Oloriegbe: A Politician cum Public Health Expert with a Difference
By Abbas Badmus
There are many schools of thought regarding how leaders are sourced. Some believe leaders are born, some argue that leaders are made. But the Shakespearean immortal philosophy that “some are born great, some achieve greatness while some have greatness thrust upon them,” has stood the test of time for centuries.
Dr. Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe is one silent achiever we can’t say accomplished success by chance or stumbled upon it. It is more fitting to say that his rise to stardom as a public servant of repute and renowned public health professional has been due to his deliberate hardwork and diligence.
With his family background and the quality of education he received, we can say he was born great. But a careful look at his career in the health sector as a medical doctor and in politics as a lawmaker, we can also say he has achieved the kind of greatness that is worthy of being rewarded with a higher calling in the upcoming cabinet at the federal level.
Dr Oloriegbe holds a Masters degree in Coaching and Consulting from the University of Oxford, UK and HEC, Paris and a Bachelors of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. He is a member of the Nigerian Medical Association (N.M.A), Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria (AGPMPN), Nigeria Veneral Disease Association, Guild of Medical Directors of Nigeria, International Aids Society. (IAS) , A fellow of African Institute of Public Health Professionals (AIPHP) as well as the Africa Health Leadership and Management Network.
His experience in all areas of public health practice and heath sector governance is world-class and it prepares him for the country’s highest office in that sector or any related beat.
Oloriegbe served as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health from 2019 to 2023 and the Chairman Joint National Assembly committees on Health. He was also the Vice Chairman of Senate Committee on Diaspora. He was a member of many Senate standing committees including; committee on Marine Transport, Drugs and Narcotics, Local & Foreign Debts, Basic & Secondary Education, Navy, Gas, Police Affairs, Communication and Public Account.
Prior to this, he had served as the Chairman, House Committee on Local Government , and House Committee on Health, as well as the majority Leader in Kwara House of Assembly (KWHA) between 1999 and 2003.
Oloriegbe’s participation and leadership of the Nigeria Change Agent Program (a UK DFID funded project) and HERFON offered him the experience and solid understanding of the Nigeria Health System and the Health Systems of South Africa, Ghana, Egypt, Cambodia, Tanzania, Zambia, Siera-leone, Brazil, Malaysia and and the United Kingdom.
His management of the twelve Change Agents Program Projects on the Nigeria Health System enabled him to understand various components of Nigeria Health System – Policy, Legislation, Reproductive Health, Immunisation, Health Care Financing, Communication, HIV/AIDS, Human Resources for Health, Health Information System and Health Services delivery.
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Oloriegbe’s leadership of the Change Agent Program, Health Reform Foundation of Nigeria, Working to Improve Nutrition in Northern Nigeria and Global Fund Malaria programme in Liberia also enabled him to acquire necessary experience in managing complex organisations, with concurrent activities, strategic planning and coordination, interaction with various stakeholders in the Nigeria and Liberia Health and political sectors and providing leadership to senior members of the Health Sector and governance in general.
His works and services as a Health Systems Consultant to variety of clients including Governments, International Development Partners, Non-Government Organisations and various health system subject matters enable him have solid experience and competencies in change facilitation, organisation development and process management in the health and development sector.
In his four years as Senator, Oloriegbe performed excellently, won many awards and was adjudged as one of the best three Senators in the 9th Senate. He also won the most valuable parliamentarian award (MVP).
Oloriegbe sponsored 16 substantive motions and 15 bills. The Senate passed 11 of the bills and four of the bills have been assented to become Acts. These Acts and Bills have changed the landscape of Nigeria’s health sector positively.
Oloriegbe’s tenure as the representative of Kwara Central senatorial district has been marked by his unique commitment to improving the lives of his constituents through progressive legislation.
One area where his commitment to public welfare shows was in his efforts to reform the healthcare system. With his background as a medical doctor, Oloriegbe played a pivotal role in advancing the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) Amendment Bill. This legislation aimed to provide affordable and accessible healthcare for all Nigerians, laying the foundation for a healthier future.
The Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine of Nigeria Bill (SB.394), which received assent, is just one example of his dedication to expanding healthcare options and choices for Nigerians.
Similarly, the bill to establish the Federal Psychiatric Hospital, Budo-Egba, Kwara State (SB 376), was assented to addressing the critical need for mental health infrastructure.
Senator Oloriegbe’s contributions extend to other critical sectors as well. He played a significant role in repealing and re-enacting the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act of 1988 (SB.480), paving the way for improved standards and regulations in the medical profession.
Furthermore, his work on the National Emergency Medical Service Agency (Est) Bill, 2021 (SB 717) highlights his dedication to emergency medical services and public safety.
In the education ecosystem, Oloriegbe’s efforts are numerous. Due to his efforts, a bill to establish the Federal College of Education (Special) Afon, Kwara State (Est, etc.), 2019 (SB226) was passed, fostering educational opportunities for the people of Kwara Central. He also contributed to the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (2021) bill, emphasising the importance of fair and efficient higher education admission processes.
Also, Senator Oloriegbe’s focus on transparency and accountability in governance was noticeable.Through his support for the Fiscal Responsibility Act Amendment Bill, he championed the cause of financial prudence and efficient allocation of public resources.
With the merit driven style of recruitment the present administration has promised to put in place, there is no doubting the fact that Dr Oloriegbe leads the race for consideration in his known area of competence.
Abbas Badmus writes from Abuja.
