ABUJA — The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, has been honoured with the Diaspora Health and Humanity Champion Award at the 2026 National Diaspora Merit Awards for her outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s healthcare sector and humanitarian development.
The award ceremony, the fourth in the series organised by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, was held on July 25 under the theme: “Harnessing Global Diaspora Expertise to Strengthen Local Health Systems for National Development.”
Represented by the Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, the First Lady described the award as a call to deepen collaboration in advancing quality healthcare for all Nigerians.
She announced that seventy, 70, medical professionals under the Diaspora Health Impact Initiative, DHII, will be returning to Nigeria to undertake medical missions, specialist training, and capacity-building programmes across the country.
According to her, the initiative reflects the commitment and patriotism of Nigerians in the diaspora towards improving healthcare delivery at home.
Senator Tinubu encouraged diaspora healthcare professionals to continue investing their expertise and mentorship in Nigeria’s health sector, especially in training the next generation of medical professionals.
She stressed that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to building a resilient and efficient healthcare system, noting that quality healthcare is fundamental to national development.
In her remarks, the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, commended Nigerians abroad for their remarkable achievements and contributions through investments, knowledge transfer, humanitarian interventions, and professional excellence.
Other awardees include: Chief Chike Nweke, Entertainment, Arts and Tourism; Dr. Douglas Emeka Okor, Medicine and Healthcare; Professor Fatima Kyari, DHII Award; Professor Hakeem Ibikunle Tijjani, Education; Chief Joseph Onah, Philanthropy; and Haruna Kuje Anzaku, Distinguished Service Award.
The National Diaspora Merit Awards celebrate outstanding Nigerians whose contributions, both at home and abroad, promote national development and enhance Nigeria’s global image.
