Japa: 16,000 Doctors Left Nigeria in Five Years – Minister

While speaking at his investiture as the Chancellor of Gerar University of Medical Sciences, Imope-Ijebu, Ogun state, Afolabi said this mass migration of health professionals, especially doctors and nurses, out of Nigeria known as ‘japa’ (mass migration) has negatively affected the country’s health care delivery.

He said that the ugly trend must be frontally tackled by the government and further noted that aside from the provision of modern equipment and tools at public health facilities across the country to improve service rendered, priority attention must also be devoted to the welfare of these dispirited health professionals who are left in the country.

He said:

“Many of our competent medical hands have been lost to countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia among other developed economies where sufficient encouragement in terms of remuneration, modern work tools, and a conducive working environment have been provided to attract talents from all over the world.

“This migration by young Nigerians has negatively affected almost every sector of the country, but it is safe to conclude that the health sector has been the biggest victim of this japa syndrome. The few doctors, nurses, and other health professionals that are left in the country are overworked and grossly underpaid when compared to their counterparts globally.

“This has negatively impacted the quality of services patients could access in our public health institutions.  Our governments, at all levels, need to be strategic and proactive in tackling this menace. Pay for health workers must be improved while a conducive environment that will make them thrive and be fulfilled professionally must be provided.”

Afolabi, who lauded the proprietor and management of the specialized institution for their foresight in establishing the university at a time the country needs to produce more quality health workers, said Gerar University of Medical Sciences has the capacity to become a reference point and a centre of excellence in medical education and research in the country.

Prof. Niyi Adetoro, the institution’s Vice Chancellor, said the new university will leverage technology and innovation to drive its vision, adding that the support of corporate organisations and public-spirited individuals will be required to support the university’s ambitious vision, which has necessitated an endowment fund of N500 million.

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Dr. Afolabi, while delivering the 16th Convocation Lecture of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso on the topic “Towards a sustainable blue economy and marine development in Nigeria: trends, challenges and prospects”, noted that the country has many untapped opportunities in the maritime sector.

He said developing the country’s blue economy is now more imperative than ever due to the government’s policy of moving away from the largely one-product economy that Nigeria has been running for decades.

He said:

“Serious attention should be devoted to the development of our coastlines by the government as this could spur huge recreational and economic activities around such localities. Coastal tourism development has the potential to provide socio-economic benefits to Nigeria, especially during this period when the Nigerian government is trying to diversify the economy from being a predominantly crude oil-based economy to a multi-product economy, which can withstand the volatility in oil prices in the world market.

“One other lucrative sector within the blue economy concept is the opportunity for harvesting renewable energy. Renewable energies, such as wind, solar, hydro, and tidal energy, are energy alternatives to fossil fuels that can contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of the maritime sector.

“Offshore wind energy is also a real and promising form of renewable energy generated by offshore wind turbines, which makes it possible to take advantage of strong ocean winds for electricity generation later exported to land where it is consumed in several economic activities. In turn, solar energy can be used in power navigation and communication ships’ systems and equipment and those of other floating structures.”

Afolabi further noted that the country can learn from the experience of Phillipines which has deployed more seafarers in the global shipping business than any other country.

He said the country needs to develop a robust maritime educational curriculum that takes into cognizance technology, trends, and the dynamic nature of the industry.

Afolabi, however, cautioned that tapping the potential in the blue economy should be done responsibly and sustainably.

He identified some of the sustainable measures of using the country’s ocean resources. These include the promotion of sustainable aquaculture practices, modern environmental waste management, monitoring, control, and surveillance of Nigeria’s territorial waters, and improvement of maritime safety and security.

Others are the preservation of marine ecosystems, addressing the challenge of pollution in coastal areas, enactment of laws that promote the blue economy and proper regulation by relevant government agencies.

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SIFAX Group is one of the leading business conglomerates in Nigeria with investment in Maritime, Aviation, Oil & Gas, Haulage & Logistics, Financial Services, and Hospitality, has appointed

Agboarumi recently completed his term as the Managing Director/CEO of the Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc. (SAHCO Plc.), one of the subsidiaries of SIFAX Group.

Agboarumi holds a National Diploma (OND) in Mass Communication from the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi and a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Mass Communication from the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, a Master in Communications (MSc) from the Lagos State University and a Certificate in Creative Design & Digital Communications from the School of Media & Communications of the Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos. He also holds a Management Certificate in Civil Aviation from Concordia University, Montreal, Canada.

