening systems that can deliver sustainable health protection for Edo residents.

Our mission is to deliver high-quality, accessible and affordable health insurance solutions that respond to the diverse needs of Edo residents, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of good health.

Our vision is a future where every resident of Edo State enjoys seamless access to quality healthcare, contributing to a healthier and more prosperous society.

Our key objectives therefore include expanding health insurance coverage, protecting vulnerable populations, strengthening healthcare-provider networks, improving the quality of care, promoting sustainable healthcare financing, and ultimately contributing to Universal Health Coverage in Edo State.

Actualising the Commission’s mandate

We are actualising the mandate through a combination of institutional reforms, wider enrolment, strategic partnerships, stronger provider networks, digital transformation, public education and targeted interventions for vulnerable populations.

A major part of our work has been to take health insurance closer to the people. We have intensified sensitisation across communities, markets, religious institutions, workplaces and the media, while paying particular attention to underserved rural and riverine communities. Partnerships have also been central to this effort. We work with stakeholders, philanthropic organisations and non-governmental organisations to identify and enrol vulnerable residents who may otherwise be unable to afford health insurance.

Technology is another important part of this transformation. One of our key achievements has been the development and deployment of the EDOHIC digital platform, which is transforming the way health insurance services are managed and delivered across the State. The platform is helping to automate processes that were previously handled manually, improving the efficiency of enrolment, verification, authorisation, referrals and claims management. It also strengthens coordination between the Commission and healthcare providers, provides greater visibility across processes and makes it easier to track and manage health insurance activities.

This is more than simply introducing a software system. It represents a significant step in modernising EDOHIC’s operations.

The Commission’s tangible impact

Our impact is increasingly visible in the way residents access healthcare and in the systems we are building to make that access more reliable and sustainable. We have expanded our network of accredited healthcare facilities, strengthened maternal and child health service uptake, improved stakeholder capacity and introduced measures aimed at making healthcare access more responsive to the needs of enrollees.

A significant part of this impact is our continued focus on vulnerable populations. Through the State Equity Plan and the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, we are supporting access to healthcare for pregnant women, children under five, elderly persons, persons living with disabilities and indigent residents in association with stakeholders, philanthropic and non-governmental organisations

Also, the systems and processes are being strengthened within the Commission. Training more than 700 healthcare stakeholders, expanding our provider networks, strengthening complaint-resolution mechanisms and introducing policies around emergency care and preventive wellness are all contributing to a more responsive health insurance ecosystem. Our digital platform is further helping to streamline enrolment, verification, authorisation, referrals and claims management.

For me, the real measure of impact is not simply the number of people registered. It is whether an enrollee can walk into an accredited facility, receive the care covered by the scheme, understand his or her rights and benefits, and experience healthcare with dignity.

The Commission’s Equity Health Plan

The Equity Health Plan is one of the most important expressions of our commitment to health equity, and reflects the administration’s commitment, under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to ensuring that vulnerable residents are not left behind in accessing essential healthcare. It is designed to ensure that residents who may not be able to afford paid health insurance plans are not excluded from healthcare services because of their financial circumstances.

The vulnerable groups targeted through the State’s equity interventions include poor pregnant women, children under five, elderly persons, persons living with disabilities and indigent or very poor residents. The programme also works alongside the Basic Health Care Provision Fund to extend protection to vulnerable populations.

The philosophy behind the Equity Plan is that a person’s ability to pay should not determine whether they can access essential healthcare. Our responsibility at EDOHIC is not only to identify eligible beneficiaries, but also to ensure that they are properly enrolled, validated, connected to accredited facilities and able to access the services for which they are covered.

Leadership approach and passion for quality service delivery

My leadership approach is centred on people, systems, accountability and results. I believe a leader must be willing to listen, learn, make decisions and take responsibility. I also believe that institutions should not depend solely on the personality of whoever occupies a particular office. We must build systems that can continue to deliver even beyond individual tenures.

My passion for quality service delivery comes from understanding that public service is ultimately about people. At EDOHIC, every policy decision eventually affects an individual who may be a mother seeking care for her child, an elderly person, a worker, a trader or someone facing a medical emergency. That is why I place emphasis on service standards, staff capacity, accountability, technology, stakeholder engagement and feedback. We must continually ask ourselves: Is the system working for the person it was created to serve?

Aspiration for the Commission

My aspiration is for EDOHIC to become a strong, sustainable and trusted health insurance institution that contributes meaningfully to Universal Health Coverage in Edo State. I want to see a system where health insurance becomes a normal and preferred pathway for accessing healthcare, rather than something people think about only when they become sick.

I also want the Commission to be recognised for strong governance, transparency, innovation, efficient service delivery and effective protection of vulnerable populations. Beyond enrolment numbers, I want us to build an institution where data informs decisions, technology simplifies access, healthcare providers are accountable, enrollees understand their rights, and quality healthcare is delivered with dignity. Most importantly, I want the work we are doing today to outlive individual administrations and become part of a sustainable healthcare financing structure that future generations can rely on.

Advice for young Chief Executives

They need to understand that leadership is both a privilege and responsibility. Never become so occupied with the title that you forget the purpose of the office.

Firstly, build competence. Continue learning because the world is changing rapidly and yesterday’s knowledge may not be enough for tomorrow’s challenges. Secondly, build people. No Chief Executive succeeds alone. Surround yourself with competent people, give them room to contribute, hold them accountable and recognise their efforts. Thirdly, listen. Your staff, customers, partners and even critics can provide information that helps you improve. A leader who stops listening eventually stops learning. Fourthly, be willing to take calculated risks, but ensure that your decisions are informed by facts, sound judgment, and a clear understanding of the consequences. Finally, protect your integrity. Reputation takes years to build and very little time to lose. Leadership should not only be measured by what you achieve, but also by how you achieve it and the values you leave behind.

Relaxation activities

I believe relaxation is important because leadership can be demanding, and you need to create space to recharge. I enjoy spending quality time with family and close friends, and I appreciate moments that allow me to step away from the demands of work and simply reconnect with the people and things that matter. I also enjoy exercising and staying active. I particularly enjoy walking and golfing, which give me the opportunity to stay physically active while also taking some time away from the demands of work. I also love music and enjoy listening to music as a way of relaxing and unwinding.

This article is part of The Guardian’s Special Focus on 50 Vision-Driven Professionals Adding Value to Nigeria’s Economy.