By Idanye Oruigoni
In Ecclesiastes 3:1, the Bible says: “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” So it is with Dr. Vetty Rolegherighan Agala, the Acting Executive Secretary of Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), who turned 48 years today, Monday, May 5, 2025.
Dr. Agala was born in Aminigboko Community of Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State into a humble and God-fearing family where she was nurtured into imbibing qualities that have marked her out in life and her career.
At a tender age, Vetty started her primary education at St. Mary’s Primary, Aminigboko, before proceeding to the prestigious Federal Government Girls College, Abuloma for her secondary education.
The leadership prowess of Vetty started manifesting right from her days in secondary school. The young Vetty was a hostel head and the Social Prefect of FGGC, Abuloma in her set. The leadership prowess of Vetty is a confirmation of an African proverb that a chick that will turn into a cock is recognised from the moment it is hatched.
Our amiable Dr Vetty Agala, who came out with flying colours from secondary school, immediately proceeded to the unique University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, to study Medicine where she made the first distinction in Biochemistry as a Medical student of the institution.
On graduation and after several self development efforts, Dr. Agala got employed into Rivers State Civil Service and was seconded to the State Ministry of Health, where she has steered different programmes of the ministry as a colossus.
As a distinguished and accomplished public health physician, with the milk of human feelings and empathy, Dr. Agala became glued to the Free Medical Service of Rivers State Government, studying and understudying experts and professionals on how well to use her profession to positively affect lives, especially the lives of the vulnerable in the society.
From her humble beginning, she launched out to become a highly accomplished physician and policy expert with special interest in healthcare equity and visionary strategy and has been in the forefront of healthcare financing and transformative public health interventions in Nigeria.
Dr. Agala, by the grace of God Almighty, who she loves and serves with her whole might, is a dutiful mother of three sons with a lovely husband.
As the Acting Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of RIVCHPP, Dr. Vetty Agala led a groundbreaking effort to institutionalise universal health coverage in the state, ensuring financial risk protection and access to quality healthcare for millions. With an exceptional track record in healthcare financing, she played pivotal roles in designing and implementing innovative health insurance models, leveraging domestic resource mobilisation and driving public private partnerships to expand sustainable healthcare access in the state, thereby reducing out of pocket expenses and financial burdens on families.
Beyond being the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of RIVCHPP, Dr. Vetty Agala is a national figure in women’s health advocacy. As National Coordinator, Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN), she has been instrumental in shaping policies that advance gender-focus health care solutions, enhance maternal and child health outcomes and empower female medical professionals across Nigeria.
Dr. Agala, who turns 48 years, today, Monday, May 5, 2025, is a seasoned health systems expert and an influential voice in public health. She is a sought-after speaker, technical consultant and leader in healthcare reforms.
Dr. Agala has been recognised with several awards for her exceptional contributions to health policy, advocacy and community impact. Through her widely acclaimed radio programme, “Health Affairs with Dr. Vetty,” she has educated and inspired millions, bridging the gap between healthcare policies and grass-roots engagements.
Dr. Vetty Rolegherighan Agala continues to indeed bring an unparalleled depth of expertise, leadership, and passion for health financing and public health in general. Her presence underscores the unwavering commitment of Rivers State Government towards advancing universal health coverage, strengthening healthcare systems and improving the health indices of Rivers residents through health insurance.
Indeed, one would be stating the obvious if one says that Dr. Agala is a colossus that is not only bestriding the health insurance sector, but also working tirelessly to seeing to it that those who find themselves also in the same health insurance space are adequately knowledgeable to run with the vision and mission of making the health insurance agency in Rivers State a premier institution in Sub-Saharan Africa.
It is worthy of note to state that as part of her 48th birthday anniversary, Dr. Vetty Agala has mobilised resources to have at least 48 Rivers residents enrolled at Aminigboko and Ibaa into one of the packages of RIVCHPP. The gesture will afford the enrollees access quality healthcare services, including surgery, if such a need may arise, for one full calendar year without paying any money from their pockets at the point of accessing care.
Agala has also impressed it on her family, colleagues, associates, friends, and whomsoever may wish to present anything to her for the birthday to turn such gifting to enrolling lives of ordinary Rivers residents into the RIVCHPP programme. What a kind gesture and compassionate step to touch lives.
Dr. Vetty Agala, you’re indeed an astute administrator with humane leadership qualities and a mother with enviable qualities worthy of emulation. As you celebrate this 48th birthday, our wish and prayer is that God Almighty will continue to keep and bless as you continue to enjoy uncommon accomplishments in the years ahead.
Happy glorious birthday! Dr. Vetty Rolegherighan Agala, Executive Secretary of RIVCHPP.
Oruigoni, Information and Media Officer of RIVCHPP writes from Port Harcourt
