Odey reaffirms People First administration’s commitment to strengthening healthcare institutions
By Staff Reporter
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Published on September 23, 2026
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3 min read
Cross River State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dr Peter Odey, has reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu to strengthening healthcare delivery and improving the welfare of medical professionals across the state.
Odey stated this on Tuesday when he received a delegation of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), led by its outgoing National President, Dr Mohammad Usman Suleiman, at the Deputy Governor’s Conference Room, Government House, Calabar.
The Deputy Governor said the Otu administration had deliberately prioritised the health sector as a critical component of its People First agenda, stressing that the government would continue to implement policies and programmes aimed at improving access to quality healthcare.
Odey assured resident doctors and other health professionals that the Governor Otu-led administration would continue to implement policies and programmes designed to create an enabling and conducive environment for medical professionals to practise and build their careers in Cross River State.
He said the government was committed to improving conditions of service, strengthening healthcare institutions and addressing factors that could contribute to the “Japa” tendency, thereby encouraging doctors and other skilled health professionals to remain in the state and contribute to the development of its healthcare system.
He also appreciated the NARD leadership for choosing Cross River State to host its 46th Annual General Meeting, expressing optimism that the gathering would provide an important platform for professional exchange, knowledge sharing and meaningful discussions on the future of healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
Earlier, the outgoing National President of NARD and leader of every delegation, Dr Mohammad Usman Suleiman, commended the Cross River State Government for its commitment to the welfare of citizens and health workers, particularly the significant interventions and reforms undertaken in the healthcare sector under Governor Otu’s administration.
Dr Suleiman specifically highlighted the 100 per cent implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), describing it as a significant step towards improving the welfare and working conditions of medical doctors and other health professionals in the state.
He also commended the government for the upgrading of Primary Healthcare Centres, strengthening of the Hospital Management Board, enactment of the Medical Quackery Prohibition Law and establishment of the Drug Management Agency, noting that the initiatives would contribute to strengthening healthcare administration and service delivery.
The NARD President further acknowledged the extension of the retirement age for health workers to 65 years and the lifting of the employment embargo, including the recruitment of medical specialists, describing the measures as important interventions capable of strengthening the state’s healthcare workforce.
Dr Suleiman expressed the association’s appreciation to the Governor Otu-led administration for creating an environment that supports the professional growth and welfare of healthcare workers, while also advancing measures aimed at improving healthcare services for Cross Riverians.
Speaking further, he disclosed that the visit was part of preparations for the 46th NARD Annual General Meeting and the inauguration of the association’s 46th National President, Dr Ogar Emmanuel Idoko, which will take place in Calabar, with the opening ceremony scheduled for Thursday and the inauguration of the new National President and his executive on Friday.
