The Federal Ministry of Health has kicked off an initiative, the Honor Campaign, to recognize and celebrate Nigeria’s trailblazing medical professionals. This week-long campaign, launched today on the ministry’s official social media platforms, aims to inspire the next generation of healthcare leaders while spotlighting the pioneers who shaped the nation’s medical history.
As part of the campaign, young Nigerian health professionals are encouraged to participate by creating and sharing one-minute videos detailing their vision for the future of healthcare in Nigeria. This interactive approach seeks to foster innovation, mentorship, and a strong sense of community within the country’s medical sector.
The first honoree of the Honor Campaign is Dr. Abimbola Elizabeth Awoliyi, a legendary figure in Nigerian medicine. She made history as the first female physician in Nigeria and was also the first African to earn the prestigious title of Royal Surgeon in Dublin. Her achievements paved the way for women in medicine and set new standards for excellence in the field.
In 1968, Dr. Awoliyi cemented her legacy as the second West African woman to qualify in orthodox medicine. She served as a highly respected gynecologist at Massey Street Hospital in Lagos, where she dedicated her career to improving women’s health. Her expertise and leadership earned her the title of Senior Specialist Gynecologist and Obstetrician at the Federal Ministry of Health in 1962.
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Beyond her medical practice, Dr. Awoliyi was a passionate advocate for women’s healthcare. She became the first president of the Lagos branch of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), using her position to push for critical policies that benefited women across Nigeria. Her advocacy played a pivotal role in establishing the NCWS national headquarters at Tafawa Balewa Square, a move that strengthened women’s health initiatives nationwide.
Her influence extended to reproductive health, where she served as a key consultant for the organization’s family planning clinic—an initiative that later evolved into the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria. This groundbreaking work provided countless Nigerian women with access to essential healthcare services.
Dr. Awoliyi’s extraordinary contributions were recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) and Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR). Though she passed away in 1971, her legacy continues to inspire generations of medical professionals and remains a cornerstone in Nigeria’s healthcare history.
The Honor Campaign serves as a powerful reminder of the trailblazers who shaped the nation’s medical sector and the importance of nurturing future leaders committed to healthcare excellence.
