President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday called on young fellows under the Federal Government’s National Health Fellowship Programme to serve the nation with honour, humility and courage, assuring them of structured career support.
The President spoke at the first National Traditional and Religious Leaders Summit on Health held in Abuja, where he described the fellows as the operational backbone of the Renewed National Health Alliance.
The National Health Fellows, selected from each of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas, form the second cohort of the programme 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,” Tinubu said.
He assured the fellows that the Federal Government is working to secure their career paths within the federal structure, with additional support from development partners. He also encouraged state governments to host befitting graduation ceremonies for the fellows upon completion of their programme.
“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,” he said.
The President urged the fellows to work closely with traditional and religious leaders to ensure effective healthcare service delivery, particularly in underserved communities.
“You are the driving force that traditional and religious leaders will count on to fulfil the commitment they made today. Bring structures where systems are weak, data where decisions lack clarity and energy where communities seek hope,” Tinubu added.
Tinubu also called on religious and traditional leaders to support the government’s efforts toward achieving universal health coverage, stressing that hope remains central to national renewal. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity, expressing confidence that Nigeria would overcome its challenges.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Mohammed Ali Pate, thanked the President for providing leadership and presented the 2025 State of Health of the Nation Report.
According to him, the report formed the basis of dialogue at the summit, with representatives of Christian and Muslim faiths offering feedback to strengthen policy implementation.
Among the traditional rulers in attendance were the Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli and the James Ortese Ayatse, alongside other royal fathers from across the six geopolitical zones.
Also present were leaders of major religious bodies, including the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria and representatives of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, who pledged to champion community healthcare coverage within their spheres of influence.
The summit underscored a unified national commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s health system through collaboration between government, youth professionals and community leaders.
