A former Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, has described the mass emigration of skilled professionals, particularly in the health sector, as a signpost of a conquered country, with an appeal to the government to implement clear policies with urgency to reverse the trend.
Mimiko, who emphasised that an enabling environment that retains skilled professionals for national development should be created, argued that Africa, and Nigeria in particular, must confront the reality that it has transitioned from being “involuntarily conquered to voluntarily conquered”.
The former governor stated this while delivering a lecture titled ‘Conqueror, Conquered and Consequences: A Discourse on Brain Drain’ at an event marking the 81st birthday of Senator Bode Olajumoke in Akure.
While delivering the lecture at an event organised by the Bode Olajumoke Education and Hospitality Initiative (BOEHI), Mimiko said the implementation of the 15% budgetary allocation to health as in the Abuja 2021 declaration is one needed step that has to be taken as opposed to the 5% maximum ever allocated to health thus far.
While stressing that huge human and material losses are the lot of the emigrating destinations, which renders famed gains almost inconsequential in the long run, Mimiko argued that the impact of such gains on Africa and Nigerian society may have been largely eroded by illicit financial flows from Africa and the unquantifiable toll of incompetence on the health sector as a result of the emigration of the brightest and best.
The former governor, who applauded the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration (2023) as a standalone effort of Nigeria, said its commendable strategies must be “translated into fruition through political will, which will engender and encompass uninterrupted, adequate funding and policy consistency in the health sector.”
Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, lamented that poverty, inequality and lack of access to education and healthcare are just a few of the pressing issues that require our collective attention and actions.
Aiyedatiwa said, “It is in this context that Senator Olajumoke’s legacy serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration. His commitment to serving others, guided by his faith and values, has made a lasting impact on countless lives.
“I must say that our administration is proud to identify itself with Senator Olajumoke’s commitment to promoting human welfare and dignity. This aligns with our various policies and programmes aimed at improving the lives of the citizens, including initiatives in education, healthcare and economic empowerment.”
Aiyedatiwa, who lauded Mimiko for the paper delivered, noted that “This topic is both timely and relevant, as it speaks to the challenges of talent retention and development in our society. It is particularly relevant.
“I have no doubt that Dr Mimiko’s lecture will provide valuable insights into this pressing issue and engender meaningful discussions. As a seasoned politician and former governor, Dr Mimiko’s insights will, undoubtedly, shed light on the complexities of brain drain and its implications for our society.
“I believe that the lecture will contribute to a better understanding of the challenges facing our society. As we move forward, it is essential that we work together to address these challenges and build a brighter future for our citizens.”
He pledged the state government’s collaboration with the Bode Olajumoke Education and Hospitality Initiative in any way possible.
The celebrant, Dr Olajumoke, who thanked God for sparing his life to date, prayed that God would give him long life to continue to impact lives and also appreciated Aiyedatiwa and others for celebrating him.
