Stakeholders in health sector converge in Lagos for NHEA lifetime achievement awards

The Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Awards (NHEA), Nigeria’s healthcare recognition platform, has announced the recipients of its 2026 Lifetime Achievement Awards and Special Recognition Awards ahead of the grand ceremony scheduled for Friday in Lagos.

The event would bring together healthcare leaders, policymakers, regulators, investors, healthcare professionals, and key stakeholders from across the healthcare ecosystem to celebrate excellence, innovation, leadership, and outstanding contributions to healthcare development in Nigeria.

Organisers of the event said that Iziaq Adekunle Salako, minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, has confirmed his attendance at the event as the Special Guest of Honour, while Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos State, would serve as the Chief Host.

A statement signed by Moses Braimah, director of Marketing, Communication and Strategy, NHEA,  affirmed that this year’s Lifetime Achievement Awards would be conferred on distinguished healthcare icons whose contributions have left an enduring impact on healthcare delivery, medical education, specialist training, healthcare financing, and health system development in Nigeria and beyond.

“Recipients include, Samuel Chukwunonyerem Ohaegbulam, one of Africa’s most distinguished neurosurgeons and medical educators, recognised for his pioneering contributions to neurosurgery, specialist training, medical education, and healthcare leadership in Nigeria and across the continent.

“Ike Onyechi, an accomplished pharmacist, entrepreneur, and healthcare leader honoured for over four decades of exceptional service to pharmacy practice, healthcare entrepreneurship, professional development, and philanthropy.

“Ladi Awosika, a pioneer of healthcare financing and private healthcare development in Nigeria, recognised for his transformative contributions to health insurance, healthcare reform, and health system strengthening,” the release stated.

It further stated that “The NHEA 2026 Special Recognition Awards will honour outstanding leaders whose contributions continue to redefine excellence within their respective fields.

“Kingsley Ekwueme will receive the Diaspora Special Recognition Award for Pioneering Leadership in Robotic and Minimally Invasive Surgery for his ground breaking work in advancing robotic surgery and modern surgical innovation in Nigeria, West Africa, and the United Kingdom.

“Mildred Edet John will receive the Special Recognition Award for Excellence in Nursing Leadership, Education and Professional Development in recognition of her remarkable contributions to nursing education, mentorship, professional development, and healthcare leadership across Nigeria and the West African sub-region.”

Speaking ahead of the ceremony in the statement, Project Director, NHEA Wale Alabi described the 2026 edition as a celebration of resilience, innovation, and excellence across Nigeria’s healthcare landscape.

“For over a decade, NHEA has remained committed to celebrating the institutions and professionals whose work continues to transform healthcare delivery in Nigeria. This year’s award recipients represent some of the finest examples of leadership, innovation, service, and commitment to improving health outcomes for Nigerians. We are particularly excited about the quality of nominees and the rigorous process that has produced this year’s finalists and winners,” Alabi said.

Director of Marketing, Communication and Strategy, NHEA Moses Braimah, noted that the award has become one of the most respected healthcare recognition platforms on the continent.

“NHEA is more than an award ceremony; it is a movement that shines a spotlight on excellence and inspires higher standards across the healthcare industry. The credibility of our process—anchored on public participation, independent verification, research, and jury review—continues to strengthen stakeholder confidence and reinforces the value of recognition as a catalyst for progress,” he said.

The 2026 edition is themed, ‘Innovation, Local Manufacturing and Digital Transformation,’ highlighting the critical role of technology, local capacity development, and innovative solutions in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system and driving sustainable progress.

The Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Award (NHEA) is organised by Global Health Project and Resources in collaboration with Anadach Group, USA, and is supported by PharmAccess and Digital Clinical Laboratory (DCL).