Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Federal Government has begun synchronous training sessions for successful applicants into its one year National Health Fellows Programme, designed to drive meaningful change with innovation in the health sector. This was contained in a statement signed by Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations.
Addressing the National Health Fellows selected on merit, representing 774 local governments of Nigeria and, with diverse professional fields; Prof Muhammad Ali Pate Coordinating Minister for Health & Social Welfare charged the youths to regard the programme as a gift and opportunity presented to them by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.
“So the President is giving you this as an opportunity. So what do you do with an opportunity? You seize it. Build yourself. Learn. You have coaches, mentors who guide you. Particularly mentors in primary health care. Participate in synchronous planning. Think deeply about your interest, “he stated.
Speaking further, Prof Pate explained that the National Health Fellows programme underscored the commitmentof the Federal Government to invest in and boost human capital development, alligning with the renewed hope agenda of health reforms initiatives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
To this end, he admonished the National Health Fellows to view their training as an opportunity to learn and develop leadership traits of honesty courage and resilience as well as, for mentorship for a greater and prosperous Nigeria.
Speaking to newsmen after inspecting the various training centres in Abuja;
Prof. Pate said: ” These are future leaders of the health sector who will accelerate the pace of health sector reforms, improve accountability, but also get the opportunity to be coached and mentored.
So, they are contributing to actualizing the vision of the President for a prosperous country that is also healthy.
We are pleased to see all of them, very qualified, merit based selection with a huge representation of women, men from each local government of this country.
We have about 359,000 of them who applied, who were not successful, but will be encouraged to participate in what we call the Associate Health Fellows. ”
During an interview session with some participants; Mr Godswill Michael from Nsenibom local government in Akwa Ibom State affirmed that the selection process has renewed his hope and faith in the country. He further stated that the fellowship training would upscale his skills to contribute meaningfully to the development of his community.
Another National Health Fellow by name Nadia Abdullahi Ahmed from Bauchi local government, Bauchi State; lauded the initiative, describing it as a huge opportunity and stepping stone to achieve greater heights by God’s grace. Regarding the training, Nadi stated that it is top- notch; starting from the application stage through to the selection process, which, according to her, was seamless and transparent.
It is pertinent to state that the National Health Fellows were selected on merit based criteria by the Sector Wide Approach SWAp Coordination office in the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
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