100 Days of Hon. Ekumankama Joseph’s Turning the Tides in the Health Sector, By Abubakar Yusuf

Since the appointment as a federal minister in the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration of the All-Progressives Congress (APC) in July, 2022, Hon. Ekumankama Joseph, the current Minister of State Health, has proven his worth.

Appointed in July 2022, Hon. Ekumankama Joseph took over from his predecessor and former Minister of State, Health, Senator Olorunnibe Mamora, who held sway for over two years.

Without further delay, the new Minister of State settled down with a view to delivering the mandate of the administration, the ministry to chart a new course towards delivering quality health care across the country.

In view of the debilitating effects arising from the world ravaged health emergencies of COVID pandemic, with Nigeria not in exception, the health sector formed the crux of social services badly affected.

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Within the period under review, the Minister had provided a level playing ground to improve on the dire consequences after COVID, and also continue the Ministry’s efforts towards policy thrust that boardered on primary, secondary and tertiary health care in Nigeria.

As an administrator of high repute with exposures in both technocratic and bureaucratic ideals, the new Minister of State had prepared enabling environment to redirect the policy and programmes of the health sector in Nigeria, in synergy with the Senior Minister, Ehanire towards provision of robust health care system across the country.

No doubt, the Hon. Joseph 100 days in office was not the usual symbolic interaction and meanings, but with practical preparation and achievements towards realising and achieving health for all in Nigeria.

For Hon. Joseph, the short time towards the termination of the current administration in May 2023, will not be a barrier towards achieving remarkable success in Nigeria, particularly looking at health sector as one of the social outlets and services in Nigeria in line with the UN SDGs.

By October 13, 2022, marking the 100 days in the office by Hon. Joseph, has not only prepared ground towards achieving the road map for health for all, but a veritable tool towards achieving both short- and long-term programmes of the ministry, towards achieving an egalitarian society.

For the new leadership in the Ministry of Health, State, no doubt the impression by Nigerians appointing cabinet ministers spending little time in the office may not be in vogue, in view of his plans and achievements after the end of the present administration.

YUSUF can be reached on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.