Tinubu Calls on Traditional, Religious Leaders to Champion Public Health

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged traditional and religious leaders to play a proactive role in combating preventable diseases, emphasizing that improving Nigerians’ health is a shared responsibility.

The President made the appeal during the National Summit of Traditional and Religious Leaders on Health and Well-being held at the State House on Tuesday. He described the summit as a gathering that combined intergenerational wisdom, faith, and commitment to public health.

Tinubu noted that health sector reforms cannot succeed without the participation of community leaders, whose trusted voices serve as a bridge between government initiatives and local communities. He recalled the expansion of the Universal Health Coverage Compact to incorporate traditional and religious leaders, civil society actors, and private sector stakeholders.

Highlighting key priorities, the President identified maternal and newborn health, immunization, outbreak response, nutrition, and food security as areas requiring active community support. He encouraged leaders to monitor primary healthcare facilities in their communities and report gaps to local, state, and federal authorities for swift action.

Tinubu also spotlighted the National Health Fellowship Programme, launched in 2025, which deploys young Nigerians to all 774 local government areas to enhance service delivery and help reduce maternal and child mortality.

He commended the leaders for their commitment to improving the quality of life within their jurisdictions and urged continued engagement to ensure reforms translate into tangible benefits for citizens.