Ogun health commissioner seeks investment in doctors’ leadership skills

She noted that ethical conduct remains the foundation of medical practice, adding that values must guide professionals in both clinical and administrative roles.

“Ethics is a personal value. Whether in the boardroom or at the bedside, it must reflect in your actions because of the responsibility you owe your patients,” she said.

Also, the President of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, Deborah Osinsanwo, urged female medical professionals to extend their impact beyond clinical duties into policymaking and governance.

Osinsanwo stressed that women have demonstrated excellence in the health sector but need greater representation at top leadership levels to shape policies.

She commended ongoing reforms within the Ministry of Health in Ogun and expressed optimism that the summit would enhance dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders.

In a keynote lecture titled “Sustaining Leadership from Practice to Boardroom,” Chief Medical Director of Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Oluwabunmi Fatungase, urged women in medicine to prepare for leadership roles.

Fatungase said women have the capacity to influence decisions and shape policies, adding that leadership goes beyond traditional clinical roles.

According to her, building value involves more than just clinical expertise. “It’s about decision-making, knowledge, influence, and personal attributes,” she said.

Also speaking, the Organising Committee Chairperson, Oluwatobiloba Adewunmi, described the summit as a mentorship-driven initiative to empower women in medicine.

Adewunmi said the platform was designed to prepare women for positions of influence and active participation in healthcare decision-making.

Founder and Convener of the GAWIM summit 2026, Dr. Olajumoke Ladapo, urged female medical practitioners to move from clinical practice to leadership roles and transform healthcare systems.

According to her, the need for inclusion and a shared purpose led to the establishment of the Excellence in Medicine (EIM) Ladies Network in 2018.

She added that the initiative later expanded into the GAWIM summit to accommodate more women and promote leadership development.

She noted that while medical professionals have excelled in patient care, there is a need to scale impact by influencing healthcare systems and policies.

Dr. Ladapo said the summit aimed to build a strong network and ecosystem for female medical professionals across Africa.