RIVCHPP BOSS EMERGES FORUM SECRETARY AS STATE HEALTH INSURANCE CEOS CHART NEW PATH FOR UNIVERSAL COVERAGE

The Acting Executive Secretary of the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), Dr. Vetty Agala, has been elected Secretary General of the Forum of Chief Executive Officers of State Social Health Insurance Agencies (SSHIAs), during the second quarterly meeting of the Forum held from May 29–30, 2025, at The Sojourners, Ikeja, Lagos State.

The two-day high-level meeting brought together CEOs of SSHIAs and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to review the implementation of health insurance policies and brainstorm innovative strategies to deepen health coverage across Nigeria.
Day one focused on performance reviews of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF), the State Health Insurance Accountability platform (SWAp), and the HOPE Health initiative. Day two featured the Forum's 2nd quarter strategic session and the election of new executive members, with Dr. Agala’s election seen as a milestone in Rivers State’s increasing prominence in health sector leadership.

Participants lauded the atmosphere of collaboration and peer learning, as states with remarkable enrollment records shared tactics, challenges, and success stories. The shared goal: reduce out-of-pocket health expenses and guarantee equitable access to healthcare for Nigerians in all states.
Dr. Agala’s election as Secretary General was described as a "natural progression" for a leader whose record speaks volumes. Under her stewardship, Rivers State has enrolled 40% of its targeted vulnerable populations, rolled out insurance for indigent children, and led advocacy for a stronger, more inclusive health system.

In a celebratory tone, RIVCHPP hailed the new leadership role as both an honor and a responsibility, promising to intensify efforts toward extending health coverage to the formal sector, corporate bodies, and tertiary institutions.

Beyond policy dialogue, the event was marked by camaraderie, shared laughter, and an unshakable sense of purpose. As participants returned to their respective states, they did so inspired and recommitted to building a health insurance system that truly works for all.

We seize the opportunity to congratulate the new executive committee, ably led by Dr. Simeon Onyemechi of Anambra State, who was overwhelmingly reelected for a second tenure and to Dr. Agadah Zuoboemi (Bayelsa State), the immediate past general secretary, for the amazing work in the past leadership.

At RIVCHPP, we remain committed to making universal health coverage not just a dream, but a reality for all Rivers people.