Prof Adeyeye gave the admonition at a stakeholders’ engagement on the draft NAFDAC Reduction of Sodium in Pre-Packaged Foods Regulations 2026where she noted that excessive sodium intake has been identified as one of the leading dietary risk factors contributing to these conditions.

According to her, the World Health Organisation has continued to emphasize sodium reduction as one of the cost-effective strategies for improving population heath and preventing premature deaths from non-communicable diseases.  

In Nigeria, Prof Adeyeye said, changing dietary patterns, rapid urbanisation, and increased consumption of processed and pre-packaged foods have significantly contributed to higher sodium intake among our population.

She added that recognising this emerging public health concern, the Federal Government – through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and NAFDAC – has taken proactive steps to address this challenge.

She maintained that the Reduction of Sodium in Pe-Packaged Foods Regulations  2026 is a key component of broader strategies  to promote healthier diets and prevent non-communicable diseases, adding that these regulations aim to establish maximum sodium limits in selected categories of processed and pre-packaged foods, ensure clear and transparent labelling of sodium content, and encourage product reformulation by food manufacturers so that consumers can make healthier dietary choices.  

The NAFDAC boss, however, pointed out that, regulations alone cannot achieve the desired impact without the active participation of all stakeholders, stressing that the food industry especially plays a central role in reformulating products to reduce sodium content while maintaining safety, quality, and consumer acceptability.

At the same time, she emphasized that regulators, researchers, public health advocates, and consumer organisations must work collaboratively to ensure implementation, monitoring and compliance. Cardiovascular Unit, University of Abuja that was present at the Meeting has worked closely with the FMOH&SW and NAFDAC on sodium reduction is in support of the regulations.

Partners such as Network for Health Equity and Development NHED resolve to Save Lives and Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa CAPPA who were present and supported the stakeholders’ engagement underscored the importance of reducing sodium intake as a means of preventing non-communicable diseases.  

She added that the stakeholder engagement therefore provides an invaluable platform to:

• Present and clarify the key provisions of the proposed regulations.

• Obtain constructive feedback from industry and other stakeholders.

• Identify practical strategies for implementation.

• Strengthen collaboration in advancing healthier food environments in Nigeria.

At NAFDAC, DG explained, ‘we recognise that regulatory reforms must be evidence-based, transparent, and inclusive. Our goal is not to disrupt industry operations, but to work with all partners to create a food system that supports both public health and sustainable economy.’

Prof Adeyeye stated that the reduction of sodium in our food supply is not merely a regulatory obligation – it is a national health priority, adding that ‘by taking decisive action today, we are protecting future generations from preventable diseases and improving the overall wellbeing of Nigerians.’

The Director, Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (FSAN), Mrs Eva Edwards, corroborated the DG’s position as she stated that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) remain a major public health concern in Nigeria, with cardiovascular diseases accounting for a significant proportion of morbidity and mortality.

For adults, she disclosed that the World Health Organization recommends a daily sodium intake of less than 2 grams, equivalent to 5 grams of salt (< 1 teaspoon of salt daily).

She however, revealed that available data indicate that the average salt consumption in Nigeria is approximately 10 grams per day, about twice the WHO daily recommendation, adding that   this excessive intake poses a serious risk to public health, particularly in the context of the increasing consumption of processed and ultra-processed foods, which are major contributors to dietary sodium intake.

‘Pre-packaged foods constitute a substantial and growing proportion of daily dietary intake, especially in urban settings. While these foods provide convenience and accessibility, they also contribute significantly to excessive sodium consumption, driving the scourge of cardiovascular diseases,’ adding that It is therefore imperative that deliberate and evidence-based measures are implemented to reduce sodium levels in these products.

While sodium is essential for normal physiological functions such as nerve transmission, fluid balance, and muscle function, she warned that the quantity required by the body is minimal, noting that current consumption levels far exceed physiological needs, thereby increasing the risk of hypertension, stroke, heart disease, and kidney-related conditions.

She disclosed that evidence from the National Multi-sectoral Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (2019–2025) indicates that mean sodium intake in Nigeria ranges from approximately 2.85 g/day to 10 g/day – highlighting the urgent need for targeted regulatory and public health interventions.

‘The National Multi-sectoral Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases further identifies unhealthy diets as a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases and notes the ongoing dietary transition towards increased consumption of processed foods high in sodium, sugar, and trans fats.’

In recognition of this growing public health challenge, and as part of efforts to reduce sodium intake, Mrs Edwards stated that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMoH&SW) initiated the development of the National Guidelines for Sodium Reduction, which provides specific sodium benchmarks for various food categories.

She said this is aimed at promoting the reformulation of processed foods and encouraging the production of healthier options aligned with national health goals.

She emphasised that the draft NAFDAC Reduction of Sodium in Pre-Packaged Foods Regulations therefore incorporates a phased sodium reduction strategy, beginning with an initial 15% reduction target and progressing toward the national target which is aligned with the WHO global target of achieving a 30% reduction in population sodium intake by 2030.

According to Mrs Edwards, the Sodium Reduction Regulations represent a strategic regulatory response to meet the national target and address the public health concern of high sodium intake, stressing that the objective is to guide the food industry towards gradual product reformulation and the promotion of healthier food environments, without compromising product quality or consumer acceptance, ultimately to protect the health of consumers.

Noting that government alone cannot achieve this, Mrs Edwards stated that it requires the collective effort of policymakers, regulators, the food industry, public health advocates, academia, and consumers.

The Director General rounded up the meeting by emphasizing the importance of the stakeholders meeting stating that inputs received are used to further edit the draft regulations before the document goes to the NAFDAC Governing Council for further assessment.

Thereafter, the regulations are given additional review by FMoH&SW and Ministry of Justice before gazetting.  Meanwhile, the food industry is made aware of the development of the regulations and the expectations in the planned phased reduction of sodium content in processed foods as means of prevention of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and other heart diseases in the population.

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The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed this in a statement, that the ministry has already begun discussions with Airbus, Europe’s foremost aerospace corporation, on the establishment of Nigeria’s new Integrated National Ground-to-Air Health Emergency Management System.

The statement added that the minister met with Airbus officials and took the opportunity to inspect an Airbus Emergency Care Helicopter at a French government-backed air ambulance facility in Lyon, France.

According to the minister, the project forms part of the Federal Government’s wider health sector reform and investment programme aimed at strengthening emergency medical services nationwide.

“As part of the health sector renewal investment programme, we are broadening Nigeria’s public health infrastructure alongside enhancing private sector capacity for healthcare delivery, including emergency response services.

The National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance Scheme is currently being overhauled with the introduction of urban ambulances for cities and emergency response systems for rural communities. We are now also exploring helicopter-based emergency medical services.”

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The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare convened key stakeholders, development partners, healthcare professionals, and policy experts to reflect on this year’s global theme, “Together for Health, Stand with Science.”

The event underscored Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to advance scientific innovation, research-led decision-making, and community engagement in addressing emerging health challenges while improving overall health outcomes nationwide.

Speaking at a ministerial briefing in Abuja, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Isiak Salako, stressed that science remains the bedrock of effective disease prevention, vaccination programmes, pandemic preparedness, and the management of communicable as well as non-communicable diseases.

As Nigeria commemorates World Health Day 2026, the government reaffirmed that building resilient health systems requires collective action, sustained investment, and steadfast support for science as a driving force for national and global health security.

This version keeps the trustworthy news tone while sounding more polished and publication-ready.

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The Governor said the exercise will hold every last Saturday of the Month between the hours of 6:30am and 8:30am but without movement restrictions. He stressed that the exercise would be monitored by State officials with appropriate sanctions to be meted out to erring neighbourhoods and markets.

Sanwo-Olu made the pronouncement during a ceremony held in Olosa Bus Stop in Mushin which marked the symbolic flag-off of the monthly sanitation. The Governor, who led his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and member of the State cabinet on the mission, said the culture of environmental responsibility must be imbibed by the residents across all communities in the state and reflect same in their lifestyle.

He observed that environmental sanitation had become a resident obligation, as people would often clean up their surroundings voluntarily. The Governor, however, said the commitment dropped, following the cancellation of the exercise by previous administration, resulting in haphazard environmental cleanup.

