Abuja witnessed a major gathering of stakeholders in Nigeria’s health sector as medical doctors, dental practitioners, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals converged for the national launch of the book Truth Renewal: The Integrity Call for Better Health for All, authored by Dr. Abdullahi Jibrin Mohammed.
The event, organized under the Initiative for Health Accountability and Transparency, brought together policymakers, traditional leaders, healthcare experts, and advocates committed to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system through integrity, transparency, and accountability.
Declaring the event open, the Special Adviser to the President on Health, Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas, warmly welcomed guests and described the occasion as a significant national gathering driven by private initiative and public interest. She noted that the call for transparency and accountability in healthcare was timely, especially at a period when many Nigerians have lost confidence in the nation’s health system.
Dr. Anas further stated that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has introduced key reforms and policies aimed at repositioning the healthcare sector for improved service delivery and renewed public trust.
Speaking on what inspired the book, author Dr. Abdullahi Jibrin Mohammed explained that his long experience within the healthcare system exposed deep-rooted trust deficits that go beyond inadequate infrastructure. According to him, the book was written to highlight the challenges facing the sector and propose practical pathways for restoring confidence in healthcare delivery.
The book was reviewed by Senator Dr. Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe, former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and former Chairman of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA). He described integrity as the foundation of every effective healthcare system and praised the publication as a national blueprint for healthcare reform in Nigeria.
He emphasized that rebuilding trust in the health sector is essential to achieving quality healthcare services across the country.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, Dr. Ogbe reaffirmed the importance of trust as a pillar of competence and efficiency in healthcare delivery. He urged stakeholders to ensure the message of the book reaches all corners of the country.
A goodwill message from Honourable Muktar Tolani Shagaya, Member Ilorin West/ East Federal Constituency who represented H.E Mallam AbdulRahaman CON, Executive Governor of Kwara State also highlighted the need to adopt best practices capable of restoring confidence in the healthcare system.
Also speaking at the event, Senator Abubakar Sadiq, representing Kwara North Senatorial District, lent his support to the campaign for trust and accountability in healthcare, while encouraging the implementation of ideas contained in the book.
A panel session titled Restoring Trust in Nigeria’s Health System: The Agenda for Integrity and Accountability formed a major highlight of the programme. Chaired by Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas and moderated by Dr. Gafar Alawode, Executive Director of DGI Consult, panelists examined existing gaps in the system and advocated digitalization as a tool for transparency, accountability, and improved patient monitoring.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by His Royal Highness, Alhaji Mohammed Kudu Kawu, Emir of Lafiagi, Kwara State.
Other dignitaries in attendance included Dr. Zubairu, Ibrahim Tswachi, Chigari Lafiagi, and several notable personalities who graced the occasion.
