Twenty six eminent Nigerians have been recognized as National Advocates for Health by the Federal Ministry of Health to lead high level advocacy in support of the effort of government in improving quality and access to health care in Nigeria. They include Professor Oladapo Ladipo – a foremost Obstetrician and Gynaecologist and Founder of the Association for Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH), Dr. Laz Ude Eze – a very passionate health advocate, Executive Director of Pink Oak cancer Trust and producer of TalkHealth9ja, Hon. Saudatu Sani – a two-time federal lawmaker, Moji Makanjuola – a veteran broadcaster, Hon. Mohammed Usman – Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Healthcare Services and , AIG (Dr) Grace Chita Okudo (Rtd) – a former Head of Nigerian Police Medical Services and 20 other eminent personalities.
These advocates were identified in April 2017 by the ministry in partnership with Health Policy Plus (HP+) – a USAID-funded project, to lead advocacy for increased funding for family planning programmes nationally and at the state level. Impressed by the achievement of these advocates in the area of family planning in the past 6 months, which includes the development of Costed Implementation Plan (CIP) for Family Planning in Bauchi and Ebonyi State, creation of budget lines and increased funding for family planning in at least 3 states and awareness creation of reproductive health issues; the ministry suggested an expansion of the scope of their advocacy.
While inaugurating The Advocates in Abuja, the Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole expressed satisfaction with their activities and called for their support to the efforts of the Federal Government to make at least one Primary Health Centre per ward fully functional. The Minister also commended HP+ for their support to the ministry as it works to achieve the objectives of its strategic plan and a better health for the people. Earlier, The Advocates were presented to the Minister by Mr. Adamu Bello – the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry and the Country Director of HP+ – Dr Onoriode Ezire. The inauguration and issuing of certificates to The Advocates was witnessed by staff of the Federal Ministry of Health and representatives of UNFPA, Palladium, Islamic Development Bank, McArthur Foundation, among other dignitaries.
Full List of the 26 National Advocates for Health
- Hajiya Amina Omoti
- Dr Aminu Magashi
- Mrs Ifeyinwa Omowole
- Senator Ayo Adeseun
- Dr Ekpedeme Udom
- Chief Folasade Tinubu-Ojo (Iyaloja General)
- Dr Mrs. Gloria L. Shoda mni
- Mrs Gloria Abumere
- Dr Grace Chita Okudo (Rtd AIG)
- Dr Halima Adamu
- Alh. Ibrahim Tafawa Balewa
- Dr Ibrahim Wada
- Mr Iliya Kure
- Prof. Joy Ngozi Ezeilo
- Dr Laz Ude Eze
- Mrs Bolaji Margaret
- Mrs Moji Makanjuola
- Muhammad Nuruddeen Lemu
- Hon. Mohammed Usman
- Prof. Oladapo Ladipo
- Olusegun Adeniyi
- Alh. Sani Umar Jabbi
- Hon. Saudatu Sani
- Bishop Sunday N. Onuoha
- Amb. Sunday T. Dogonyaro
- Dr Uwemedimo Uko Esiet
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