Turnaround expert and accomplished technocrat, Dr Dakuku Peterside, has emphasised the need for consistent innovation and capacity building as critical drivers of a more effective, accessible, and affordable healthcare system in Nigeria and across Africa.
Speaking as Chairman of the 2025 Afrihealth Conferences and Exhibitions—one of the largest private-sector-led healthcare gatherings in sub-Saharan Africa—Dr Peterside underscored the importance of leveraging technology, data, and human capital to push healthcare frontiers.
According to a statement on Thursday by his media team, the conference was held in Lagos and brought together key stakeholders across the continent’s health industry.
“Consistent innovations in the healthcare sector, combined with capacity building, are vital to driving quality, accessibility, affordability, and efficiency,” he said.
“They also enable data-driven decisions, help predict outbreaks, tailor treatments, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.”
Peterside lauded healthcare entrepreneurs for their resilience and ingenuity in tackling complex health challenges. He also praised frontline workers for their commitment, often under-appreciated, in keeping the nation’s health system running.
“I want to give a special appreciation to the Afrihealth Development Foundation for creating this amazing platform that brings together health professionals and allied service providers to share knowledge and exchange ideas,” he stated.
“It is a real honour to receive an award from Afrihealth recognising my years of healthcare advocacy. This motivates me to stay even more engaged in advancing our healthcare system.”
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Dr Peterside used the platform to applaud Nigeria’s current health sector leadership, specifically Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Muhammad Ali Pate, and Minister of State, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, for what he described as “exceptional leadership” in executing reforms that are already earning global recognition.
“I have faith that one day Nigeria will be a hub for medical tourism—if we get leadership and technical capacity right,” he declared.
He also praised Dr Pate’s ambition to turn Nigeria into a centre for local manufacturing of biologics, vaccines, and pharmaceuticals, a move he said would guarantee more equitable access to essential medicines and improve national health outcomes.
The conference featured presentations from leading experts, including Prof. Felix Erondu, a renowned Professor of Radiography, and Prof. Lere Baale, CEO of Business School Netherlands Nigeria (BSNN), among others.
The Afrihealth 2025 event served as a nexus for dialogue on strengthening healthcare systems in Africa, highlighting innovation, policy reform, and public-private collaboration as key levers of transformation.