The Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) initiative of the Nigerian Government, in collaboration with the Kwara State Government and development partners, have commenced the selection process of 16 Health Fellows across the local government areas of Kwara.
The Health Fellows are expected to help reposition Primary Health Care (PHC) across the 16 local government areas of the state.
President Bola Tinubu approved the establishment of the National Health Fellows Programme, under which young Nigerian fellows will be engaged across all 774 local government areas in the country.
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The SWAp Desk Officer in Kwara, Dr Ola Ahmed who spoke in Ilorin at the National Health Fellows Programme Cohort 2.0 physical interview, explained that the programme is domiciled in the SWAp Coordination Office.
According to him, this office operates under the Office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Mohammad Ali-Pate.
Ahmed said the fellows would be recruited, remunerated and equipped with appropriate tools to drive positive change in the health sector.
He stated that the initiative would strengthen the nation’s healthcare system by empowering young Nigerians to become catalysts for change in their communities.
“This is the second edition. Last year, people applied online across the country and at the end of the day, three people were selected per LGA, and we are going to select one person out of those three for each of the LGAs,” he said.
The SWAp desk officer further explained that the fellows are expected to work for a period of 10 months. He noted that the fellows would also be assigned mentors to guide them in acquiring the leadership skills required within the primary healthcare system.
“Fellows are expected to exhibit leadership skills, motivation, integrity, and be ethical in their duties,” he said.
The Chairman of Ilorin South Local Government Area, Mr Nuhu Majeed-Podo, who represented other council chairmen, urged the fellows to remain dedicated and committed.
He noted that the previous fellows were fully engaged by the President after the stipulated period due to their dedication and hard work.
NAN