From Ebohon Joan
The former Permanent Secretary says competent leadership, affordable healthcare and active citizen participation are essential to Nigeria’s development.
Dr Osamwonyi Irowa, a candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has called on Nigerians to take an active role in politics and governance, saying the country’s future depends on the willingness of citizens to support credible leadership and demand accountability from public officeholders.
Irowa, a medical professional and former Permanent Secretary, made the call while speaking about his public service experience, political involvement and proposed reforms to Nigeria’s health sector.
He explained that after years in public service, including serving as a commissioner and Permanent Secretary, he moved into private medical practice and initially intended to retire quietly. However, he said concerns about the country’s worsening situation and its implications for ordinary Nigerians prompted him to return to politics.
According to him, Nigeria’s challenges require citizens, particularly those with professional experience and the capacity to lead, to participate actively in shaping the country’s future rather than leaving political decisions to others.
He argued that the hardship confronting Nigerians and the circumstances forcing many people to seek opportunities abroad demonstrate the urgent need for effective leadership and meaningful reforms.
Irowa said his political ambition was driven by the desire to contribute to policymaking, lawmaking and constituency development, stressing that the future of younger generations would be determined by the decisions taken today.
He maintained that Nigerians should not remain spectators while others determine their collective future, insisting that citizens must take responsibility for changing the country rather than relying on foreign governments or leaders to solve their problems.
Accountability and integrity in public office
The ADC candidate emphasised that accountability, transparency, integrity and the ability to deliver should guide anyone seeking public office.
Drawing from his experience in public administration, he said leadership should be defined by character, discipline and service rather than privilege or the pursuit of personal benefits.
He illustrated this with an account of his time as Permanent Secretary, explaining that he often drove himself to work and avoided using government resources for personal convenience.
He also recounted an incident in which a staff member offered to carry his bag, saying he declined the offer and emphasised that genuine assistance in public service should be directed towards productive official duties.
According to him, occupying a position of authority should not change a person’s character or create a sense of entitlement.
Irowa expressed concern that many qualified and experienced Nigerians shy away from politics, leaving the responsibility of governance to individuals who may not be adequately prepared to serve.
He urged professionals and other capable citizens to become involved in the political process, adding that elected officials should remain accountable to the people who vote them into office.
Advocates functional primary healthcare centres
Turning to the health sector, Irowa called for practical reforms that would make healthcare services more accessible, affordable and effective across the country.
He argued that Nigeria’s healthcare challenges cannot be addressed merely by constructing hospitals or acquiring expensive equipment. Instead, he said greater attention should be given to making existing facilities functional, ensuring adequate staffing and providing essential medical equipment.
The ADC candidate advocated strengthening primary healthcare centres and ensuring that they are properly distributed to serve communities effectively.
He said many common medical conditions, including fever and headaches, as well as antenatal care and some surgical procedures, could be managed locally if healthcare facilities were adequately equipped and staffed by competent professionals.
Irowa stressed the importance of recruiting and retaining qualified health workers, alongside continuous professional training and regular reviews of their qualifications and competence.
He proposed a six-month certification or review system to help medical personnel remain updated and maintain professional standards.
He also maintained that Nigerian medical professionals possess the capacity to deliver quality healthcare comparable to services available abroad, provided they have the necessary resources, equipment and working conditions.
He criticised the tendency of some political and influential figures to seek medical treatment overseas, arguing that strengthening domestic healthcare institutions would help restore public confidence in the country’s health system.
Proposes affordable health insurance model
On healthcare financing, Irowa advocated an affordable health insurance system rather than relying on a blanket policy of completely free healthcare.
He suggested that patients could contribute a manageable proportion of the cost of treatment, citing 10 per cent as an example, while pooled insurance funds would help finance medicines, medical equipment and other essential services.
According to him, such an arrangement would make healthcare more accessible to ordinary Nigerians while providing a sustainable funding mechanism for health facilities.
He called for collaboration between the public and private sectors to improve healthcare delivery, strengthen infrastructure and ensure that services reach more communities.
Irowa maintained that Nigeria does not necessarily require complicated solutions to address its healthcare challenges, but rather practical policies that prioritise affordability, accessibility, professional competence and effective implementation.
Healthcare reform as a driver of economic growth
The ADC candidate further argued that improving local healthcare services could reduce the need for Nigerians to travel abroad for treatment while creating additional economic opportunities within the country.
He explained that a stronger domestic health sector could attract patients from other locations, generate demand for hotels and other accommodation, and increase spending on food, transportation and local goods and services.
He said these benefits would extend beyond healthcare by supporting local businesses, creating economic activity and improving the overall welfare of citizens.
Irowa reiterated that achieving these goals would require disciplined leadership, transparent governance and a commitment to implementing policies that directly address the needs of the population.
He concluded by urging Nigerians to participate actively in politics and support leaders with the experience, integrity and capacity to deliver practical solutions.
He maintained that effective governance, combined with affordable healthcare and responsible citizen participation, would be critical to addressing the country’s challenges and securing a better future for generations to come.
