..decries Nigeria’s Health Sector Crisis, calls for increased budgetary allocation

..as Aiyedatiwa hails Olajumoke’s passion for humanity, pledges government’s support for BOEHI

By Mary Agidi

Former Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, has lamented the deteriorating state of Nigeria’s healthcare system, calling for urgent reforms, increased funding, and a reversal of medical brain drain threatening the nation’s development.

Dr. Mimiko, a medical doctor made these assertions while delivering a public lecture at the event organized by the Bode Olajumoke Education and Hospitality Initiative(BOEHI), in celebration of Senator Bode Olajumoke’s 81st birthday.

Addressing the theme of the event, “Conqueror, Conquered and Consequences- A Discourse on Brain Drain”, he highlighted Nigeria’s health indicators, and expressed deep concern that the country accounts for 28 percent of global maternal deaths, while life expectancy for Nigerians stands at 55 years—one of the lowest in the world, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

He blamed the crisis on gross underfunding of the health sector, noting that Nigeria allocates an average of just 4.7% of its national budget to healthcare, a far cry from the recommended 15% benchmark set by the African Union’s Abuja Declaration.

He also emphasized the importance of incentivizing health workers by providing a conducive working environment and adequate tools, warning that the current state of neglect is fueling an exodus of Nigerian doctors and health professionals to wealthier countries.

The former Governor affirmed that Nigeria is unintentionally subsidising developed nations, by training doctors with our limited resources, only for them to migrate and help foreign nations save billions in human resource development.

Dr. Mimiko described the brain drain as a “legacy of conquered people,” urging Nigerian leaders to recognize this as a national emergency.

He said the political will to reform the sector must stem from the realization that millions of Nigerians are living in inhumane conditions due to failing public health systems.
According to him, “No country can develop without subsidy,” emphasising the need to deliberately invest in the health sector, just as developed nations do.

“Increased funding is the bedrock of development in every sector, especially healthcare”, he added.

He concluded by emphasizing the urgency of correcting these disparities and building a system that supports its people, adding that a healthy nation is a prosperous nation.

Speaking, the Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, described Senator Bode Olajumoke as an accomplished technocrat and a shining example of selfless leadership whose legacy continues to inspire generations.

Represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, the Governor also lauded the launch of the Bode Olajumoke Education and Hospitality Initiative—a programme geared towards advancing access to quality education and human development.

According to Aiyedatiwa, Senator Olajumoke’s life journey is not one rooted solely in politics but in meaningful service to humanity. He noted that the elder statesman’s enduring impact reflects his deep commitment to promoting human dignity and wellbeing.

According to him, Olajumoke is a man who has made a profound impact in shaping the lives of others, noting that his legacy is a beacon of hope and an inspiration to all.

He added that the elderstateman is a reminder that politics should be a vocation of service, not merely a profession, describing him as a successful technocrat.

He emphasized that Olajumoke’s values and contributions should serve as a model for young people, encouraging them to enter politics with a mindset to serve, not just to seek personal gain.

Governor Aiyedatiwa further commended the Bode Olajumoke Education and Hospitality Initiative as a noble effort aimed at promoting education and social welfare, and declared the readiness of the Ondo State Government to partner with the initiative in any capacity to ensure its goals are achieved.

He asserted that the initiative demonstrates the importance of prioritising human welfare, and as a government, we are willing to collaborate in every way possible,” he assured.


The Governor concluded by acknowledging the former senator’s immense contribution to humanity, describing his life as one marked by integrity, purpose, and a relentless drive to uplift others.

The Royal father of the day, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr) Yusuf Adebori Adeleye OON, eulogised the celebrant, describing him as a humanitarian per excellence, saying, “his likes come once in a generation”.

He underscored his contribution to the championing the plight of the vulnerable, Persons With Disabilities in particular PWDs, as witnessed in the Bill he sponsored for the well-being of PWDs , and the disability-friendly hostel he constructed in Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko.

In their separate goodwill messages, dignitaries commended his commitment to youth empowerment and education, welfare services, and described him as unassuming, good administrator, and a generous personality to the core.

Responding, the celebrant attributed his accomplishment to the grace of God, and thanked every individual for celebrating him.

The event was attended by dignitaries from the education, political, and traditional sectors, who gathered to celebrate the life and impact of the respected elder statesman.