The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, says Delta Governor, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, is as a trail-blazer in the reformation of the health sector.

He stated this on Thursday night at a banquet organised by Delta Government in honour of participants at the 62nd National Council on Health (NCH) Meeting in Asaba.

Ehanire said that governors of other states in the country needed to learn from Okowa on how he was been able to record several successes in healthcare services in the state in few years.

“We commend you (Governor Okowa) for being a shining example to other state governors as it concerns the health sector,” he said.

The minister pointed out that Okowa’s successes in contributory health insurance scheme, renovation and refurbishing of hospitals and primary healthcare centres and distribution of insecticide-treated reflected in the seamless organization of NCH in Asaba.

In his remarks, Okowa said that his administration was building unity and strong partnership among Deltans and urged the Federal Government to borrow a leaf from it to make the country more peaceful and united.

“In this state, we are building unity and partnership among our people. We believe that since it has worked for us in achieving peace and accelerated development, it will work for Nigeria.

“For us to succeed in the health sector as a nation, we require a lot of partnership; stories that we have today that do not place us well globally should be changed.

“There is nothing that we cannot achieve as a country once we set our mind on that,” he said.

He listed some of his administration’s achievements, especially in infrastructural development in coastal communities, and assured that he would continue to partner Federal Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to develop the health sector.

The event also featured the presentation of gifts to the participants and entertainment of guest by Delta-born musicians and comedians.

•Photo by Jibunor Samuel shows Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa (left) presenting a gift to the Hon. Minister of Health Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, during the State Banquet, in Hounor of Delegates to the national Council of Health, held at Dome Event Centre Okpanam Road, Asaba Delta State.

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