President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday urged young fellows of the Federal Government’s National Health Fellowship Programme to serve with honour, humility and courage, assuring them that his administration will work hard to secure their career paths.
The President spoke in Abuja during the first National Traditional and Religious Leaders Summit on Health. He described the Fellows as the driving force toward achieving the Renewed National Health Alliance and strengthening healthcare delivery across the country.
The National Health Fellows are carefully selected from each of the 774 Local Governments in Nigeria. The current group is the Second Cohort of the Fellows, chosen to boost healthcare services nationwide under a programme championed by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
Addressing the young professionals, President Tinubu expressed confidence in their abilities and commitment.
“Today, I stand here with pride that our young people are proving yet again that Nigeria’s future is not something to fear. It is something to look forward to. I thank the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, state governments and all our partners for keeping this vision alive,” he said.
He assured them that the government is taking practical steps to support their growth within the system.
“We are working to secure your career paths through the federal structure and support from development partners. I am also aware that the Honourable Minister of Health and Social Welfare and his team have requested state governments to host a fitting graduation ceremony for you in your states as you complete your fellowship. I thank you on behalf of a grateful nation and urge you to carry the spirit of altruism, as it will bring great rewards.”
Speaking directly to the new cohort, the President said the initiative reflects a new direction for the country.
“To Cohort 2, the National Health Fellowship Programme represents a new Nigeria where talent and competence help you reach your full potential. This administration recognises and believes in the potential of our youth. We will harness your energy to fuel our renewal and create opportunities that provide you with dignity, purpose and a pathway to leadership.”
President Tinubu also encouraged the Fellows to work closely with traditional and religious leaders to improve service delivery at the grassroots.
“You are the driving force that traditional and religious leaders will count on to fulfil the commitment they made today as the operational backbone of this national health alliance. Bring structures where systems are weak, data where decisions lack clarity and energy where communities seek hope. You are the youthful force behind Nigeria’s health transformation,” he said.
The President further called on traditional and religious leaders to actively support government efforts aimed at achieving universal health coverage.
“We are building an inclusive, united and committed society to renew the hope of our people. The keyword here is HOPE. Nothing good is achieved without our hope, and we pledge to do everything possible to renew it,” he stated.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity across the country, assuring Nigerians that the nation will ultimately overcome the challenge.
At the event, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammed Ali Pate, thanked the President for his leadership and clear policy direction. He presented the 2025 State of Health Report to the President and explained its importance to ongoing discussions.
“We have used the 2025 State of Health of the Nation Report as a basis for the dialogue. As you can see, Christian and Muslim faiths are represented to hear their feedback, and I think we have carried some important lessons from what we have heard from them,” the Minister said.
He added, “We hereby commend the Federal and State governments for embarking on the ambitious Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and for the inclusive spirit of the Health Sector Compact.”
The summit brought together traditional rulers and religious leaders from the six geopolitical zones of the country. Among those present were the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III; the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli; and the Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ortese Ayatsev.
Others in attendance included the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye; the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Umar Garbai Al-Kanemi; Igwe Dr Lawrence Chikezie Agubuzu, the Ogbumechendu of Ezema Olo Kingdom; the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi; and the Olumobi of Imobi-Ijesa Kingdom, Oba Jacob Adetayo Hasstrup.
Also present were the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Most Rev. Daniel Okoh, and the Deputy President General South of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Razaq Oladejo. Both leaders committed to championing community healthcare coverage within their areas of influence, aligning with the broader goal of expanding access to quality health services across Nigeria.
