SSDC, NPHCDA Seal Partnership to Boost Healthcare Delivery in South-South

The South-South Development Commission (SSDC) has entered into a strategic partnership with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to strengthen healthcare delivery across the South-South region.

The collaboration was formalized during a courtesy visit by SSDC Managing Director, Ms. Usoro Akpabio, to the NPHCDA Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Muyi Aina, at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.

Akpabio described the meeting as “deeply impactful,” noting that both agencies agreed on joint interventions to accelerate immunization coverage, advance malaria eradication efforts, and revitalize primary healthcare centres. She said the SSDC would act as the regional implementation hub for NPHCDA programs in the South-South, ensuring national strategies are effectively localized.

“This partnership sets the stage for stronger, inclusive, and sustainable healthcare delivery for our people,” Akpabio said. “By aligning SSDC’s regional mandate with the NPHCDA’s national blueprint, we can eliminate duplication, optimize resources, and deliver visible, impactful results with urgency.”

As part of its quick-win agenda, the partnership will roll out initiatives to improve vaccine uptake in underserved communities. This includes joint support for cold-chain equipment, health worker training, and data systems, with pilot projects planned for selected states. The agencies also pledged to intensify malaria-prevention campaigns, including the mass distribution of insecticide-treated nets under the “Malaria-Free Nigeria” initiative.

On his part, Dr. Aina welcomed the collaboration, stressing the importance of extending health interventions to rural and riverine communities. He assured that the NPHCDA would support member states in recruiting and deploying Skilled Birth Attendants and Community Health Workers, with the goal of reducing maternal and newborn deaths.

The SSDC said the partnership reflects its commitment to urgent, collaborative action to revitalize primary health centres and strengthen human resources for health in the region.

Comments

Breaking: A’Ibom Governor Removes Two Aides Amid Restructuring, Alleged PDP Links

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, has relieved two aides of their duties with immediate effect, the state government announced on Monday. The affected officials are: Joseph Jacob Ikpak, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Support Services Felix Ekuri, Special Assistant to the Governor on Neighbourhood Watch Their disengagement was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prince Enobong Uwah, who described the action as part of the governor’s ongoing efforts to realign the machinery of government with the Renewed Hope and ARISE Agenda. The statement did not provide further details on the circumstances leading to their removal. However, it was gathered from multiple political sources that the decision may be linked to the aides’ alleged association with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The claim has not been officially confirmed, and the government has not commented on the speculation. Political analysts no...

Tragedy at Ikot Ekpene General Hospital: Akwa Ibom Governor Orders Probe Into Maternal Death

By Asuquo Edem UYO – A tragic incident at the General Hospital, Ikot Ekpene, has sparked public outrage after a young mother and her newborn reportedly died following a caesarean section, prompting Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State to order an immediate high-powered investigation. A disturbing video of the grieving family began circulating on social media over the weekend, drawing widespread condemnation and raising fresh concerns over maternal mortality in the state. Moved by the incident, Governor Eno expressed his condolences to the bereaved family and directed the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, to convene a commission of inquiry comprising medical and legal experts. The panel is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and recommend preventive measures. In a dramatic move, Dr. John led a midnight team of officials from the Ministry of Health to the hospital for an on-the-spot preliminary investigation, gathering firsthand testimonies f...

AKIRS secures N1.2b judgement against Ardent Energy Services LTD ....warns against tax evasion

The Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service (AKIRS) has secured a landmark judgement against Ardent Energy Services Ltd, an oil servicing company operating in Akwa Ibom State. In a judgement delivered on July 3, 2025 at the Revenue Court of Akwa Ibom State, Uyo, by the Presiding Revenue Judge, Maureen-Idongesit M. Udoka, the court ordered the defendant to pay to the Akwa Ibom State Government, the sum of N1.2bilion, including penalty and interest on the principal sum. The judgement was in consequence to Suit No. Rue/77C/2022, filed by AKIRS. With this judgement, which is a major milestone in AKIRS tax compliance drive, the agency warns taxpayers to willingly comply to their civic obligations of always paying their taxes as and when due as there was no hiding place for defaulters.

The Empire Naija

Search This Blog