Abuja: The Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Yusuf Sununu, has applauded Prof. Bissallah Ekele, the former Chief Medical Director (CMD) of University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), for his significant mentorship and contributions to Nigeria’s medical field. Sununu expressed his admiration during a send-off dinner held in Abuja in honor of Ekele.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Sununu highlighted Ekele’s humility and dedication, acknowledging the profound impact he has had over the years. Sununu praised Ekele as a leader who has continuously inspired younger generations, expressing gratitude for Ekele’s support and influence. Ekele remains active in the medical sector and is currently on a sabbatical with the National Universities Commission (NUC), where his engagement is expected to lead to medical curriculum reforms tailored to Nigeria’s healthcare needs.
Addressing issues within the health sector, Sununu noted that the current administration has adopted a more deliberate approach in negotiating agreements with health unions, aiming to avoid implementation failures that have previously led to strikes. He emphasized the importance of aligning agreements with the government’s financial capacity and highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen the health sector through domestic funding and international grants.
The Acting CMD of UATH, Prof. Bob Ukonu, also commended Ekele for his leadership and commitment to excellence, noting significant achievements during his tenure, including infrastructure development and accreditation of various departments. Ukonu described Ekele as a visionary leader whose tenure positively impacted the hospital, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ukonu further noted that Ekele’s strategic insights led to critical reforms and enhanced collaboration among key stakeholders, promoting sustainable growth and improved service delivery. The hospital staff expressed gratitude for Ekele’s leadership and mentorship, recognizing his efforts in laying a solid foundation for the institution.
Dr. Ikechukwu Odikpo, Chairman of the Board of Management at UATH, acknowledged Ekele’s administrative and professional capacities, appreciating the standard he set during his tenure. Dr. Comfort Ekele, the former CMD’s wife, expressed satisfaction with her husband’s service to humanity and thanked the hospital staff for their support.
In his remarks, Prof. Bissallah Ekele attributed his achievements to teamwork and emphasized the need for increased funding and resources in the health sector. He advocated for improved incentives for health workers to prevent brain drain and called for enhanced insurance coverage for patients. Ekele concluded by stressing that addressing these issues would significantly improve the health sector.
The event concluded with a presentation of a gift to the former CMD by the hospital management.