Tinubu Urges Health Fellows to Serve with Honour, Humility and Courage

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday charged young participants of the Federal Government’s National Health Fellowship Programme to serve the nation with honour, humility and courage, assuring them of government support in securing their career paths.

The President gave the charge while speaking at the first National Traditional and Religious Leaders Summit on Health held in Abuja.

Tinubu described the fellows as a driving force in achieving the Renewed National Health Alliance, noting that they were carefully selected from each of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas as part of the programme’s second cohort.

The initiative is championed by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to strengthen healthcare delivery nationwide.

“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,” the President said.

“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.”

Addressing the fellows directly, Tinubu said the programme represents a new Nigeria where talent and competence enable young people to reach their 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.”

He urged the fellows to work in synergy with traditional and religious leaders to ensure effective service delivery.

“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.”

The President also called on traditional and religious leaders to support government efforts toward achieving universal health coverage, stressing the importance of hope in national development.

“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.”

Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s determination to sustain the fight against insecurity, expressing confidence that Nigeria would ultimately prevail.

Minister of Health and Social Welfare Muhammad Ali Pate thanked the President for his leadership and presented the 2025 State of Health of the Nation Report, noting that the document served as a basis for dialogue at the summit.

“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,” he said.

He also commended federal and state governments for implementing the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and for promoting inclusiveness through the Health Sector Compact.

Traditional rulers and religious leaders from the six geopolitical zones attended the event, including Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Atuwatse III, Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, and James Ortese Ayatse, among others.

Also present were leaders of major faith organisations, including Daniel Okoh, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, and Razaq Oladejo, Deputy President-General (South) of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, who pledged to promote community healthcare coverage within their constituencies.