Ekiti Health Commissioner Hails President Tinubu’s National Health Fellows Initiative

 ....Traditional Ruler Lead Merit-Based NHF 2.0 Interviews

The Ekiti State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, has praised President Bola Tinubu for launching the National Health Fellows (NHF) programme, describing it as a “timely and impactful” effort to boost healthcare delivery across Nigeria.

Dr. Filani spoke during interviews for the NHF 2.0 at the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) in Ado-Ekiti, noting that the first cohort of fellows deployed to the state has been instrumental in generating critical data reports and acting as quasi-independent evaluators of the health sector.

He also commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for implementing reforms that have strengthened the state’s healthcare system.

At the interview venue, Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti and Chairman of the Ekiti State Traditional Council of Obas, Oba Adejimi Adu, praised the merit-based selection process, saying it ensures credibility, promotes leadership development, and injects top talent into the health system.

“The system here is strictly merit-based—you don’t need connections to be selected. It brings the best professionals to serve our health sector,” Oba Adu said. “I congratulate the Minister of Health and his team, as well as the WHO, for driving this initiative. Quality, transparency, and integrity are clearly evident.”

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Mrs. Olusola Gbenga-Igotun, assured continued support for the National Health Fellows deployed across Ekiti’s 16 Local Government Areas, noting their significant contributions to state healthcare.

Mr. Gbenga Ogunlana, Desk Officer for the Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) in Ekiti, added that the NHF programme is part of a nationwide initiative to select one fellow from each of Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Areas. The aim is to strengthen local capacity, promote sector reforms, and improve healthcare delivery.

Over 1,500 Nigerians applied for the 774 positions nationwide, reflecting strong interest from young professionals in contributing to Nigeria’s healthcare transformation.