It was an outpouring of encomium at the valedictory dinner in honour of the immediate past Executive Director of National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Faisal Shuaib, who was recently removed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

At the dinner organized by the Forum of CEOs of State Primary Healthcare Development Agencies in Abuja, stakeholders and development partners in the nation’s health sector eulogized the remarkable strides recorded in routine immunization, COVID-19 response and vaccine uptake as well as other primary health care services under Shuaib’s leadership.

Speaking at the event, the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Walter Mulombo, recalled that under the leadership of Dr. Shuaib, Nigeria was certified Wild Poliovirus free, adding that the expertise he exhibited during the COVID-19 pandemic made Nigeria to become reference point for good COVID-19 response and routine immunization.

Mulombo noted that Shuaib worked very hard to ensure the introduction of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccine in Nigeria and its integration into the Routine Immunization adding that the World would benefit from his expertise.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Forum, Dr. Mohammed Adis, said that Shuaib’s visionary approach to healthcare delivery led to the implementation of groundbreaking initiatives that have positively impacted the lives of millions of Nigerians from the revitalization of primary health care centres to the introduction of innovative immunization programmes.

He observed that NPHCDA witnessed significant progress and transformation under the guidance of Shuaib, adding that his dedication to improving the health outcomes of our citizens has been truly commendable.

He said: “Your leadership style has been characterized by inclusivity, transparency, and a genuine commitment to collaboration. You have consistently fostered strong partnerships with various stakeholders, including the forum of EA/CEOs of SPHCDA, to ensure a coordinated and effective approach to primary health care delivery.

“Your willingness to listen, engage, and incorporate the perspectives of different actors has been instrumental in driving progress and achieving tangible results.”

In his response, Shuaib, who stated that the event was not a farewell for him but a new beginning, noted that the Executive Secretaries are the foundation of primary health care and have shown what the power of collaboration can do.

He said, “I am proud of the milestones we have achieved together and the resilient spirit we have displayed in the face of challenges. The bonds forged, the lessons learned, and the successes celebrated will forever remain etched in my heart.

“Their support in the ongoing fight against diphtheria and the great job they are doing in providing routine immunization cannot be over emphasized. It takes leadership to find leadership in others

According to Shuaib, the progress made in implementing the Primary Health Care Under One Roof Policy, coupled with the strides to improve routine immunization activities, COVID-19 vaccine uptake and other PHC services, stand as testaments to the collective commitment and dedication to the health and wellbeing of the communities.

“I encourage you to maintain this momentum, to continue prioritizing and addressing the needs of our people, and to uphold the values and ethos we have worked hard to instate”, he added.