By Iyoho Emmanuel
ABUJA— Nigeria’s healthcare system will only grow stronger if government and private sector prioritize financing and immediately implement existing health policies, renowned healthcare executive ,Dr. Diya Ololade has said.
Speaking recently at the Her Health, Her Power Conference Africa 2026* held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, Dr. Ololade described women as the foundation of national development and called for sustained investment in women’s health education.
“I tell anybody who hears me that women are the most powerful institution in any society. Women are not only emotional beings, they are also the oracle of everything that we believe in as a society.
“A healthy woman, a healthy wife, a healthy mother is a healthy nation. That is very, very important to national development,” he told a packed audience.
Ololade, a panelist and Executive Director/Deputy Director of Clinical Services at Atlantic Pediatric and Maternity Hospital, Lagos, urged that the conference become an annual, or even bi-annual, platform to expand access to health knowledge.
“My take home today is collaboration. I want this to continue. What we are driving home is health education, awareness, and the knowledge that women especially should have,” he said.
He stressed that financing remains the biggest gap. “Health is not cheap. If you check all over the world you will know that. But somebody is paying for it and that is important. Somebody needs to subsidize it. Public-private partnership needs to come together, “ Olalade noted.
The family physician, occupational health and safety expert with expertise in preventive medicine, lifestyle medicine and healthcare leadership, added that Nigeria already has good policies but lacks execution.
When asked what he wants from government, Ololade referenced the current administration’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, calling on the Federal Government to move from policy to action.
“I’m not a politician but I would cry to the ears of the government as a whole both the politicians, the people and the stakeholders. Policies are there in place, good policies are there in place, but we need to begin to implement and execute. And if we don’t have the right people in place, there is a chance that the right policies will not be implemented,” he said.
He noted he is passionate about strengthening healthcare systems across Africa and believes advancing preventive healthcare and wellness for women is key to sustainable communities.
The conference, themed ”Leading with Wellness for a Sustainable Africa” and hosted by the Vickyheldan Empowerment Foundation, convened leaders, healthcare professionals, policymakers, innovators and advocates to discuss women’s health, maternal and reproductive health, mental wellness, preventive care and sustainable healthcare solutions.
Convener, Dr. Victory Njoku, said the event was designed to “spark meaningful conversations, build powerful connections, and drive action toward a healthier and more empowered Africa.”
“Your registration is more than attendance. It is your place in a growing movement committed to turning conversations into commitments and commitments into action,” Njoku stated.
The Foundation said the gathering aimed to advance conversations that translate into real outcomes for women and girls across Africa.
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