Dr. Dakuku Peterside, a renowned turnaround expert and accomplished technocrat, says continuous innovation and capacity building within the healthcare sector are crucial for improving the quality, accessibility, affordability, and efficiency of healthcare systems.
He made this statement while serving as Chairman of the 2025 Afrihealth Conferences and Exhibitions in Lagos.
This event is recognized as one of Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest private sector-led healthcare conferences.
The former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) further explained that consistent innovation will also facilitate data-driven decisions, enabling healthcare providers to predict outbreaks, tailor treatments, and ultimately enhance patient outcomes.
He lauded healthcare entrepreneurs as “true problem-solvers,” recognizing their efforts in addressing critical challenges and expanding the frontiers of what’s possible in the sector.
He said:”I want to give a special appreciation to the AFRIHEALTH Development Foundation for creating this amazing platform that brings together health professionals and allied service providers from all corners to share knowledge and exchange ideas.
“I also acknowledge the hard work and dedication of healthcare professionals in Nigeria, who too often have their contributions go unnoticed.
“It is a real honour to receive an award from the AFRIHEALTH Development Foundation recognizing my efforts in healthcare advocacy over the years. This recognition means a lot to me and motivates me to stay even more engaged in advancing our healthcare system.”
Peterside commended the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate and his Minister of State counterpart , Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako for demonstrating exceptional leadership in transforming Nigeria’s health sector.
“The recent reforms in the healthcare sector, which have been recognized globally, gives us hope of a bright future for Nigeria.
“I have faith that one day Nigeria will be a hub for medical tourism , if we get leadership and technical capacity right,” he also said.
He particularly pointed out the effort of Dr. Pate to make Nigeria a hub for local manufacturing of biologics, vaccines, and pharmaceuticals, thus ensuring better access to essential and quality medicines.
Among top speakers at the event were Felix Erondu, a Professor of Radiography, Prof. Lere Baale,CEO and Professor at Business School Netherlands Nigeria (BSNN) and others.
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