Dove Healthcare Awards: Yobe recognized for equitable healthcare leadership
Hon. Commissioner for Health, Yobe State, Dr. Lawan Gana, representing His Excellency Hon. Dr. Mai Mala Buni, Executive Governor of Yobe State, proudly received the Leadership Excellence in Equitable Healthcare Delivery and Social Welfare Award at the 2025 Dove Healthcare Awards.
The Lagos Oriental Hotel on Victoria Island hosted the prestigious event on December 5, 2025, bringing together Nigeria’s foremost healthcare leaders for the third edition of the Dove Healthcare Awards. Organized by the Dove Healthcare Foundation, this year’s ceremony expanded its mandate beyond recognition, emerging as a strategic forum for high-level discussions on governance, innovation, and system strengthening across Nigeria’s health sector.
Held under the theme “Excellence and Innovation in Healthcare: Strengthening Nigeria’s Health System for Better Outcomes,” the event gathered state governors, medical experts, pharmaceutical regulators, and healthcare administrators—an assembly reflecting the multi-layered collaboration needed to transform Nigeria’s health ecosystem.
Among the most distinguished honorees were three governors whose policies have reshaped health delivery in their states.
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, was celebrated for rebuilding critical health infrastructure in insurgency-affected communities, setting a benchmark for crisis-responsive governance.
Osun State Governor, Sen. Dr. Ademola Adeleke, represented by Dr. Sanmi Oyerinde, received the Most Outstanding State Leadership in Healthcare Access and Reform Award for his ambitious health access reforms, especially in underserved areas.
Yobe State Governor, Hon. Dr. Mai Mala Buni, represented by Dr. Lawan Gana, was honoured for driving policies that reduce healthcare inequality and strengthen primary healthcare systems across the state.
Institutional and sectoral excellence also featured prominently.
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Prof. Jesse Abiodun Otegbayo, CMD of University College Hospital, Ibadan, was recognized for transformative leadership in tertiary healthcare.
Dr. Paul Agboola, head of Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, was honoured for significant strides in mental health service delivery.
Dr. Olalekan Olatise of Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre received accolades for excellence in nephrology and specialized medical services. Pharm. Babashehu Ahmed, Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, was celebrated for strengthening pharmaceutical regulation and drug safety.
Ms. Omolola Fakeye JP, the first female Director of Administration at LUTH, was honoured for breaking leadership barriers and inspiring women in healthcare administration.
One of the evening’s most moving recognitions went to Alhaji A. A. Rano, Chairman of AA Rano Group, awarded for Outstanding Healthcare Community Support. Represented by Chief Kayode Adebiyi, he was applauded for decades of free medical outreach and humanitarian initiatives across Nigeria.
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Past editions of the Dove Healthcare Awards have upheld high standards, honouring iconic figures such as Emeritus Professor Ayodele Falase and institutions noted for excellence in reporting, specialized care, and international collaboration. The awards’ global reach has expanded, with international recognitions presented in the UK and Belgium in 2024.
A defining feature of the Dove Healthcare Awards is its democratic selection process, which closed on October 17, 2025, after robust public voting. This approach ensures community engagement and strengthens public trust in healthcare leadership and accountability.
As the curtains fell at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, attendees departed with renewed dedication to collective action for a fairer, stronger, and more innovative health system. The Dove Healthcare Awards 2025 reaffirmed its growing influence as a platform not only for celebrating excellence but also for shaping the future of Nigeria’s healthcare transformation.
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