He said: “Every last Saturday of the month used to be a moment when citizens across the State would come together to clean their surroundings, their drains and contribute to a healthy environment across the metropolis. It used to be a collective civic responsibility. Many old residents will remember that the monthly environmental sanitation was voluntarily observed. Today, we are bringing back the era where we will all take collective responsibility for the cleanliness of our environment.

Sanwo-Olu emphasised that regular sanitation would uphold a fundamental principle that achieving a clean city relied not only on the action of government but also on the discipline and cooperation of its citizens.

The Governor recalled a court judgement that led to the decision to halt the exercise which was informed by movement restrictions enforced during the exercise. He emphasised that the State Government respected the rule of law and the court’s authority by suspending the monthly sanitation programme at that time.

Sanwo-Olu emphasised that the State Government had reviewed the exercise’s enforcement aspect. This resulted in reduced restrictions but he assured that the responsibility for maintaining a clean environment would remain unchanged.

He said: “The condition on our streets, markets, drainage channels, and  public spaces underscored the need to bring back the monthly sanitation. Everyone must take responsibilities for the environment that we all share. In a city that is as large and dynamic as Lagos, maintaining a clean and healthy environment must be a collective civic duty and responsibility. The residents, whose lives are at risk, must get involved.”

Sanwo-Olu reiterated that the monthly sanitation would revive the culture of environmental consciousness in all the communities.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab said the re-introduction of the monthly sanitation was a bold step towards improving the wellbeing of the residents as well as bequeathing a safe, clean and sustainable environment to the coming generation.

Wahab said that the exercise was in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda of the Sanwo-Olu administration, highlighting the objectives to give Lagosians access to a conducive and liveable environment.

He said:  “Government is re-introducing the cleaning exercise and residents are encouraged to clean their homes, surroundings, drainages in front of their houses and streets while LAWMA officials would always be on ground to collect the waste and dispose them properly.”

Wahab said one of the goal of the event was to further educate residents on the need to take ownership of their environment and ensure they continually clean their  surroundings, dispose waste responsibly and imbibe the culture neatness.

“As a government, it is our collective responsibility to continually develop strategic methods to improve the environment, ensure that it is flood free and make it conducive for residents and this can be achieved through the continuous cleaning of the environment from time to time,” he said.

He advised communities that may want to defy the directive to avail themselves of the Lagos State 2017 Environmental Protection Law, noting that offending neighbourhoods would be dealt with in accordance with the Law.

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The foundation was officially launched on Tuesday in Lagos, at an event themed “Restoring Hope, Saving Lives.” The launch drew a host of dignitaries, including the First Lady of Osun State, Chief Mrs. Titilola Adebusola Adeleke, who spoke about the emotional and societal impact of infertility and infant loss.

“As a mother, I understand the hope, the dreams, and sometimes the silent struggles that couples face when trying to start or grow a family,” Adeleke said.
She commended JOF’s commitment to funding fertility treatments, supplying neonatal equipment, and offering scholarships to vulnerable children, stressing that community and institutional support are key to making lasting change.

The foundation’s founder, Joyce Ojemudia, shared that JOF has quietly transformed lives for the past eight years, supporting couples through IVF treatments and helping hospitals access life-saving equipment such as incubators and phototherapy units.

“Every life saved, every family restored, every barrier broken reinforces our commitment to restoring hope,” Ojemudia said.

Guests at the launch heard stories of resilience and compassion, as partners like Dr. Stella Okoli, CEO of Emzor Pharmaceutical, and Mrs. Ebelechukwu Nwachukwu of Rex Insurance Limited, pledged financial and programmatic support to ensure families struggling with infertility and neonatal challenges get the help they need.

JOF is not just a foundation—it is a lifeline for couples navigating the emotional, physical, and financial toll of infertility, and a support system for hospitals and children who need it most. Its programs aim to address reproductive health gaps, reduce newborn mortality, and provide emotional and financial support, making tangible differences in the lives of families across Nigeria.

“Our work is driven by faith, compassion, and responsibility to humanity,” Ojemudia said. “We believe that hope can be restored, and lives can be saved when communities come together to support families in need.”

The launch of JOF marks a turning point for reproductive and neonatal healthcare in Nigeria, showing that humanity, empathy, and action can create life-changing outcomes for families facing some of life’s most difficult challenges.

