Abia State Breaks New Ground In Healthcare As Governor Otti Launches Formal Health Insurance, Free Hearing Aids & Medical Outreach With Obasanjo Foundation

The Abia State Government, under the visionary leadership of Governor Alex Otti, has unveiled three historic healthcare initiatives in a landmark event that signals a new era in the state’s health sector. In collaboration with the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation and other strategic partners, the state launched:

The Formal Sector Health Insurance Scheme, aimed at providing affordable, accessible, and comprehensive healthcare to tens of thousands of Abia civil servants and their families.

The Free Hearing Aid Distribution Project, through the Sound Intervention Mission, which will empower 1,000 individuals with premium hearing aids, restoring dignity and improving quality of life.

The Free Medical Outreach, a mobile, community-based program delivering consultations, treatments, and minor surgeries directly to residents of Umuahia and Aba at no cost.

Speaking at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, Governor Otti declared, “Nobody in the New Abia will be denied access to healthcare because of financial reasons.” In a powerful speech titled “Beyond Healthcare,” the Governor laid out a bold vision for a dynamic, inclusive, and responsive healthcare system that prioritizes the people’s wellbeing.

“The formal sector health insurance scheme will see tens of thousands of civil servants and their dependants enrolled for round-the-clock qualitative healthcare services at designated healthcare facilities in every part of the State.

“This initiative is structured to drastically reduce out-of-pocket expenditure for individuals in the formal sector employment, cut down risks and hazards associated with self-medication and create demand for medical services in all the public health facilities in our urban and rural communities,” Gov. Otti stated.

He added that the scheme would go beyond the provision of essential medical diagnostics and laboratory services to beneficiaries to offer surgical, orthopaedic, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology services to those that would enrol and ease the financial strain individuals and families pass through, especially in times of emergencies as well as cut down the incidence of maternal and neonatal mortalities.

He explained that the health insurance scheme is designed to drastically reduce out-of-pocket expenses, minimize the dangers of self-medication, and stimulate demand in public healthcare facilities across urban and rural communities. The scheme will cover diagnostics, surgeries, paediatrics, obstetrics, and gynaecological care, providing comprehensive coverage especially in emergencies, and helping reduce maternal and neonatal mortality.

Importantly, the scheme will begin with a subsidized contribution model—civil servants will contribute only 2.5% of their basic salary, matched by 2.5% from the government. The Governor also announced a N1 billion take-off fund to ensure smooth implementation and access.

“This particular project (medical outreach) is the first of its kind. This outreach will ultimately abolish the era of medical programmes and outreaches in open fields, market squares or in community halls.

“I would like to use this opportunity to reiterate the ban placed by the State Government on the use of public schools, markets, religious centres and other unauthorised locations for medical outreach.

In his remarks, Governor Otti emphasized a new standard for medical outreaches in the state, declaring an end to health missions conducted in open spaces, market squares, and unregulated venues. He reaffirmed the government’s ban on unauthorized outreach locations, prioritizing structured, safe, and dignified medical service delivery.

Highlighting the Sound Intervention Hearing Mission, the Governor commended former President Olusegun Obasanjo and his foundation for sponsoring the initiative, which he described as the first of its kind in the region. “This project will restore sound and hope to 1,000 lives across the South East,” he said.

“The Sound Intervention Hearing Mission would see the distribution of premium hearing aids and support systems to 1, 000 persons with hearing impairment, selected from different states and communities in the South East region,” Gov. Otti stated.

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, who officially unveiled the projects, lauded Governor Otti’s commitment to health reforms. “Healthcare security and universal access are crucial for national development. With leaders like Governor Otti, Nigeria’s future is bright,” Obasanjo noted.

He emphasized that hearing impairment should not be seen as a stigma and advocated for trained personnel to support the effective use and maintenance of hearing aids.
“Healthcare security which is what we are doing here today and health for all is what led to my establishing the health insurance scheme.

“Nigeria is a potentially great nation, with people like you (Gov. Otti), we will achieve our potentials. So, we are here to launch the Abia State medical outreach and healthcare delivery for all. This is very important,” Obasanjo noted..

Health Commissioner Prof. Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche described the scheme as a milestone in Abia’s journey toward universal healthcare. “This is a contributory scheme structured to protect state workers and their families. We urge all civil servants to enroll immediately,” he said.

The Executive Secretary of the Abia State Health Insurance Agency, Dr. Chiedozie Egwuonwu, echoed the Governor’s vision, noting that the initiative reflects his unwavering commitment to healthcare for all.

The event, attended by dignitaries, healthcare professionals, civil servants, and the general public, also featured a keynote lecture by Prof. Basil Ezeanolue, Professor Emeritus of Otorhinolaryngology. His topic, “Prevention of Hearing Loss and Empowerment Through Sound Intervention”, underscored the life-changing potential of the new hearing aid initiative.

Beneficiaries of the hearing aid project shared moving testimonies, expressing deep gratitude to the Abia State Government and the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation.

Governor Otti closed by thanking Chief Obasanjo for his enduring patriotism and love for the people of Abia. “Your commitment to public service at this stage of your life is inspiring. We are grateful for your leadership and partnership,” he said.

With these groundbreaking initiatives, Abia State has taken a bold step toward a healthier, more equitable future—one where no citizen is left behind due to financial, physical, or systemic barriers to healthcare.