First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Receives Diaspora Health and Humanity Champion Award, Urges Greater Diaspora Support for Nigeria’s Healthcare
Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has been honoured with the Diaspora Health and Humanity Champion Award at the 2026 National Diaspora Merit Awards in recognition of her contributions to healthcare and humanitarian development. She used the occasion to call for sustained support from Nigerians in the diaspora to strengthen the country's healthcare system.
The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, has received the Diaspora Health and Humanity Champion Award at the 2026 National Diaspora Merit Awards in recognition of her contributions to Nigeria's healthcare sector and humanitarian development.
The award was presented during the fourth edition of the National Diaspora Merit Awards, organised by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), under the theme, "Harnessing Global Diaspora Expertise to Strengthen Local Health Systems for National Development." The event brought together healthcare professionals, policymakers, development partners, and members of the Nigerian diaspora to discuss strategies for improving healthcare delivery in the country.
Represented by the Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, the First Lady expressed appreciation to NiDCOM for the honour, describing it as a motivation to strengthen collaboration in advancing quality healthcare for Nigerians.
She announced that 70 medical professionals participating in the Diaspora Health Impact Initiative (DHII) would return to Nigeria to undertake medical missions, specialist training, and capacity-building programmes across the country. According to her, the initiative demonstrates the patriotism and commitment of Nigerians in the diaspora to improving healthcare delivery at home.
Senator Tinubu also urged diaspora healthcare professionals to continue contributing their expertise, skills, and mentorship to Nigeria's health sector, particularly in training the next generation of medical professionals.
She reaffirmed that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to building a resilient and efficient healthcare system, stressing that access to quality healthcare is essential for national development.
In her remarks, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, commended Nigerians living abroad for their outstanding achievements and contributions across various sectors.
She noted that the impact of the diaspora community continues to be felt through investments, knowledge transfer, humanitarian interventions, and professional excellence, all of which contribute significantly to Nigeria's development.
Other recipients honoured at the ceremony included Chief Chike Nweke, who received the Entertainment, Arts and Tourism Award; Dr. Douglas Emeka Okor, honoured in the Medicine and Healthcare category; Professor Fatima Kyari, who received the Diaspora Health Impact Initiative (DHII) Award; Professor Hakeem Ibikunle Tijjani, recognised in the Education category; Chief Joseph Onah, honoured with the Philanthropy Award; and Haruna Kuje Anzaku, who received the Distinguished Service Award.
The National Diaspora Merit Awards celebrate Nigerians whose outstanding contributions, both within the country and abroad, continue to drive national development and enhance Nigeria's image on the global stage.
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