Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has been honoured with the Diaspora Health and Humanity Champion Award at the 2026 National Diaspora Merit Awards in recognition of her contributions to Nigeria’s healthcare sector and humanitarian development.
The award, presented during the fourth edition of the National Diaspora Merit Awards organised by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), formed part of activities marking the 2026 National Diaspora Day celebrations. The event, held under the theme, “Harnessing Global Diaspora Expertise to Strengthen Local Health Systems for National Development,” brought together healthcare professionals, policymakers and development partners from Nigeria and across the diaspora.
Represented by the Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, the First Lady expressed appreciation to NiDCOM for the honour, describing the award as both a recognition and a call to strengthen collaboration towards improving healthcare delivery across the country.
She announced that 70 medical professionals under the Diaspora Health Impact Initiative (DHII) would soon return to Nigeria to embark on medical missions, provide specialist training and implement capacity-building programmes in different parts of the country.
According to her, the initiative demonstrates the patriotism and commitment of Nigerians in the diaspora to supporting the nation’s healthcare system through knowledge transfer, professional expertise and humanitarian service.
Senator Tinubu urged Nigerian healthcare professionals abroad to continue investing their skills, experience and mentorship in the country’s health sector, particularly by helping to train the next generation of medical practitioners.
She reaffirmed that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to building a resilient, accessible and efficient healthcare system, stressing that quality healthcare is essential for sustainable national development.
In her remarks, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, commended Nigerians in the diaspora for their outstanding achievements and continued contributions to national development through investments, knowledge transfer, humanitarian interventions and professional excellence.
She noted that the positive impact of Nigerians abroad continues to strengthen various sectors of the economy while enhancing the country’s global image.
The ceremony also recognised several distinguished Nigerians for their contributions in different fields. Chief Chike Nweke received the Entertainment, Arts and Tourism Award, while Dr. Douglas Emeka Okor was honoured in the Medicine and Healthcare category. Professor Fatima Kyari received the Diaspora Health Impact Initiative (DHII) Award, Professor Hakeem Ibikunle Tijjani was recognised in the Education category, Chief Joseph Onah received the Philanthropy Award, and Haruna Kuje Anzaku was among recipients of the Distinguished Service Award.
The National Diaspora Merit Awards celebrate outstanding Nigerians whose achievements and service, both at home and abroad, continue to drive national development and project a positive image of Nigeria on the global stage.
