Tinubu celebrates Oloriegbe at 65, hails his service to nation, health sector

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Senator Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe, Chairman of the Governing Council of the National Health Insurance Authority of Nigeria (NHIAN), on his 65th birthday, describing him as a progressive leader who has made remarkable contributions to national development, particularly in the health sector.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President praised Senator Oloriegbe’s long-standing commitment to improving Nigeria’s healthcare system as a lawmaker, public health specialist, and advocate for universal health coverage.

A medical practitioner by training, Senator Oloriegbe is renowned for his work in public health, organisational process consulting, and advocacy for mental health and cancer care. President Tinubu said his expertise and passion have helped shape important national reforms over the years.

The President recalled appointing Senator Oloriegbe as Chairman of the NHIAN Governing Council on March 11, 2025, noting that his leadership continues to drive improvements in the country’s health insurance architecture.

Before the appointment, Oloriegbe represented Kwara Central in the 9th Senate, where he chaired the Senate Committee on Health and the National Assembly Joint Committee on Health.

He was also a member of the Kwara State House of Assembly between 1999 and 2003, serving as Majority Leader and Chairman of the House Committee on Health.

President Tinubu commended the former senator for sponsoring several impactful bills during his tenure, many of which became laws that significantly transformed Nigeria’s health sector.

One of such landmark legislations is the National Health Insurance Authority Act, which made health insurance mandatory nationwide and established the Vulnerable Group Fund to protect disadvantaged Nigerians.

“Senator Oloriegbe is a progressive who has done a lot for Kwara and Nigeria. In his four years in the Senate, he sponsored many bills, some of which eventually became laws that have helped to positively change the landscape of the Nigerian Health Sector,” President Tinubu stated.

He prayed for the celebrant’s continued good health and many more years of impactful service.