Calabar — The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate CON, has received royal commendation for the Federal Government’s ongoing health sector reforms during a courtesy visit to the Obong of Calabar on the sidelines of the 6th National Council on Health (NCH) held in the Cross River State capital.
Speaking at the palace, Prof. Pate led a high-level delegation that included the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom mni, Directors of the Ministry, Commissioners of Health across the 36 states and the FCT, World Health Organization representative, representatives of Development Partners, and, the German government’s country representative.
The Coordinating Minister said the visit aligns with the Federal Government’s tradition of paying homage to traditional institutions whose support remains central to grassroots health delivery.
“We are here with the warm greetings of the Federal Government of Nigeria,” Pate said. “As traditional leaders are custodians of our values, we cannot come to Calabar without paying homage. Your blessings have guided the success of this National Council on Health.”
He said the four-day Council meeting in Calabar produced far-reaching decisions on improving primary healthcare, addressing non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and cervical cancer, expanding HIV testing access, and strengthening state health governance.
Prof. Pate also paid tribute to a former Minister of Health from Cross-River State, the late Dr Emmanuel Nsan, praising his contributions to Nigeria’s health sector and praying for “eternal rest” of his soul.
The Coordinating Minister extended gratitude to Governor Bassey Otu, his deputy, and government officials for hosting delegates from across the country. “We are very satisfied with the outcome of this year’s Council and will return to Abuja to continue implementing the resolutions adopted,” he said.
In his response, the Obong of Calabar His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, expressed delight that Calabar hosted the National Council on Health for the first time, describing it as a milestone for the state and a reaffirmation of its longstanding commitment to healthcare development.
“I have been pioneering many health causes. Health is wealth, and it must remain a priority for every country,” the Obong said. “I am happy this meeting was held here and that it ended successfully.”
He urged the federal and state governments to ensure full implementation of the decisions reached at the Council, stressing that effective primary healthcare centres, with personnel, not just structures, are vital for national wellbeing.
“Please, the life of every human being is important. Execute what you have put on paper. We need functional health centres across the states,” he said.
The Obong also extended warm greetings to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, praising his engagement with traditional institutions and urging continued efforts to stabilize the country, especially in the area of security.
“Tell him we love him and want him to continue the good work he is doing. We pray God strengthens him. Security must improve for us to deliver this country to its full potential,” he added.
The monarch prayed for safe travels for the visiting delegation and encouraged them to “come back again,” reaffirming Calabar as “a peaceful destination with open arms for all.”
Alaba Balogun
Deputy Director/Head, Information
& Public Relations
23 November 2025
