The Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN) hosted its highly anticipated 2024 Annual Gala and Awards Night on Friday, 25th October 2024, at the prestigious Civic Centre, Lagos. Building on last year’s inaugural event momentum, the annual Gala exceeded all expectations.
Themed “Celebrating Excellence in Healthcare,” the event was a remarkable celebration of excellence filled with inspiring speeches, delightful entertainment and the recognition of individuals and organisations driving real change. The main event of the evening was the awards ceremony, which appreciated those making a tangible difference in the healthcare sector.
The Gala was attended by industry leaders, government officials, innovators, and healthcare professionals to recognise their impressive contributions to Nigeria’s healthcare system. Notable attendees included World Health Organisation (WHO), Country Representative and Head of Mission to Nigeria, Dr. Walter Mulombo; Executive Director, MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya; Managing Director and CEO, The Aliko Dangote Foundation, Zouera Youssoufou; and many others.
Speaking at the event, PSHAN MD/CEO, Dr Tinuola Akinbolagbe highlighted the significance of collaboration in building a trusted healthcare system, saying, “Tonight, we reflect on our journey with your support, driving healthcare equity and meaningful impact. We are honoured to acknowledge those who invested their time and resources in improving health outcomes in our nation. Your dedication inspires us and strengthens our commitment to a healthier Nigeria.”
Professor Muhammad Ali, Hon. Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, represented by Dr Ayodeji Oluwole, Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, LUTH; Koessan Kuawu, Deputy Representative, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA); and Odunayo Sanya, Executive Director of the MTN Foundation, took to the stage to deliver goodwill messages. Ms Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group, also delivered a special virtual address. Delivering the address, Dr. Amina noted that universal health coverage is a key to achieving SDG3 and all the SDGs, from poverty eradication to building peaceful and inclusive society. “
The keynote speech was delivered by Dr Walter Mulombo, WHO Country Representative and Head of Mission to Nigeria, who looked back on PSHAN’s progress, stating, “When it was founded some years ago, I’m sure we never imagined the scale of the results we’re seeing today. PSHAN’s journey proves that strategic collaboration is the way forward for sustainable healthcare development.”
Speaking on behalf of the PSHAN Board of Directors, Zouera Youssoufou, CEO of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, talked about the organisation’s inception and progress. In her words, “Four people—Aliko Dangote; Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede; Jim Ovia; and Sola David-Borha—came together with a shared idea: how can the private sector unite to address health issues and support the government? Now, 10 years later, we are witnessing the impact of that vision, and it is only the beginning.”
Another major milestone highlighted at the event was the achievements and efforts of the Adopt-A-Healthcare-Facility Programme (ADHFP), PSHAN’s flagship initiative focused on creating and maintaining quality Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across Nigeria. This year, over 10 PHCs have been renovated as part of the ADHFP, alongside collaborations with international organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO).
PSHAN’s 2024 Annual Gala & Awards left a lasting impact, promoting stakeholder cooperation whilst setting a high standard for future events. As the curtains closed on the evening, the message was clear: progress is being made, but there is more to be done. With strengthened partnerships and renewed commitments, PSHAN remains dedicated to driving positive change in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
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