The National President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Prof. Bala Audu, has commended the Ogun State Government for its programmes and policies aimed at improving healthcare delivery, while calling for the full implementation of the ongoing review of doctors’ salaries and retirement age to stem the growing loss of medical personnel due to the ‘Japa’ syndrome.
Prof. Audu made the call during a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako Oyedele, in Abeokuta, where he led members of the Association’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in the state.
He described the rate of migration among medical professionals as alarming, noting that many states now struggle to attract doctors despite ongoing recruitment exercises. According to him, improved remuneration and an upward review of the retirement age for doctors and other medical personnel, especially those providing clinical services, would help address the challenge.
Prof. Audu also applauded Ogun State’s healthcare infrastructure, citing the Association’s medical outreach in Ala-Ijebu, where he expressed satisfaction with the state of facilities and community turnout at the Primary Health Centre. He further commended the government for prioritising healthcare workers’ welfare and fostering a cordial relationship with the State NMA and the Ministry of Health.
He lauded the establishment of the 250-bed hospital in the state, noting that it would help tackle major health challenges beyond Ogun State and contribute to reducing medical tourism abroad. Prof. Audu also appreciated the support of the Local Organising Committee and the people of Ogun State for hosting a successful NEC meeting, assuring that the NMA would continue to deliver quality and globally competitive healthcare despite workforce shortages.
In her response, Deputy Governor Engr. Noimot Salako Oyedele welcomed the NMA leadership and thanked the Association for choosing Abeokuta as the venue for the meeting. She reaffirmed the commitment of the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration to prioritising healthcare delivery and medical personnel welfare.
According to her, the Governor’s proposed 2026 budget includes an allocation of over ₦210 billion to the health sector, aimed at improving infrastructure, training and staff welfare to make Ogun State more attractive to health professionals. She added that the government has upgraded and equipped 142 Primary Healthcare Centres across the state to strengthen grassroots healthcare delivery.
The Deputy Governor expressed readiness to deepen collaboration with the NMA, particularly in strengthening confidence in the State Health Insurance Scheme and supporting advocacy efforts. She also endorsed the review of doctors’ retirement age, noting that many retired professionals remain active in private practice.
On the 250-bed hospital, she explained that while the project was inherited, the present administration has fully equipped it with world-class facilities to serve as a centre of medical excellence and reduce outbound medical tourism.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, has urged nurses in the service of the Ogun State Government to remain committed, focused and diligent, describing healthcare delivery as both a profession and a calling. She spoke at the 2025 Hospitals Management Board Nurses Send-off Party in Abeokuta, organised in honour of 22 retired nurses.
Dr. Coker appreciated the retirees for their years of service and encouraged them to mentor younger professionals for sustained progress in the sector. She also commended the Hospitals Management Board, under the leadership of the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olayinka Elemide, for creating an enabling work environment in line with the administration’s vision of making Ogun a premium medical destination.
Dr. Elemide, in her remarks, praised Governor Dapo Abiodun for his consistent support for the health sector, while acknowledging the dedication and sacrifices of healthcare workers across the state.
Similarly, the Director of Nursing Services, Mrs. Oluremi Mosuro, appreciated the Governor for approving staff replacement ahead of retirements, assuring that service delivery would not be disrupted. Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Mr. James Topohozin and Mrs. Abosede Adebajo thanked the organisers and urged serving nurses to uphold diligence and professionalism.
As part of efforts to translate health policies into action, the Ogun State Government has also disseminated its 2026 Annual Operational Plan (AOP) for the health sector. Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Abeokuta, Dr. Coker described the AOP as a living document that aligns all actors towards shared healthcare goals.
She disclosed that the state retained a 13 per cent budgetary allocation for health in the 2026 budget, amounting to ₦210.59 billion, expressing optimism that prudent utilisation would significantly transform the sector. She called on health workers, development partners and other stakeholders to collaborate in addressing identified gaps.
In goodwill messages, the State Coordinator of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Mr. Solape Folarin, commended Ogun State for prioritising planning, while the representative of Management Sciences for Health (MSH), Mr. Ralph Chucks, pledged continued technical support to improve health outcomes in the state.
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