The Board Chairman of Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), Prof. Princewill Chike has commended the level of progress made by the state insurance agency, saying that it is enormous and heartwarming.
Prof. Chike, represented by Dr. Nnesochi Offor, a board member of RIVCHPP, made the declaration in Port Harcourt on Friday, 12th December 2025, during the celebration of the Universal Health Coverage Day in Rivers State.
RIVCHPP’s board chairman, who also expressed optimism that with the inclusion of those in the informal and formal sectors, more and more people would benefit from the laudable scheme.
Earlier in her welcome remarks, the Executive Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer of RIVCHPP, Dr. Vetty Agala, who stated that Universal Health Coverage Day is an annual global checkpoint where the world pauses, aligns, and reaffirms that healthcare is a right, called for the commitment of everyone to support the enrolment exercise.
Dr. Agala clarified that the progress made in healthcare services in the state is “anchored on leadership that prioritises people,” appreciating the state governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, for his “vision for a resilient, people centred health ecosystem”, which continues to provide the enabling environment for Universal Health Coverage to move from aspiration to execution.
The Executive Secretary of RIVCHPP also used the opportunity of UHC Day to acknowledge and appreciate the Deputy Governor of the state, Dr. Ngozi Ordu, the governor’s wife, Mrs. Valerie Fubara, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, and the board of RIVCHPP.
Dr. Agala made it clear that this is the time to enrol into RIVCHPP , as it is a state-wide infrastructure for risk pooling, financial protection, and equitable access to care.
The celebration, which started with a health/fitness walk, featured seminar, health outreach, and goodwill messages from partners and stakeholders.