***says 70 diaspora medical professionals to return for nationwide medical missions, specialist training

First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has called on Nigerian healthcare professionals in the diaspora to intensify their support for the country’s health sector through knowledge transfer, specialist training and medical outreach, saying such partnerships are critical to strengthening healthcare delivery nationwide.

She made the appeal on Saturday in Abuja after receiving the Diaspora Health and Humanity Champion Award at the 2026 National Diaspora Merit Awards, in recognition of her contributions to healthcare and humanitarian development.

Represented by the Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, the First Lady described the honour as both a recognition of ongoing efforts and a challenge to deepen collaboration between Nigeria and its professionals abroad in building a more resilient healthcare system.

She announced that 70 medical professionals under the Diaspora Health Impact Initiative (DHII) would soon return to Nigeria to undertake medical missions, provide specialist services and train local healthcare workers across the country.

According to her, the initiative underscores the patriotism and commitment of Nigerians in the diaspora to improving healthcare delivery at home through skills transfer and professional mentorship.

The First Lady urged more diaspora medical experts to invest their knowledge and experience in Nigeria by supporting the training of young health professionals and strengthening local medical institutions.

She reaffirmed that the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains committed to building an efficient and sustainable healthcare system, stressing that quality healthcare is central to national development and improved citizens’ well-being.

The awards ceremony, organised by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), was the fourth edition of the National Diaspora Merit Awards and was held under the theme: “Harnessing Global Diaspora Expertise to Strengthen Local Health Systems for National Development.”

The event attracted healthcare professionals, policymakers and development partners from within and outside Nigeria to examine ways of leveraging diaspora expertise to improve the nation’s health sector.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, praised Nigerians living abroad for their outstanding achievements and sustained contributions to national development.

She said members of the diaspora continue to make significant impacts through investments, humanitarian interventions, knowledge transfer and professional excellence, describing them as valuable partners in Nigeria’s development.

Several distinguished Nigerians were also recognised during the ceremony for excellence in their respective fields.

Among the recipients were Chief Chike Nweke (Entertainment, Arts and Tourism), Dr. Douglas Emeka Okor (Medicine and Healthcare), Professor Fatima Kyari (Diaspora Health Impact Initiative Award), Professor Hakeem Ibikunle Tijjani (Education), Chief Joseph Onah (Philanthropy) and Haruna Kuje Anzaku (Distinguished Service Award).

The National Diaspora Merit Awards celebrate Nigerians whose achievements and contributions, both at home and abroad, have advanced national development and enhanced the country’s global reputation.