The Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe emphasized the need for increased female participation in healthcare to enhance delivery systems in Nigeria.
Speaking at the 2024 Extraordinary Women Advancing Healthcare Awards (EWAH 2024) held at Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Tuesday, Dr. Balarabe noted that women often have to exert twice as much effort as men to gain recognition.
At the event, which celebrated 10 Nigerian women for their substantial contributions to the healthcare sector, Dr. Balarabe, with 30 years of public health experience, highlighted the importance of striving for excellence.
 She stated that the recognition would motivate the awardees to continue their efforts to improve healthcare in Nigeria.
“We have put in our best, but we know that what we have done is still not enough, considering the state of things in Nigeria. So, we’ll continue to put in so much more effort because we will not want to fail ever. This is a torch that we’re carrying, and I hope that will continue to light the way,” she said.
Encouraging the younger generation, she added, “Your dreams will come to fruition. Never let anyone tell you that you cannot achieve your goals. On behalf of all awardees, we pledge to continue working tirelessly for the betterment of health and the greater good of Nigeria.”
In her welcome address, Pharm. Clare Omatseye, chairperson of EWAH’s Advisory Board and CEO of JNCI Limited, stressed that the achievements of the 10 awardees would inspire other women.
 EWAH, part of the Commonwealth Institute Programme now known as the Women’s Edge, aims to highlight inequities in the health system, especially at leadership levels.
The award honors exceptional women in various healthcare fields and encourages more women to pursue careers and leadership roles in healthcare.
Sir Stanley Evans MBE, Past President of the British Business Group, highlighted that the EWAH Awards are unique as they honor women who have made impactful contributions across diverse healthcare sectors.
“Behind every successful man is a woman. My mother also told me many years ago that if you want a job done properly, you get a woman to do it. We’ve just had an election in Britain, and I’m delighted to tell you, ladies and gentlemen, that 40 percent of the politicians elected were female for the first time in our history,” he said.
Pharm. Bisi Bright, CEO of LiveWell Initiative and Regional Representative for EWAH Awards Africa, added that the Awards aim to create national and international recognition for dynamic female healthcare leaders. The Awards celebrate women who are committed to ongoing improvement in healthcare.
These awards aim to inspire and recognize the remarkable strides made by women in healthcare, encouraging future leaders to continue breaking barriers and advancing the sector.