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The event is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at the Ballroom of Oriental Hotel. Among the distinguished guests expected at the occasion is Dr. Mrs. Stella Chinyelu Okoli, Founder and CEO of Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited. A renowned pharmacist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Dr. Okoli is widely celebrated for her transformative contributions to Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector.

The Managing Director/CEO of REX Insurance Limited and Deputy Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA), Mrs. Ebelechukwu Nwachukwu, will deliver the keynote address titled “Restoring Hope, Saving Lives.”

The event will be chaired by Peter Atuma, a Financial Technology Enterprise Leader with over three decades of experience spanning finance and information technology. He currently serves as Chairman of Princeps Credit Systems Limited, Source Microfinance Bank Limited, and Tango Brooks Technologies Limited, among others. His career includes senior roles in Nigeria and the United Kingdom with institutions such as Morgan Stanley, Telecity Group, and Equinix Inc., where he served as Global Head of Information Security Governance.

The Joyce Ojemudia Foundation was born out of a deeply personal journey defined by faith, resilience, and restoration. After 26 years of waiting, six surgeries, six miscarriages, and multiple IVF treatments both locally and internationally, the Founder resolved to transform personal pain into purpose.

That commitment took tangible form in 2015 when a premature baby delivered at seven months could not access an incubator. Through urgent private intervention and neonatal support, the child survived. Today, at 11 years old, the child stands as a testament to the life-saving impact of timely medical equipment.

This experience exposed a critical gap in Nigeria’s healthcare system — the shortage of functional neonatal equipment in public hospitals, particularly incubators for premature babies.

According to the organisers, the launch will serve as a call to action for corporate sponsors, healthcare professionals, faith leaders, government representatives, NGOs, media organisations, and families affected by infertility and neonatal challenges.

Beneficiaries of the Foundation’s interventions include public hospitals lacking essential neonatal equipment, premature babies requiring advanced care, couples facing infertility challenges, families enduring prolonged emotional strain, and vulnerable children in need of educational sponsorship.

With Nigeria continuing to grapple with high neonatal mortality rates and a growing incidence of infertility cases globally, the Foundation aims to provide practical medical support, restore hope to families, and build strategic partnerships capable of scaling impact nationwide.

Organisers describe the event as more than a ceremonial unveiling, but rather “an invitation to partner in a movement committed to saving lives and strengthening families across Nigeria.”

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With the theme “Restoring Hope, Saving Lives,” the event will unveil the Foundation’s expanded vision to tackle neonatal mortality and infertility challenges across Nigeria.

The launch will be chaired by Peter Atuma, a Financial Technology Enterprise Leader with over 30 years of experience spanning finance and information technology.

Atuma currently serves as Chairman of Princeps Credit Systems Limited, Source Microfinance Bank Limited, and Tango Brooks Technologies Limited,among other organisations. His career includes senior roles in Nigeria and the United Kingdom with institutions such as NIDB Trustees Ltd., Morgan Stanley, EC Harris, Telecity Group, and Equinix Inc., where he served as Global Head of Information Security Governance.

The Joyce Ojemudia Foundation was born out of a deeply personal journey marked by faith, resilience, and restoration. After 26 years of waiting, six surgeries, six miscarriages, and multiple IVF treatments both locally and internationally, the Founder made a commitment to turn personal pain into purpose.

That resolve first translated into action in 2015, when a premature baby delivered at seven months lacked access to an incubator. Through urgent private intervention and neonatal care support, the baby survived. Today, the child is 11 years old — a testimony, the Foundation says, to the life-saving impact of timely medical equipment.

The experience highlighted a critical healthcare gap: the shortage of functional neonatal equipment in public hospitals, particularly incubators for premature babies.

According to the organisers, the launch event will serve as a call to action for corporate sponsors, healthcare professionals, faith leaders, government representatives, NGOs, media organisations, and families affected by infertility and neonatal challenges.

Beneficiaries for this event include Public hospitals lacking essential neonatal equipment; Premature babies requiring advanced care; Couples facing infertility challenges; Families coping with prolonged waiting and emotional strain and Vulnerable children in need of educational sponsorship.

With Nigeria continuing to grapple with high neonatal mortality rates and increasing infertility cases globally, the Foundation says it aims to provide practical medical support, restore hope to families, and build partnerships that can scale impact nationwide.

