Ogun Health Commissioner Advocates for Leadership Development in Medicine at GAWIM 2026 Summit
Dr Tomi Coker, the Ogun State Commissioner for Health, has emphasized the urgent need for deliberate government investment in training doctors not only in clinical expertise but also in leadership and management skills. She made this call during her address at the Global African Women in Medicine (GAWIM) summit held in Abeokuta, stressing that such investment is critical for enhancing Nigeria's healthcare infrastructure.
Early Development of Leadership Skills Advised
Coker advised young doctors and medical students to begin cultivating leadership abilities early in their careers. She highlighted that leadership involves consistent growth, continuous learning, and gaining practical experience. According to her, ethical leadership and sustained investment in human capital are essential components for strengthening the healthcare system, particularly in efforts to reduce maternal mortality rates across the country.
"Ethics is a personal value. Whether in the boardroom or at the bedside, it must reflect in your actions because of the responsibility you owe your patients," Coker stated, underscoring the importance of ethical conduct as the foundation of medical practice. She added that values should guide professionals in both clinical and administrative roles to ensure high standards of care.
Female Medical Professionals Encouraged to Expand Influence
Earlier at the summit, Dr Deborah Osinsanwo, President of the Medical Women's Association of Nigeria, urged female medical professionals to extend their impact beyond clinical duties into policymaking and governance. Osinsanwo noted that women have demonstrated excellence in the health sector but require greater representation at top leadership levels to effectively shape policies. She commended ongoing reforms within the Ogun State Ministry of Health and expressed optimism that the summit would foster enhanced dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders.
Keynote Lecture on Sustaining Leadership
In a keynote lecture titled "Sustaining Leadership from Practice to Boardroom," Dr Oluwabunmi Fatungase, Chief Medical Director of Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, encouraged women in medicine to prepare for leadership roles. Fatungase asserted that women possess the capacity to influence decisions and shape policies, emphasizing that leadership extends beyond traditional clinical responsibilities.
"It's about decision-making, knowledge, influence, and personal attributes," she explained, noting that building value in healthcare involves more than just clinical expertise. Her remarks aimed to inspire female practitioners to take on broader roles within the healthcare system.
Mentorship and Empowerment Initiatives Highlighted
Oluwatobiloba Adewunmi, Chairperson of the Organising Committee, described the GAWIM summit as a mentorship-driven initiative designed to empower women in medicine. Adewunmi stated that the platform is specifically crafted to prepare women for positions of influence and active participation in healthcare decision-making processes.
Dr Olajumoke Ladapo, Founder and Convener of the GAWIM summit 2026, urged female medical practitioners to transition from clinical practice to leadership roles to transform healthcare systems. She explained that the need for inclusion and shared purpose led to the establishment of the Excellence in Medicine (EIM) Ladies Network in 2018, which later expanded into the GAWIM summit to accommodate more women and promote leadership development.
Ladapo pointed out that while medical professionals have excelled in patient care, there is a pressing need to scale impact by influencing healthcare systems and policies. She concluded that the summit aims to build a robust network and ecosystem for female medical professionals across Africa, fostering collaboration and growth in the field.
