Shettima Hails Women As Backbone Of Healthcare, As Stakeholders Lauds WIHCN For Driving Wellness

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

Vice President Kashim Shettima has praised Nigerian women in healthcare as the silent custodians of the nation’s survival, describing them as “unseen, uncelebrated, but always indispensable” in safeguarding the health and continuity of the country.

Speaking at the Women in Healthcare Network (WIHCN) Second Annual Conference, themed “Rooted in Wellness, Rising with Purpose,” Shettima who was represented by the Senior Special Adviser to the president on Public Health, Dr. Uju Rochas-Anwukah lauded the sacrifices of female healthcare workers who have served the nation through decades of medical challenges often under difficult and dangerous conditions.

“For those who heal are the custodians of a nation’s continuity,” he said, noting that “The story of our nation’s survival through the storms of diseases and despair is written in the quiet heroism of women who have chosen to serve even when the odds were cruel.”

The Vice President paid tribute to women who have made historic contributions to national health emergencies, including the late Dr. Stella Adadevoh, who helped contain the Ebola outbreak in 2014, and Dr. Amarachukwu Allison, who detected Nigeria’s first COVID-19 case in 2020.

“We saw it again when Dr. Amarachukwu Anderson identified the first COVID-19 case in Nigeria and helped avert a larger catastrophe. And we continue to see it every day when nurses, doctors, midwives, and community health workers show up not just with knowledge, but with the will to serve,” he added.

Shettima said the establishment of the Women in Healthcare Network represents a bold new chapter in Nigeria’s healthcare ecosystem, where women are no longer on the margins but “at the center of its design.”

Also speaking, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a healthcare system that is inclusive, accessible, and driven by wellness, empathy, and innovation.

Sanwo-Olu who was represented by his Special Adviser, Dr. kemi Ogunyemi praised women healthcare professionals for their transformative impact on Nigeria’s health system, describing them as “unwavering pillars of strength, innovation, and compassion.”

Also speaking, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako acknowledged the leadership of women in both the public and private sectors, noting their impact as clinicians, innovators, policymakers, and administrators.

Meanwhile, the Women in Healthcare Network has reaffirmed its mission to connect, empower, and celebrate women across all sectors of the healthcare ecosystem, with a renewed focus on wellness, mentorship, and leadership development.

Speaking at the Network’s annual conference, Professor Modupe Elebute-Odunsi, CEO of Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre and Chair of the WIHCN Board of Trustees, said the group was founded with a “simple but powerful vision” to create a community where women in healthcare can connect, learn, unlearn, and be empowered to lead.

Founded just two years ago by 15 women, the Network has rapidly grown into a dynamic movement of over 300 members across Nigeria and beyond, with active chapters in Lagos, Abuja, and the United Kingdom.

“Our contributions as women in healthcare often go unrecognised,” Prof. Elebute-Odunsi said.

“The Women in Healthcare Network exists to change this narrative to celebrate women’s impact, amplify their voices, and foster leadership across the health ecosystem.”

The conference highlighted WIHN’s strides in building a supportive platform for women professionals through impactful initiatives including virtual learning sessions, mentorship programs, and wellness campaigns.

Earlier this year, the Network launched a series of wellness-focused events such as walking challenges, nutrition and menopause talks, and a session on “the sacredness of rest” led by beauty entrepreneur Tara Fela-Durotoye. Prof. Elebute-Odunsi stressed that self-care is vital for healthcare providers: