By Kenneth Orusi, Managing Editor
The Delta State Contributory Health Commission has announced a major milestone in its drive to expand access to affordable and quality healthcare, revealing that no fewer than 2,886,000 residents have so far been enrolled in the state’s health insurance scheme as of May 2026.
The Director-General of the Commission, Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, disclosed this on Wednesday May 6, 2026, during an interactive engagement with traditional rulers across the state at their Secretariat in Asaba, under the theme: “Improving Access To Affordable and Quality Healthcare through Innovative Health Insurance Scheme: The Delta State Story.”
Dr. Akpoveta explained that the meeting was part of efforts to provide royal fathers with updates on the successes recorded by the commission over the past 12 years, following earlier advocacy visits carried out across Delta North, Delta Central, and Delta South senatorial districts at the inception of the scheme.
“Twelve years ago, we carried out advocacy visits to all the traditional rulers in Delta State. We met Delta North in Asaba, Delta Central in Olomu, and Delta South at Government House Annex, Asaba.
“We sought their advice, guidance, and buy-in into the scheme, and it helped us tremendously in reaching almost every corner of the state,” he said.
According to him, the advocacy and support of traditional rulers contributed immensely to the widespread acceptance of the health insurance programme among Deltans.
“This meeting, 12 years later, is to update them. We asked them then for advice; today, we are presenting the results. From zero enrolment at inception, we now have 2.88 million Deltans registered into the scheme,” Akpoveta stated.
The DG noted that the scheme particularly prioritises vulnerable groups, including children under five years, pregnant women, elderly persons aged 65 years and above, as well as physically and mentally challenged citizens.
“It is an inclusive policy of the government. The MORE Agenda is about inclusivity and ensuring that Deltans are brought into the scheme.
“Traditional rulers and members of their families are registered free of charge, while every Deltan aged 65 and above and every child under five is also enrolled free of charge as mandated by law,” he explained.
Dr. Akpoveta further said the programme has significantly reduced maternal and child mortality, improved healthcare access, and enhanced the life expectancy of residents across the state.
“In the process of carrying out these activities, there has been a reduction in deaths among children and women, especially during pregnancy. It has improved the lifespan of Deltans.
“His Excellency, the Governor, through the Commission and other agencies in the health sector, is doing a wonderful job, and Deltans are happy,” he added.
He commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for sustaining policies that continue to deepen healthcare coverage and social protection in the state.
“The Governor has unbounded traditional rulers into the scheme, onbounded adults aged 65 years and above, and ensured inclusiveness in healthcare delivery.
The message from the traditional rulers today is clear, we must continue to work harder until every Deltan in every nook and cranny is enrolled,” Akpoveta said.
DG also disclosed that he urged monarchs to convene meetings with their chiefs and community leaders to deepen awareness of the health insurance programme at the grassroots level.
“When chiefs are properly informed, they return to their various communities and encourage their people to embrace the scheme.
“That grassroots mobilization is key to achieving universal health coverage,” he noted.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Board of the Commission, Dr. Austin Obidi, described the achievements of the commission as the product of strategic advocacy and effective leadership.
“Well, it is an opportunity meets preparation. Advocacy breeds excellence. The DG gave an update of our activities to date, and our records are laudable and heartwarming,” Obidi stated.
“You can see from the comments of our royal fathers that they are impressed. But the reward for hard work is more work.
“More advocacy and awareness campaigns will continue to showcase the remarkable achievements of the MORE Agenda of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Oborevwori. We are determined not to leave anybody behind,” he added.
Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, alongside other monarchs, commended the Director-General and his team for what they described as outstanding performance in the healthcare sector.
The royal fathers, however, urged the commission to intensify efforts in reaching rural and underserved communities where residents may still struggle to afford healthcare services or lack awareness about the scheme.
