President Tinubu To Young Health Fellows: Serve With Honour, Humility

President Tinubu to Young Health Fellows: Serve with Honour, Humility and Courage “The Nation Believes in You”
Abuja President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged young Nigerians participating in the Federal Government’s National Health Fellowship Programme (NHFP) to serve the nation with honour, humility and courage, affirming that Nigeria believes in their potential as transformative agents of community health delivery.
Tinubu delivered the charge on Tuesday at the first National Traditional and Religious Leaders Summit on Health in Abuja, where he described the Fellows as the “driving force” behind the government’s efforts to strengthen primary healthcare across the country. Addressing the second cohort of National Health Fellows drawn from each of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas the President said the programme embodies the promise of a renewed Nigeria where talent and competence thrive:
“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.Tinubu assured the Fellows that his administration will work to secure their career paths through federal structures and with support from development partners as they complete their fellowship. He also praised the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, state governments and partners for sustaining the initiative, calling it a cornerstone of the Renewed National Health Alliance. The National Health Fellowship Programme is designed to boost healthcare delivery nationwide by embedding trained young professionals within local health systems. Cohort 2 the group being addressed will support local health authorities, enhance service delivery and help implement community-level interventions aimed at improving health outcomes. President Tinubu urged the Fellows to work in synergy with traditional and religious leaders who attended the summit to ensure effective implementation of health initiatives at the grassroots. He stressed that they were the “youthful force behind Nigeria’s health transformation.” “Bring structure where systems are weak, data where decisions lack clarity and energy where communities seek hope,” the President told the Fellows.
Tinubu linked the Fellowship initiative to the broader Renewed Hope Agenda, underscoring the government’s commitment to harness the energy of youth, build capacity in health services and expand access to quality care nationwide.
He reiterated that this administration recognises and believes in the potential of Nigeria’s youth, pledging that their talent will help fuel renewal, provide dignity and open pathways to leadership.
The President also urged traditional and religious leaders to support efforts towards universal health coverage, describing national progress in health as a collective responsibility.
Key government and traditional figures attended the summit, including representatives from all six geopolitical zones and leaders of major faith organisations. They reaffirmed their commitment to community healthcare and pledged collaboration with the Fellows and government in improving health outcomes.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammed Ali Pate, used the event to present the 2025 State of Health Report and commend the inclusive approach of the National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative. Strengthened grassroots healthcare: The NHFP is expected to improve health service delivery where health systems are weakest.
Youth engagement: Nigeria’s young professionals are being positioned as key contributors to national health goals and future leadership. Renewed hope for universal health coverage: By uniting government, community leaders and youth, the initiative aims to accelerate progress toward accessible, quality healthcare for all Nigerians.