By Pat Gbemudu
The Director-General of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, Olorogun *Dr. Isaac Akpoveta*, has been honoured with an Award of Excellence for outstanding contributions to social health insurance implementation in Nigeria.
The award was presented at the closing of the 2026 National Summit of State Social Health Insurance Agencies, SSHIA, in Akure, Ondo State. The summit convened heads of SSHIAs, policymakers, development partners, and healthcare providers to review progress and advance Universal Health Coverage.
Presenting the award, SSHIAs Chairman and DG, Katsina Contributory Healthcare Management Agency, *Mr. Mohammed Safana*, commended Akpoveta’s visionary leadership. He noted that under Akpoveta, Delta State has emerged as a top performer in health insurance coverage, with strong gains in enrolment, service delivery, and protection of vulnerable groups.
The recognition also highlighted Akpoveta’s role in advancing innovative healthcare financing and strengthening partnerships driving social health insurance nationwide. Participants described him as a leading advocate for sustainable healthcare financing and equitable access to care.
Receiving the award, Akpoveta dedicated it to Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the Delta State Government, healthcare workers, development partners, and the DSCHC team. He said the honour would spur greater efforts to expand coverage and improve access for Deltans.
He reaffirmed DSCHC’s commitment to national UHC goals, stressing that health insurance is key to reducing out-of-pocket costs and shielding families from medical financial hardship.
The summit featured panel sessions, exhibitions, and best-practice exchanges on boosting enrolment, improving service quality, and securing sustainable financing for state schemes.