HEWAN Hails Dr. Obi Adigwe’s Appointment as Pioneer NHTDAO Coordinator, Urges Action on Key Health Priorities
The Health Writers Association of Nigeria (HEWAN) has congratulated former Director-General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Dr. Obi Peter Adigwe, on his appointment as the pioneer National Coordinator of the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office, describing the development as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s quest to build a modern, technology-driven healthcare system.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently approved the establishment of the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office (NHTDAO) and appointed Dr. Adigwe to lead the newly created agency.
In a statement signed by HEWAN President, Vivian Ihechu, and Secretary, Temitope Obayendo, the association described the appointment as a well-deserved recognition of Dr. Adigwe’s contributions to science, pharmaceutical research, innovation, and digital health development.
According to HEWAN, Dr. Adigwe’s impressive record in advancing artificial intelligence, translational research, technology transfer, and healthcare innovation positions him to effectively drive Nigeria’s digital health agenda and strengthen the country’s healthcare delivery system through data-driven decision-making.
While celebrating the appointment, the association urged the new National Coordinator to prioritise critical public health initiatives, including the establishment of a national antimicrobial resistance surveillance system, a real-time disease outbreak intelligence platform, maternal and child health dashboards, an integrated national digital health records system, and national standards for health data interoperability.
The association noted that these initiatives would improve evidence-based healthcare planning, facilitate efficient resource allocation, strengthen emergency response mechanisms, and support the achievement of national health goals.
HEWAN also pledged its support for the activities of the new office, stating that health journalists across the country would continue to promote public awareness and understanding of health policies and programmes through impactful and accurate reporting.
The association highlighted Dr. Adigwe’s accomplishments during his two-term tenure as Director-General of NIPRD, noting that he transformed the institute into a globally recognised centre of excellence for pharmaceutical research and development.
Among his notable achievements was leading efforts that secured an €18 million European Union grant for local vaccine research and development, regarded as one of the largest such grants awarded in Africa. He also facilitated a ¥300 million nanotechnology grant, attracted funding from Afreximbank for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) development, and secured a Drug Development Mega Grant from TETFund.
HEWAN further recalled Dr. Adigwe’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic when NIPRD conducted a widely recognised scientific assessment of Madagascar’s COVID-Organics preparation, reinforcing Nigeria’s reputation for evidence-based scientific research.
The association also credited him with pioneering the use of artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, genome sequencing, and nanotechnology within NIPRD, as well as championing the commercialisation and scientific validation of indigenous herbal medicines, including research initiatives targeting sickle cell disease.
Additionally, HEWAN noted that Dr. Adigwe spearheaded programmes that trained thousands of traditional medicine practitioners and collaborated with the World Bank to strengthen indigenous pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity, helping local firms move closer to attaining World Health Organization prequalification standards.
Expressing confidence in Dr. Adigwe’s ability to succeed in his new role, HEWAN stated that his proven leadership qualities, strategic vision, and commitment to healthcare innovation would help accelerate the implementation of Nigeria’s National Digital Health Architecture.
The association also commended President Tinubu and the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, for advancing reforms aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery through technology and institutional transformation.
HEWAN concluded by wishing Dr. Adigwe a successful and impactful tenure as he assumes responsibility for one of the nation’s most important healthcare innovation initiatives.