Abia State has been ranked the most prepared state in Nigeria for health emergencies in the 2025 Health Emergency Preparedness Index released by SBM Intelligence, marking a significant milestone in the state’s ongoing healthcare reforms.
Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, announced the development on Tuesday, describing the ranking as “a clear validation of Governor Alex Otti’s sustained investment and transformative policies in the health sector since 2023.”
Speaking at a press briefing in Umuahia, Kanu explained that Abia’s strong performance was driven by improved per-capita health spending, a consistent 15 percent budgetary allocation to the sector, and a Human Development Index (HDI) score of 0.674—one of the highest in the country and well above the national average.
He disclosed that the state is on track to complete the functionalisation of renovated Primary Health Centres (PHCs) before year-end, noting a significant rise in enrolment in the state health insurance scheme.
“As of today, Abia has 119,438 enrollees on the state health insurance scheme. Combined with national enrollees, over 217,000 Abians are currently benefiting from insurance-backed medical care,” he said, while encouraging more residents to sign up.
Kanu added that the state has recorded zero deaths from diseases of public health importance in the first 47 weeks of 2025 and currently has no reported cases of cholera, mpox, yellow fever, diphtheria, or Lassa fever.
He also revealed that preparations for the 2025 Abia Medical Outreach scheduled for December 12–15 are in advanced stages.
Turning to economic development, Kanu announced that Governor Otti will declare open the Abia–Turkey Investment Summit on November 20, ahead of the main summit billed for November 25–27 at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia. The event aims to showcase Abia’s investment potential and strengthen bilateral economic ties with Turkey.
The State Executive Council has also approved the full retrofitting of the National War Museum and the Ojukwu Bunker in Umuahia, following the conclusion of agreements with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments. According to Kanu, the project is expected to revitalise the heritage sites, boost tourism, and create new economic opportunities.
For the festive season, the government has released its cultural programme, including the Abia Comedy Fest set for December 12 and the Abia State Christmas Carol on December 20, expected to feature both local and prominent performers.
Kanu was joined at the briefing by the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Uche, and the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Matthew Ekwuruibe, who both reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to driving reforms across sectors.
“Abia is rising—healthier, stronger, safer, and more prosperous under Governor Alex Chioma Otti,” Kanu declared.