After the privatization and subsequent takeover of SAHCOL by SIFAX Group in 2009, Agboarumi was appointed the Head of Corporate Communications to spearhead the re-branding of the new company.

He was subsequently appointed the company’s Managing Director in 2018. Under his leadership, SAHCO Plc was listed on the Nigeria Stock Exchange while many airlines, both local and foreign, signed business deals with the company due to its excellent and cutting-edge services which include passenger handling, ramp handling, and cargo handling.

Agboarumi has over 25 years of professional in public relations, reputation management, brand development, media relations, business development, and government relations.

Speaking on the new appointment, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman, SIFAX Group, said Agboarumi brings vast experience and records of achievements to his new role, adding that these qualities will help him succeed in the new role.

He said:

“He demonstrated the capacity and ability to navigate different terrains as a leader during his time as the Managing Director of SAHCO. The COVID-19 pandemic hit shortly after he took over the reins at SAHCO, but he was able to steer the ship of the company to profitability despite the uncertainties that characterised the global aviation business at the time. I am convinced the Group will benefit tremendously from his wealth of experience as he assumes this new role.”

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Taiwo Afolabi; SIFAX Group’s Chairman, Receives Zik Prize for Entrepreneurial Leadership

The conferment of honorary doctorate degree on Dr. Afolabi was part of activities to mark the university’s 15th convocation ceremony.

The Chairman and his wife in company of top SIFAX Group management team were at the colourful ceremony.

See pictures from the event and the caption below.

More pictures:

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At the ceremony held over the weekend, the organisers lauded the SIFAX Group’s boss’s business acumen, tenacity and grit which translated into a success strategy for the Group’s businesses and by extension the Nigerian economy.

According to Prof. Pat Utomi, Head of Selection Committee for Zik Prize Award, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi has redefined business enterprise in Nigeria.

He said:

“Afolabi is the Chairman of SIFAX Group, a leading business behemoth with diversified interests in maritime, aviation, oil & gas, haulage and logistics, tourism, hospitality and financial services. His massive investments in Nigeria’s terminal operations, especially its off-dock solutions, have positively affected the industry and catalyse economic growth.

“The SIFAX Group boss has shown consistency in developing innovative business models and nurturing same to global acclaim which has made him a leader in various entrepreneurial endeavours. The Lagos Marriott is an example of one of the novel business solutions that have been brought to life by Dr. Taiwo Afolabi”.

Find pictures from the ceremony:

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Since its institution in 1995 by PPRAC in honour of the first President of Nigeria and Commander of the Armed Forces, the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe, it has always recognized and encouraged outstanding leadership on the African Continent and in the Diaspora.

Held every year, it was put on hold last year as a mark of respect following the passage of two members of the Advisory Board; Prince Emeka Obasi erstwhile Executive Secretary and Prof George Obiozor in March and December, 2022.

The reason, this edition is a combination of winners across year 2021 and 2022.

In an email to Techeconomy, Professor Pat Utomi, Head, Selection Committee, Zik Prize, also acknowledged fellow Board members who over these 27 years have shown uncommon zeal and commitment to building and encouraging true leadership across the face of the continent; and of course, to members of the fourth estate of the realm for your unflinching and peerless support”.

“A cursory look across our continent shows that the issue of leadership remains a critical challenge in our body polity.

“We fully understand this and thus remain committed to this noble venture of encouraging and nurturing the most beneficial leadership that can be found on the continent as an embodiment of the leadership values of the Great Zik of Africa in whose honour this award was instituted.

“After our usual rigorous review process, the advisory board now announce winners of the combined Year 2021/22 Zik Prize winners in accordance with their corresponding Award categories:

1. Year 2021/22 Zik Prize in Political Leadership – H.E Hakainde Hichilema, President, Republic of Zambia

In a continent well known for its leadership challenges, President Hakainde Hichilema has distinguished himself as a great shining light, not only to his South African nation, Zambia, but the black race.

An example in sheer doggedness and perseverance, the 61-year-old Zambian farmer, businessman and now politician, contested five previous Presidential elections between 2006 and 2016, before emerging victorious at the 6th time of asking in 2021. Despite inheriting an economy dangerously spiraling out of control and prevailing global challenges, H.E Hichilema has in two years remarkably halted the slide and ushered Zambia’s economy back to the path of growth, restored long-term debt sustainability and reinvigorated Zambia’s economy, making it one of the fastest growing economies in the continent.

Zambia is ranked the 8th most competitive country in Africa on the Global Competitiveness Index and whilst in its recently released report, Forbes Magazine ranked Zambia the 7th best country with the ease of doing business among 54 African countries.

