The Akuku-Toru Community Health Insurance Scheme (CHIS) took a significant step forward on the 7th of April 2026 with the holding of its inaugural Governing Board meeting. Launched the previous year with over 2300+ enrollees accessing care at the Model Primary Healthcare Centre in Abonnema, the Scheme has been steadily building the structures needed to deliver sustainable, community-centred healthcare financing across the local government area. 

The inaugural meeting provided an opportunity to formally constitute the Governing Board, review the background and objectives of the Scheme, consider its governance and operational framework, and agree on priorities and the path ahead. The seven-member Board brings together a cross-section of critical stakeholders: Hon. Abioya-a Bob Fubara, Chairman of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, serves as Board Chairman; Dr. Akinwumi Fajola and Dr. Aloni Alali represent Renaissance, Dr. Emmanuel Wornu represents the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board, Chief Dr. M. S. D. Bob-Manuel sits as the community representative, Dr. Otoyo Toyo represents ECEWS,and Dr. Andrew Etete represents the facility. 

During the meeting, Dr. Abiye Somiari delivered a comprehensive presentation covering stakeholder engagements conducted to date, progress on the ongoing facility remodelling, enrolment figures, the benefit package, service delivery updates, the CHIS governance structure, and the financial position of the Scheme. The presentation was followed by an open session of questions, comments, and clarifications from all members present. The Project Director, Dr. Otoyo Toyo, subsequently provided an overview of the Scheme’s operational guidelines and invited all Board members to review the document thoroughly ahead of the next meeting, at which corrections and final ratification will be considered. 

Members agreed that the Board will convene quarterly, with the next meeting scheduled for June 2026. This inaugural sitting marks a strong foundation for the governance of the Akuku-Toru CHIS, one that positions the Scheme for greater operational effectiveness, improved service delivery, and better health outcomes for the people of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area.