Abia State has claimed the top spot in Nigeria’s 2025 Health Emergency Preparedness Index, according to a report by SBM Intelligence, underscoring the impact of Governor Alex Otti’s health sector reforms. The announcement was made on Tuesday by Prince Okey Kanu, the state’s Commissioner for Information.
Kanu described the ranking as a “validation of the government’s sustained investment and transformative policies in healthcare” since 2023. He noted that Abia’s impressive Human Development Index score of 0.674, one of the highest nationwide, coupled with a consistent 15% budgetary allocation to health, has helped strengthen the state’s health system.
The commissioner said the functionalisation of renovated Primary Health Centres across the state is on track for completion before year-end. He also revealed that health insurance enrolment has reached 119,438 at the state level, bringing the total number of Abians benefiting from insurance-backed care to about 217,000 when combined with national enrollees.
Highlighting the state’s public health achievements, Kanu said Abia has recorded zero deaths from diseases of public health importance in the first 47 weeks of 2025. There are currently no reported cases of cholera, mpox, yellow fever, diphtheria, or Lassa fever in the state. Preparations for the 2025 Abia Medical Outreach, scheduled for December 12–15, are reportedly in advanced stages.
In addition to healthcare, Abia is gearing up to host the Abia–Turkey Investment Summit, which will run from November 25–27 at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia. Governor Otti will officially open the summit on November 20. The event aims to showcase Abia’s investment potential and strengthen economic ties with Turkey.
Cultural and tourism initiatives are also taking centre stage. The State Executive Council has approved a major retrofitting of the Ojukwu Bunker and the National War Museum in Umuahia, a move expected to revitalise the heritage sites, boost tourism, and create new economic opportunities.
For the festive season, the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy has lined up events including the Abia Comedy Fest on December 12 and the Abia State Christmas Carol on December 20. The celebrations will feature both local and renowned artists, reflecting the government’s commitment to cultural vibrancy.
Kanu, alongside the Commissioners for Health and Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, reaffirmed the state government’s dedication to continuing reforms and delivering on Governor Otti’s vision for Abia.
“Abia is rising - healthier, stronger, safer, and more prosperous,” Kanu said, concluding that the state is on a steady path of progress under Governor Otti’s leadership.
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