Hichilema’s leadership construct and political sagacity has marked him out as an outstanding political leader.

2. Year 2021/2022 Zik Prize in Professional Leadership – Professor Benedict Okey Oramah, President of Afreximbank

Professor Benedict Okey Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) since 2015 is currently serving a second 5 year term.

He has remarkably piloted Africa’s premier multilateral financial institution to deliver on its mandate of boosting economic expansion in Africa by financing and promoting intra-and extra-African trade and accelerating industrialization.

A key promoter of AfCFTA as Africa’s pathway to industralisation, he championed the introduction of a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA.

He has also led the onboarding of 500 of the continent’s 600 regulated commercial banks into its Afreximbank Trade Finance Facility (AFTRAF) placing it in the vortex of the most extensive bank messaging network on the continent.

The bank is also working with the AU and the AfCFTA Secretariat to develop an Adjustment Facility to support countries in effectively participating in the AfCFTA.

Similarly, the scale of the bank’s intervention in support of African countries at times of global crisis is unprecedented. It introduced in year 2020 the Pandemic Trade Impact Mitigation Facility (PATIMFA) with disbursed funds at more than US$7 billion and in year 2022, the Ukraine Crisis Adjustment Trade Financing Programme for Africa (UKAFPA), a US$ 4 billion programme of credit facilities to manage the impacts of the Ukraine crisis on African economies and businesses.

Prof Oramah is a global public speaker, prolific writer and subject matter expert on African Trade and finance. He has authored Chapters in several books and written over 40 professional/scholarly articles on African economic, trade and trade finance issues.

3. Year 2021/2022 Zik Prize in Good Governance – H.E Godwin Obaseki,
Executive Governor of Edo State

A financial and administrative guru, H.E Mr Godwin Obaseki has brought his wealth of experience in the private sector to bear in addressing the issues of governance in Edo State.

In the space of 7 years, his make Edo Greater Again agenda has accomplished tremendous success in public administration, repositioning the civil service and the transformation of the state’s failing education sector.

By implementing wide scale transformation projects, particularly the deployment of cutting edge
technology in training and equipping Edo teachers with modern skills to deliver sound and qualitative teaching, The EdoBest project success has inspired Lagos to create the EkoExcel scheme.

Similarly, he is recognised for his Health reforms, industralisation schemes and digitisation of the state through the construction of over 2, 000km of fibre optic connections to link every Local Government Area. Edo state is the most economic friendly state as Certificates-of-Occupancy are processed under 30 days for both individuals and businesses, a feat not yet replicated elsewhere.

H.E Godwin Obaseki has come out as one of the most accomplished governors in the federation today.

4. Year 2021/22 Zik Prize in Entrepreneurial Leadership – Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, MoN, CoN, Chairman, SIFAX Group

An entrepreneur of note, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, is the Chairman of SIFAX Group, a leading business behemoth with diversified interests in maritime, tourism and hospitality, energy, aviation, oil and gas, haulage and logistics.

While many businessmen are hesitant to invest in the nation’s murky and unpredictable business waters, Afolabi’s indomitable and diehard nature to frontally confront all obstacles has helped him to succeed in ventures where others before him had failed.

From being a trailblazer, his brainchild, SIFAX Group has in just over three decades become a household brand in the country, especially in the maritime, hospitality, haulage and logistics industries.

Notably, his massive investments in Nigeria’s terminal operations, especially its off-dock solutions, have positively affected the industry and catalyzed economic growth.

Dr Afolabi’s consistency in developing innovative business models and nurturing same to global acclaim has made him a leader in entrepreneurial endeavour.

5. Year 2021/2022 Zik Prize in Humanitarian Leadership – H.E Hajiya Aisha
Atiku Baguda

Her Excellency, Hajia Aisha Atiku Abubakar, fmr 1st lady of Kebbi state, is a consummate humanist and philanthropist who has over the last fourteen years  been a ‘hope giver’’ to thousands of  otherwise hopeless citizens of the country.

She has since 2009 set up the Mass Literacy for Less Privileged and Almajiri Initiative (MALLPAI), an NGO that has quietly gone about its business of enhancing the quality of life of Nigerians by supporting and empowering initiatives that improve access to health, education and agricultural opportunities.

Mallpai has invested extensively in the return of out of school children to school and girl child education. It continues to empower indigent women and vulnerable groups in the country from its offices in six states (Kebbi, Kaduna, Kano, Edo, Delta and Lagos) and FCT where it is headquartered.

Hajia Atiku Bagudu remains at the forefront of the economic empowerment of women and children as a platform for sustainable socioeconomic development of the country.

