Protocol:
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, It is my honour to deliver this Vote of Thanks at the Executive Session of the 66th National Council on Health here in Calabar, Cross River State.
After two days of intense technical sessions, one thing is clear: this year’s event has been exceptional. The conversations were frank, the analyses rigorous, and the energy unmistakable the kind you only see when people are genuinely committed to building a stronger, more resilient health system. The agenda is set; the momentum is strong; the work ahead is clear.
Let me begin by expressing our sincere appreciation to the Government and people of Cross River State.
Your Excellency, Prince Bassey Edet Otu, hosting an event of this scale requires sacrifice, coordination, and steadfast commitment. We appreciate the warmth, the hospitality, and the willingness of the State to open its doors to the entire health sector family. Every host location comes with its own realities, but your leadership ensured we are able to gather here today, and for that, we are truly grateful.
To the Obong of Calabar, Your Eminence, we are honoured by your presence. Your support reminds us that traditional institutions remain vital partners in community health and public trust.
To the Coordinating Minister, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and the Honourable Minister of State, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, thank you for your leadership and clarity of direction.
Under your guidance, reforms are not theoretical, they are happening every day:
• strengthening primary healthcare;
• expanding diagnostics and essential medicines;
• advancing health security;
• revitalising infrastructure; and
• opening new frontiers in the health value chain.
The Renewed Hope Agenda is moving, and the sector is moving with it.
Distinguished Commissioners for Health, Permanent Secretaries, Directors, Heads of Agencies, and Development Partners, thank you for the depth and honesty you brought to the technical sessions. The strength of this Council lies in the calibre of its participants, and this year you have been focused, forward-looking, and unapologetically reform-minded.
Allow me to commend the states that have excelled in implementing the 65th NCH resolutions:
Sokoto, Jigawa, Zamfara, Taraba, Delta, FCT, Plateau, and Ekiti.
Your performance proves that when political will meets competence, change becomes inevitable. We encourage others to follow this example. The template exists, the results speak for themselves.
My appreciation also goes to the Department of Health Planning, Research and Statistics and the NCH Secretariat. Your coordination and discipline have ensured a smooth journey from memo preparation to today’s executive session. Thank you.
To the Local Organising Committee of Cross River State, led by the Honourable Commissioner, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk , thank you. Preparing for a Council of this magnitude is no small task, yet your commitment and professionalism are evident in every detail.
To our Development Partners, thank you for your continuous technical and financial support. You remain invaluable allies as we strengthen Nigeria’s health system and drive resilience, innovation, and equity across all tiers.
Finally, to all delegates seated here today thank you for your time, your expertise, and your unwavering dedication to improving the health and wellbeing of every Nigerian. As we move from the technical phase into the full Council deliberations, I am confident that the resolutions we reach will reflect our collective wisdom, determination, and shared vision for a healthier Nigeria.
Thank you, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
