RismadarVoice Reporters
October 22, 2026
President Bola Tinubu has called for stronger preventive measures against Ebola and other infectious diseases, as Nigeria intensifies its response to a confirmed case in Abuja.
Tinubu made the call on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, after receiving an honorary fellowship from the West African College of Physicians (WACP).
According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President acknowledged the challenges facing Africa’s healthcare systems and stressed the importance of preventing infectious disease outbreaks.
His remarks followed the Federal Government’s confirmation of an imported Ebola case in the Federal Capital Territory on October 20.
Tinubu also urged medical professionals across West Africa to develop sustainable solutions to the growing migration of skilled healthcare workers abroad.
He expressed concern that the departure of doctors and other health professionals was placing additional pressure on healthcare institutions, limiting access to essential services and increasing workloads for personnel remaining in the region.
The President challenged the college to use its forthcoming scientific conference to develop practical recommendations for addressing these challenges.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving healthcare accessibility, affordability and efficiency, while commending Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, for ongoing reforms.
Presenting the fellowship, WACP President Dr Mamadou Ka said the recognition was reserved for national leaders who had made significant contributions to healthcare delivery in West Africa.
The college’s Secretary-General, Professor Musa Dankyau, disclosed that the honour had been conferred only eight times in the institution’s 50-year history.
He identified former Gambian President Dawda Jawara as its first recipient and former Nigerian military ruler Ibrahim Babangida as a previous Nigerian recipient in 1991.
Dankyau also cited investments in health infrastructure, emergency services, primary healthcare and universal health coverage as reasons for recognising Tinubu.
He claimed that more than $2.2 billion had been invested in healthcare initiatives, although an independently verified financial breakdown was not provided.
The college’s 50th anniversary celebration and Annual General Scientific Meeting are scheduled for October 26–28, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.
Meanwhile, Nigerian health authorities say the confirmed Ebola infection remains isolated, with no evidence of transmission into the wider community.