Some Previous Winners:

Past recipients of the Zik Prize include notable leaders like; President J.J. Rawlings, President Nwalimu Julius Nyerere, Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim, President Sam Nujoma, Dr. Nelson Mandela, President Yoweri Muzeveni, President John Agyekum Kufuor, Dr Pius Okigbo, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, Otunba Subomi Balogun, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Alhaji Ahmed Joda and Dr Akinwumi Adesina.

Prof. Utomi added that the formal presentation ceremony of the Zik Prize Awards, usually a celebratory event, will hold on Sunday 19th November, 2023 at the Eko Convention Centre, Lagos.

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In a congratulatory letter to the new Customs boss, Afolabi hailed the dedication and commitment Adeniyi has shown over the years to the Service.

He said:

“Rising through the ranks, you have dutifully discharged your duties to the best of your abilities. It is therefore not a surprise that the President has found you worthy to steer the ship of the organization at a critical time like this. This appointment is a reward of the dedication, commitment and professionalism you have demonstrated at the Nigeria Customs Service in particular and Nigeria as a whole over the years”

“SIFAX Group as a company is confident in your ability to reset and transform the Nigeria Customs Service to become a major catalyst for the country’s economic growth and development which is the cardinal focus of the current administration”.

Afolabi assured that SIFAX Group will support the new CG and his office in order to make his tenure a remarkable one in the annals of the service.

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Afolabi, who was until this appointment the Group Executive Vice Chairman, replaces the former chairman, the late Olowu of Owu, Oba Adegboyega Dosunmu, who died on December 12, 2021.

Dr. Taiwo Afolabi ’s appointment takes immediate effect.

According to Mr. Bode Ojeniyi, Group Executive Director, SIFAX Group, the appointment was a natural progression for Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, who has worked assiduously in the last 33 years to build and lead the company to become one of the leading conglomerates in Nigeria today.

He said: “His choice was unanimous among the board members. Dr. Taiwo Afolabi has given all his resources – financial, goodwill, mental and social capital, among others – to see that the company continues to return impressive business growth and profitability year on year. The success story of the company cannot be divorced from his rigour, leadership, strategic thinking and foresight. Taking all these into account, the board found him worthy of this appointment for sustained entrepreneurial leadership and better service delivery to our clients as well as improved returns to all stakeholders.”

While accepting the appointment, Afolabi said his immediate goal would be to drive the five-year strategic growth plan of the company to a logical conclusion.

He said: “The Company has, without doubts, achieved so much, but there are still so much grounds to cover. Interestingly, my appointment coincides with the midway point of our five-year strategic growth plan designed to improve the profitability of our various businesses and expand to new territories both locally and internationally.

“We are already doing well with this growth plan and we will see if there is a need to recalibrate our approach and deliverables for an improved performance.  I am confident that with the quality of human resources on the board as well as the cooperation of all our stakeholders, we will position SIFAX Group well for its next growth phase and achieve its mandate.” of the company.

Taiwo Afolabi, who was until this appointment the Group Executive Vice Chairman, replaces the former chairman, the late Olowu of Owu, Oba Adegboyega Dosunmu, who died on December 12, 2021.

Dr. Afolabi’s appointment takes immediate effect.

According to Mr. Bode Ojeniyi, Group Executive Director, SIFAX Group, the appointment was a natural progression for Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, who has worked assiduously in the last 33 years to build and lead the company to become one of the leading conglomerates in Nigeria today.

He said: “His choice was unanimous among the board members. Dr. Taiwo Afolabi has given all his resources – financial, goodwill, mental and social capital, among others – to see that the company continues to return impressive business growth and profitability year on year. The success story of the company cannot be divorced from his rigour, leadership, strategic thinking and foresight. Taking all these into account, the board found him worthy of this appointment for sustained entrepreneurial leadership and better service delivery to our clients as well as improved returns to all stakeholders.”

While accepting the appointment, Afolabi said his immediate goal would be to drive the five-year strategic growth plan of the company to a logical conclusion.

He said: “The Company has, without doubts, achieved so much, but there are still so much grounds to cover. Interestingly, my appointment coincides with the midway point of our five-year strategic growth plan designed to improve the profitability of our various businesses and expand to new territories both locally and internationally.

“We are already doing well with this growth plan and we will see if there is a need to recalibrate our approach and deliverables for an improved performance.  I am confident that with the quality of human resources on the board as well as the cooperation of all our stakeholders, we will position SIFAX Group well for its next growth phase and achieve its mandate.”

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