Tinubu charges young health fellows to serve with honour, humility, courage

“We are working to secure your career paths through the federal structure and support from development partners,” the President said.

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Tinubu also acknowledged efforts by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare and his team to ensure state governments host “a fitting graduation ceremony” for the fellows as they complete their fellowship programme.

“I thank you on behalf of a grateful nation and urge you to carry the spirit of altruism, as it will bring great rewards,” he said.

Addressing Cohort 2 directly, Tinubu described the fellowship as a symbol of a new Nigeria where competence and talent can thrive, stressing that his administration recognises and believes in the potential of young people.

“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.

“We will harness your energy to fuel our renewal and create opportunities that provide you with dignity, purpose and a pathway to leadership.”

The President urged the fellows to work closely with traditional rulers and religious leaders, describing them as the operational backbone needed to translate community commitments into results.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Tinubu, in the same vein, charged traditional and religious leaders to support government efforts towards universal health coverage, noting that national progress depends on shared commitment and hope.

“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 said.

The President also reaffirmed his administration’s determination to sustain the war against insecurity, assuring Nigerians that the country would eventually win the battle.

In his remarks, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammed Ali Pate, thanked the President for providing leadership in policy direction and presented the 2025 State of Health Report.

“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,” Pate said.

He also commended the Federal and State governments for the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and the inclusive approach of the Health Sector Compact.

Traditional rulers and religious leaders from the six geopolitical zones attended the summit, including 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 were 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 (CAN), Most Rev. Daniel Okoh, and the Deputy President General South of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Razaq Oladejo, both of whom are committed to championing community healthcare coverage within their spheres of influence.