Isaac Akpoveta, Director-General of Delta State Contributory Health Scheme Commission (DSCHC), has explained why the agency extends its insurance scheme to the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the State, saying protecting the health of business operators is fundamental to sustaining economic prosperity.

“When we keep our MSMEs operators healthy, we keep Delta State prosperous”, he said.

Akpoveta, a medical doctor and health administrator gave the explanation while addressing the over 1,500 business operators that participated at the just concluded Delta State MSMEs Summit organised by the Delta State Micro Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (DEMSMEDA).

According to him, the agency is committed to safeguarding the enterprises from the financial risks associated with emergencies.

Represented by Okeoghene Owigho, a medical doctor and deputy director in the Commission, he conveyed his warm congratulations to DEMSMEDA for hosting the summit with the theme “Advancing Delta MSMEs: From Vision to MORE Value”.

He noted that the theme aligned strongly with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, particularly as the State continues to witness rapid technological innovation and infrastructural development that positions MSMEs for greater value creation.

Beyond machinery or equipment, the greatest asset of any enterprise is its people. “People are the true engines of value, the heartbeat of enterprise and the drivers of growth,”

He warned that a single illness or medical emergency could erase years of progress for business owners.

Revealing significant strides in expanding health coverage across the state, Akpoveta said that Delta currently boasts over 2.75 million enrollees, representing nearly half of its population, making it the best-performing state health insurance agency in the country.

The Informal Sector Plan which offers affordable health coverage for just ₦7,000 annually was designed specifically for MSMEs, artisans, traders and low-income earners to protect them from catastrophic health expenses, he said.

He encouraged corporate bodies and philanthropists to support the Indigent Enrollee scheme which enables well-meaning individuals or organisations to sponsor the healthcare premiums of vulnerable Deltans.

A single sponsorship does more than provide healthcare, it protects livelihoods, keeps a business open and sustains a family’s hope,” he said.

Tony Elumelu, Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu Foundation, represented by Lucky Akpotor, Regional Manager, United Bank for Africa (UBA), stated, “the simple truth we all know: MSMEs are not just businesses, they are the heartbeat of our economy, the backbone of our communities, and increasingly, the pride of Nigeria on the global stage.

Godwin Adolor, Executive Secretary and CEO of DEMSMEDA had in his address said the summit would provide a platform for stakeholders to share ideas, best practices, and experiences, and to forge partnerships that would drive the growth and development of MSMEs in Delta State.