By Danjuma Amodu | March 6, 2026
President Bola Tinubu’s administration is emulating Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s transformative policies, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako has said.
Speaking at the 2026 Obafemi Awolowo Memorial Lecture, Salako highlighted similarities between Awolowo’s visionary policies and Tinubu’s reforms, which have pulled Nigeria back from bankruptcy.
Awolowo’s policies, including free education and healthcare, made the Western Region a global reference point. Tinubu’s reforms have achieved a 4.23% GDP growth rate, reduced inflation, and improved healthcare, with a 17% reduction in maternal mortality and expanded health insurance coverage.
The Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative has secured $2.2 billion to renovate 17,000 primary health centres, train 120,000 frontline workers, and double health insurance coverage.
Speaking further, Salako benchmarked Tinubu’s achievements to include revitalizing 2,125 primary healthcare facilities, expanding health insurance to 21.1 million Nigerians, and training 40,240 health workers.
The Minister stated that the Government has approved ₦9.99 billion for antiretroviral drugs and cancer treatment upgrades and is strengthening emergency response systems.
He also reiterated that local pharmaceutical production, improved regulatory systems, and expanded access to diagnostics are also being emphasized.
Salako urged Nigerians to support ongoing reforms, emphasizing collective effort towards economic recovery and prosperity, with a goal to achieve a $1 trillion economy and build an egalitarian society.
He noted that, like Awolowo, Tinubu’s efforts would be appreciated in the future.
