The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has described featuring of Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali on the list of TIME’s 2025 100 top honourees as well deserved.
According to the NMA, Prof. Pate has record landmark achievements while steering the wheel of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Renewed Hope Agenda in the area of healthcare.
The NMA made this position known in a statement by its President Prof. Bala Audu.
The statement said: “This landmark recognition is a testament to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bold and visionary reforms in Nigeria’s health sector, which are already delivering measurable results and earning global commendation.
“Since his appointment, Prof. Pate has been empowered to lead the implementation of a dynamic reform agenda under the Renewed Hope Initiative of President Bola Tinubu. Notable achievements include the rollout of the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), the rehabilitation of thousands of primary health centres nationwide, and the recruitment and training of tens of thousands of frontline health workers across all local government areas of the federation.
“Under Mr. President’s guidance, Prof. Pate’s leadership has achieved record-breaking health insurance enrolment with 2.4 million Nigerians newly enroled in 2024 alone; alongside the expansion of access to essential medicines, and improved health infrastructure across all 36 states and the FCT, all while laying the foundation for a more resilient and equitable health system.
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“A central pillar of Prof. Pate’s strategy has been the aggressive pursuit of private and international investment in localized health sector-affiliated manufacturing in biologics, vaccines, and pharmaceuticals. His efforts have successfully mobilized billions of dollars in funding and technical partnerships from global institutions, development partners, and private sector players, resulting in unprecedented capital inflows and innovative collaborations.
“In conformity with President Bola Tinubu’s passion to train and empower young Nigerians to lead the future across sectors, Prof. Pate implemented the National Health Fellows Programme which has meritoriously selected young leaders from every local government area of Nigeria, following a rigorous screening process, to lead the future of the sector across multiple disciplines.
“This recognition by TIME100 Health is not only a personal honour for Prof. Pate, but a powerful validation of H.E. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to delivering quality, affordable, and accessible healthcare for all Nigerians.
“We are also pleased to acknowledge the recognition accorded to Dr. Ladidi Bako-Aiyegbusi, Director of Nutrition, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, on the 2025 TIME100 Health list.”