The National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Francis Oke, has issued a strong demand for immediate healthcare system reforms across Nigeria. The call came during a significant public health lecture held in Ibadan on November 20, 2025.
Urgent Healthcare Reforms Needed
Bishop Oke, who also serves as the founder of Sword of the Spirit Ministries, emphasized the critical need to reduce preventable deaths among Nigerian youth. Speaking at the Foundation Day Public Enlightenment Lecture organized by the Dorcas Oke Hope Alive Initiative (DOHAL), he stressed that good health remains fundamental for young Nigerians to achieve their life purposes.
The event took place at Precious Cornerstone University (PCU) in Ibadan, Oyo State, drawing attention to the growing healthcare crisis. "The purpose of this programme is to encourage, inform, and educate the youth on health matters and how to take care of themselves to prevent untimely deaths," Bishop Oke stated. "We don't want any of them to die; we want all of them to live and fulfil their destinies."
End to Foreign Medical Tourism
Bishop Oke strongly criticized the recurring practice of Nigerian political leaders seeking medical treatment abroad, describing it as undignified and unsafe. He argued that this practice exposes the nation to unnecessary risks and demonstrates the failure of the current healthcare system.
"We don't want a situation where any president has to go overseas for treatment," he declared. The religious leader proposed a practical solution: upgrading one specialist hospital in each geopolitical zone to international standards. This would enable leaders to receive quality treatment within Nigeria, specifically mentioning Abuja, Kaduna, Enugu, Lagos, and Ibadan as potential locations.
Comprehensive Healthcare Vision
The PFN leader called on government authorities at federal, state, and local levels to prioritize massive investment in the health sector. His vision includes creating an accessible, affordable, and sustainable healthcare system that serves all citizens equally.
"There should be accessible and affordable healthcare for all, from the number one citizen to the rural dweller," Bishop Oke emphasized. "That is the Nigeria of our dream, a nation where every citizen can live healthy, productive, and dignified lives."
The Dorcas Oke Hope Alive Initiative, founded by Bishop Oke and his wife in memory of their late daughter Dorcas Oke, who died from medical mistreatment, continues to promote health awareness and improve access to quality healthcare across Nigeria.
The lecture featured prominent healthcare experts, including Professor Temitope Alonge, immediate past Chief Medical Director of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. Professor Alonge delivered a keynote presentation on "Quality Healthcare System and the Challenges of the African Child," highlighting the crucial role of primary healthcare in building an effective health system.
"If we get primary healthcare right, we will get healthcare right," Professor Alonge stated. "An African child has immense potential for the future."
Pastor (Mrs) Olufunmilayo Ajibulu, Executive Director of DOHAL, noted that the annual public enlightenment lecture provides an essential platform for discussing pressing health and social issues affecting African children. The event was chaired by Bishop (Prof.) Dapo Asaju, Chairman of the DOHAL Board of Trustees.
