–Launches Alumni Network
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s health sector have renewed calls for increased inclusion of women in leadership and decision-making roles, as the Extraordinary Women Advancing Healthcare (EWAH), a programme of The Commonwealth Institute Programme (TCI), formally launched its alumni network in Lagos.
The launch, held recently at The Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos brought together women previously honoured under the EWAH Awards platform, forming a collaborative body aimed at sustaining impact, strengthening partnerships and advancing healthcare outcomes within and beyond Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the Regional Representative for EWAH Awards Africa and Chief Executive Officer of LiveWell Initiative, Pharm. Bisi Bright, said the alumni platform was created to ensure continuity beyond the awards and to foster long-term collaboration among honourees.
According to her, the EWAH programme, a Commonwealth-backed initiative, recognises women who have made transformational contributions to healthcare and seeks to amplify their voices and impact across systems.
“We are bringing together 20 women of substance who have been recognised over two award cycles to form a platform where they can continue to advance healthcare,” she said.
Bright noted that while women constitute over 70 per cent of the global healthcare workforce, they remain underrepresented at top leadership and boardroom levels, stressing the need for deliberate efforts to close the gap.
“We want to see more women at the table where decisions are made, more women on boards, and more visibility for the critical roles women play across the healthcare system,” she added.
She further disclosed that the initiative is expanding across Africa, with plans to establish similar platforms in Ghana, Zimbabwe, Mauritius and Egypt, enabling cross-border collaboration among women healthcare leaders.
Also speaking, Dr Favour Adeola Ilori, who represented the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Health Management Agency, Dr Emmanuella Zamba, described the EWAH initiative as a valuable platform for networking and knowledge exchange among women in diverse areas of healthcare.
She acknowledged that although progress has been made in recognising women’s contributions, more work remains to be done.
In her remarks, Pharm. Nkechi Ukaiwe said the EWAH platform reflects the wide spectrum of women’s impact across healthcare, from grassroots service delivery to global pharmaceutical leadership.
Ukaiwe, who is the director of operation at the Pharma Symbiosis noted that bringing together professionals from different levels of the health system under one platform is essential for sustaining collaboration, mentorship and long-term system improvement.
Earlier organisers noted that over its two editions, the EWAH Awards have honoured 20 women whose contributions cut across healthcare delivery, policy, academia, advocacy, industry leadership and community development.
The honourees include Dr Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu, Prof Elisabeta Smaranda Olarinde, Prof Folasade Ogunsola, Pharm. Mrs Nkechi Ukaiwe, Mrs Cima Sholotan, and Dr Adaeze Oreh.
Others are Pharm. Folasade Lawal, Chief (Mrs) Christiana Adeyemi, and Mrs Ajiya Agwom Agyer.
Also honoured in the two editions are Dr Stella Okoli, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, Mrs Fola Laoye, Dr Ajoritsedere Awosika, Dr Temitope Ilori, Pharm. Zainab Ujudud Shariff, Dr Emmanuella Zamba, Mrs Nkeiruka Obi, Mrs Lois Auta, and Mrs Edidiong Okon Asanga.
Earlier, organisers disclosed that the third edition of the EWAH Awards is scheduled to hold on 21 June, 2026, at The Wheatbaker Hotel, where another set of 10 women will be honoured for their contributions to advancing healthcare.
A member of the board officers of EWAH, Dr Victory Emmanuel, said the awards remain focused on recognising impact across all levels, noting that inclusion, equity and diversity remain central to the selection process.
“We do not just recognise those at the top; we also celebrate those at the grassroots who are making meaningful impact in their communities. The goal is to motivate more women to do more within the healthcare system,” she said.
