The 66th National Council of Health, held in Calabar in 2025, themed "My Health, My Right: Accelerating Universal Health Coverage through Equity, Resilience, and Innovation," witnessed a significant milestone.
The Cross River State Government, represented by Deputy Governor, Rt Hon. Peter Odey, received a donation of three 18-seater buses and medical equipment for the Colleges of Nursing Sciences in Calabar, Ogoja, and Obudu from the World Health Organization (WHO).
Odey who declared the event opened on behalf of Governor Bassey Edet Otu, emphasized the need for stronger collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and partners to improve Nigeria's healthcare system.
Prof Muhammed Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, commended WHO for their support and urged the beneficiary institutions to utilize the donated resources effectively, emphasizing the importance of nurturing productive nursing professionals.
Dr Pavel Ursu, WHO Country Representative in Nigeria, reaffirmed WHO's commitment to advancing healthcare services in Nigeria and Cross River State, assuring continued support.
The donated buses and medical equipment were handed over to Eld(Dr )Henry Egbe Ayuk, Cross River State Commissioner for Health, for onward delivery to the beneficiary colleges. The handover ceremony was witnessed by the Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Federal Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Daju Kachollom (mni), FCT, and 36 state commissioners and their permanent secretaries, healthcare sector stakeholders, and top government officials from Cross River State.