Organisers describe the event as more than a ceremonial unveiling, but “an invitation to partner in a movement committed to saving lives and strengthening families across Nigeria.”

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Speaking at the National Traditional and Religious Leaders’ Summit on Health in Abuja, Mr. Mathew Verghis, Country Director of World Bank Nigeria, emphasized that sustained investment in early childhood development, maternal and child health, nutrition, and education is critical for long-term economic growth.

Verghis highlighted the pivotal role of traditional and religious leaders in shaping household behaviours and community norms that directly impact health outcomes, noting that their engagement is essential for translating national commitments into tangible improvements at the grassroots level.

He also reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s health and human capital development agenda in partnership with the government and development partners, stressing that coordinated investments in people are central to unlocking the country’s economic potential.

According to Verghis, Nigeria has recorded notable progress in expanding access to health services through a sector-wide approach under the leadership of the Coordinating Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

He referenced the recent signing of a national health compact, which brought together government stakeholders, traditional rulers and faith leaders in a shared commitment to improving health outcomes nationwide.

“The World Bank’s analysis suggests that the greatest remaining opportunity for accelerated growth lies in coordinated investments in early childhood, beginning from pregnancy and continuing through the early years,” the representative said.

He explained that health, nutrition, water and sanitation, caregiving and early learning collectively shape lifelong outcomes and productivity.

“These foundational investments determine whether children survive, thrive and eventually contribute meaningfully to economic growth,” he added.

He emphasised that religious and traditional leaders play a critical role in influencing household behaviours and social norms that affect child development outcomes.

Their influence, hel noted, extends to caregiving practices, maternal nutrition, women’s decision-making, early childhood stimulation and community uptake of health services.

“Faith institutions and traditional authorities are essential in translating national commitments into real change at household and community levels,” he said.

He added that without behavioural and cultural alignment, investments in services may not fully translate into measurable development outcomes.

The representative reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s health and human capital development agenda in collaboration with the government and development partners.

“The World Bank stands ready to continue working with the government and people of Nigeria to improve outcomes for all citizens,” he said.

Meanwhile, the United Nations and development partners have commended Nigeria’s traditional and religious leaders for their central role in advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and strengthening primary healthcare delivery across the country.

Dr Pavel Ursu, WHO representative, described the engagement of traditional institutions in Nigeria’s health reforms as “an asset rarely seen in many countries.”

Ursu expressed appreciation to the First Lady for convening the summit at what he described as a critical moment in Nigeria’s health sector transformation.

“Achieving Universal Health Coverage requires a whole-of-society approach. The influence traditional and religious leaders have in shaping positive health-seeking behaviour, promoting immunisation and ensuring community trust is paramount,” he said.

He noted that the global body, alongside partners including the Global Fund, Gavi and other development agencies, remains committed to supporting Nigeria’s health reforms through a sector-wide approach at the federal and state levels.

He highlighted ongoing reforms under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, as well as progress in malaria control, maternal and child health interventions and primary healthcare revitalisation.

According to him, measurable improvements are being recorded in health outcomes and UHC indicators, particularly in routine immunisation strengthening and vaccine-preventable disease reduction.

He commended traditional and religious leaders at the community level for supporting immunisation campaigns and surveillance efforts, especially in efforts to interrupt vaccine-derived poliovirus transmission and reduce measles and rubella outbreaks.

“We have seen the success of integrated campaigns for measles, rubella and HPV. Improved data use, strengthened accountability mechanisms and better service delivery are producing tangible results,” he said.

The representative emphasised that health is not merely a technical or institutional matter but a societal responsibility requiring moral authority and cultural connection.

“The voices of traditional and religious leaders reach communities in ways politicians and even health workers sometimes cannot. Your role is not complementary; it is central,” he stated.

He added that as Nigeria approaches the final stages of polio eradication and intensifies primary healthcare strengthening across local government areas, sustained collaboration with community leaders would be critical to addressing barriers to access and misinformation.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the United Nations and development partners to continue supporting Nigeria’s pursuit of health security and equitable access to affordable, quality services.

