By Kolawole Ojebisi
Two notable Nigerians are on the roll call of honour comprising 100 names of personalities adjudged to be contributing to a healthier world across the globe released by Time for the year 2025.
The two individuals are the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Pate and the Director of Nutrition, Mrs Ladidi Bako-Aiyebusi.
The duo made the Time 2025 health category.
This is contained in a statement by the Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations, Mr Alaba Balogun, on Friday in Abuja.
Balogun said, “Pate’s selection acknowledges his decades-long commitment to health equity, system reform, and primary healthcare advancement.
“Under his leadership and aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria is undergoing a historic transformation in its health sector focused on improved governance, better health outcomes, unlocking healthcare value chains, and bolstering health security.
“A cornerstone of this reform is the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, anchored by a Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) that promotes strategic coordination among government institutions, development partners, and private sector stakeholders to ensure impactful and accountable investments.”
The minister is also said to have contributed immensely to accelerating malaria elimination efforts, including the introduction of the malaria vaccine.
He’s also being recognised for promoting local production of health commodities and strengthening the health workforce for national resilience.
Bako-Aiyegbusi was honoured for her pioneering leadership in advancing national nutrition policy and driving systemic food and nutrition reforms.
“Her work has been instrumental in improving maternal and child nutrition outcomes and reducing malnutrition across vulnerable populations through multisectoral, evidence-based strategies.
“She has led several high-impact initiatives, including: the implementation of the National Nutrition Policy, targeting improved nutrition outcomes for all Nigerians
“The rollout of the Multiple Micronutrient Supplement (MMS) programme, providing pregnant women with 15 essential vitamins and minerals to combat anemia and support healthier pregnancies,” the statement added.
According to the statement “this dual recognition not only honours the individual achievements of Pate and Bako-Aiyegbusi but also celebrates Nigeria’s bold strides in health reform, nutrition policy, and global leadership in advancing public health.”
TIME100 Health is a prestigious recognition of the 100 most influential individuals shaping the future of global health.
The initiative was launched by Time in 2024.
Among those who made the maiden list last year were the late American President, Jimmy Carter, neurosurgeon Jocelyne Bloch and neuroscientist Gregoire Courtine; executive director of Palestinian Red Crescent Bashar Murad, President of France, Emmanuel Macron and a host of other eminent people in the globe.
