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LAGOS – 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 pioneer National Coordinator of the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office (NHTDAO), urging him to prioritise critical digital health reforms.
The association described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to establish the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office as a landmark step towards building a modern, secure and data-driven healthcare system in Nigeria.
President Tinubu approved the establishment of the office and appointed Dr Adigwe as its pioneer National Coordinator in a presidential directive announced on June 26.
In a statement jointly signed by its President, Vivian Ihechu, and Secretary, Temitope Obayendo, HEWAN described the appointment as well deserved, citing Adigwe’s achievements in scientific research, artificial intelligence, translational medicine and technology transfer.
The association said his leadership at the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development earned global recognition for Nigeria’s scientific capacity and positioned him to drive the country’s digital health transformation.
While congratulating the new coordinator, HEWAN identified several priority areas requiring immediate attention from the new office.
These include establishing a national antimicrobial resistance surveillance system, a real-time disease outbreak intelligence platform, maternal and child health dashboards, integrated national digital health records and national standards for health data interoperability.
According to the association, implementing these priorities would strengthen evidence-based decision-making, improve resource allocation and enhance Nigeria’s capacity to detect and respond to public health emergencies.
HEWAN also said robust digital health systems would enable governments at all levels to monitor progress towards national health targets more effectively.
The association pledged its support for the new office through professional health journalism that promotes public understanding and supports improved healthcare outcomes across the country.
HEWAN said its members would continue producing evidence-based reports that encourage public engagement and strengthen confidence in health sector reforms.
It also highlighted Dr Adigwe’s achievements during his two terms as Director-General of NIPRD.
The body noted that he transformed the institute into a globally recognised centre for pharmaceutical research and innovation through strategic leadership and international partnerships.
Among his major accomplishments was securing an 18-million-euro European Union grant for local vaccine research and development, described as the largest grant of its kind in Africa.
HEWAN also credited him with attracting a 300-million-yen nanotechnology grant, an Afreximbank-supported Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient development project and a TETFund Drug Development Mega Grant.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr Adigwe led NIPRD’s scientific evaluation of Madagascar’s COVID-Organics preparation, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to evidence-based public health and earning international recognition.
The association said he also pioneered the application of artificial intelligence, genome sequencing, bioinformatics and nanotechnology in pharmaceutical research, establishing a sustainable model for translational research across Africa.
HEWAN further noted that he championed research into indigenous herbal medicines and sickle cell disease therapies while supporting thousands of traditional medicine practitioners through structured capacity-building programmes.
It also commended his collaboration with the World Bank, which improved the readiness of indigenous pharmaceutical manufacturers seeking World Health Organization prequalification.
HEWAN expressed confidence that Adigwe’s experience, leadership and strategic vision would accelerate implementation of Nigeria’s National Digital Health Architecture and strengthen healthcare delivery nationwide.
The association also commended President Tinubu and the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, for advancing structural and technological reforms within the health sector.
The Association wished Dr Adigwe a successful tenure and expressed optimism that the new office would strengthen health data management, disease surveillance and evidence-based policymaking for improved health outcomes across Nigeria.