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“Together, we can accelerate progress towards resilient primary healthcare systems and a future where every Nigerian, regardless of location, gender or socio-economic status, has access to essential health services,” he said.

Stakeholders at the summit agreed that the institutionalised engagement of traditional and religious leaders represents a strategic advantage in Nigeria’s journey toward Universal Health Coverage and improved public health outcomes.

The summit forms part of broader efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda to strengthen community ownership, deepen accountability and accelerate health sector reforms nationwide.

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President Tinubu said this during the first National Traditional and Religious Leaders Summit on Health in Abuja.

The President described the Fellows as the driving force towards achieving the Renewed National Health Alliance.

The National Health Fellows are carefully selected from each of the 774 Local Governments in Nigeria. This is the Second Cohort of the Fellows, selected to boost health care delivery nationwide, as part of a programme championed by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

“Today, I stand here with pride that our young people are proving yet again that Nigeria’s future is not something to fear. It is something to look forward to. I thank the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, state governments and all our partners for keeping this vision alive.

“We are working to secure your career paths through the federal structure and support from development partners. I am also aware that the Honourable Minister of Health and Social Welfare and his team have requested state governments to host a fitting graduation ceremony for you in your states as you complete your fellowship. I thank you on behalf of a grateful nation and urge you to carry the spirit of altruism, as it will bring great rewards.

“To Cohort 2, the National Health Fellowship Programme represents a new Nigeria where talent and competence help you reach your full potential. This administration recognises and believes in the potential of our youth. We will harness your energy to fuel our renewal and create opportunities that provide you with dignity, purpose and a pathway to leadership.”

President Tinubu enjoined the Fellows to work in synergy with the traditional and religious leaders to ensure effective and efficient service delivery.

“You are the driving force that traditional and religious leaders will count on to fulfil the commitment they made today as the operational backbone of this national health alliance. Bring structures where systems are weak, data where decisions lack clarity and energy where communities seek hope. You are the youthful force behind Nigeria’s health transformation,” he said

The President also urged traditional and religious leaders to support government efforts to achieve universal health coverage.

“We are building an inclusive, united and committed society to renew the hope of our people. The keyword here is HOPE. Nothing good is achieved without our hope, and we pledge to do everything possible to renew it.

The President reaffirmed his administration’s will to sustain the war against insecurity, assuring that Nigeria will eventually win the battle.

The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammed Ali Pate, thanked the President for providing the required leadership in policy direction. He presented the 2025 State of Health Report to the President.

“We have used the 2025 State of Health of the Nation Report as a basis for the dialogue. As you can see, Christian and Muslim faiths are represented to hear their feedback, and I think we have carried some important lessons from what we have heard from them.”

“We hereby commend the Federal and State governments for embarking on the ambitious Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and for the inclusive spirit of the Health Sector Compact.

Traditional rulers and religious leaders from the six geopolitical zones of the country attended the event. Among them were the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III; the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli; and the Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ortese Ayatsev.

Others were the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye; the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Umar Garbai Al-Kanemi; Igwe Dr Lawrence Chikezie Agubuzu, the Ogbumechendu of Ezema Olo Kingdom; the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi; and the Olumobi of Imobi-Ijesa Kingdom, Oba Jacob Adetayo Hasstrup.

The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Most Rev. Daniel Okoh, and the Deputy President General South of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Razaq Oladejo, committed to champion community healthcare coverage in their spheres of influence.

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The annual Devex Power 50 highlights individuals shaping the future of global development, and Pate’s inclusion reflects his central role in advancing health equity, system reform, and health sovereignty across Africa. As Nigeria works to expand access to quality healthcare, Pate has championed innovative, locally driven solutions aimed at strengthening resilience and reducing external dependence.

A key milestone under his leadership came in September with the announcement of Nigeria’s first local production of anti-malaria bed nets, ending decades of reliance on imports. The initiative is expected to boost domestic manufacturing capacity, enhance supply security, and support long-term public health outcomes.

Beyond Nigeria, Pate has been a strong advocate for reforming global health architecture to promote fairer partnerships and sustainable financing for low- and middle-income countries.

His recognition on the Devex Power 50 list underscores his growing influence within Nigeria, across Africa, and in the global health community, positioning him as a leading voice in the push for equitable, resilient, and locally anchored health systems.

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