By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has reaffirmed the commitment of the FCT Administration, under the leadership of FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, is prioritizing healthcare services through improved healthcare delivery, strengthened medical institutions, and enhanced access to quality healthcare for residents.
Mahmoud stated this in a goodwill message she delivered as Chief Host at the 50th Anniversary Celebration and Annual General and Scientific Meetings of the West African College of Physicians (WACP), held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, with the theme “WACP at 50: Celebrating a Legacy and Envisioning the Future.”She described the college's Golden Jubilee as a significant milestone in West Africa’s medical history, commending its five decades of contributions to specialist medical training, scientific research, professional development, and the promotion of excellence in clinical practice.
The minister noted that a strong healthcare system is fundamental to sustainable development, noting that the health of a population directly influences economic productivity, social well-being, and regional prosperity.
“A healthy population is essential for economic productivity, social well-being, and sustainable national development", she acknowledged.
Mahmoud urged governments and relevant stakeholders to prioritize investment in medical education, specialist training, scientific research, modern healthcare infrastructure, and the welfare of healthcare professionals.
She also advocated for expanded mentorship and professional development opportunities for young physicians to strengthen the region’s medical workforce.
According to her, physicians play a critical role beyond treating illnesses, highlighting their contributions to disease prevention, medical research, public health education, and the formulation of evidence-based healthcare policies.
She further encouraged the College to embrace emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to improve clinical decision-making and healthcare delivery.
The minister commended the WACP leadership, Fellows, members and partners for sustaining the vision of the College’s founding fathers and providing a platform for scientific exchange, professional collaboration, and the development of practical solutions to shared healthcare challenges.
She also praised the Central Organising Committee, led by Dr. Akin Moses, for successfully organizing the landmark event in Abuja.
Earlier, the President of the WACP, Dr. Mourtalla Ka, called for stronger postgraduate medical education, enhanced scientific research, and greater regional collaboration to address emerging healthcare challenges across West Africa.
Ka noted that the College had trained and certified thousands of specialist physicians over the past five decades, contributing significantly to clinical practice, medical education, scientific research, and health leadership across the region.
He paid tribute to the founding fathers, past presidents, senior Fellows, teachers, and mentors whose dedication had sustained the institution’s legacy.
The WACP President stressed the importance of embracing advances in medical science and technology while upholding professional standards and the human values central to medical practice.
He also urged the College to strengthen support for younger Fellows and trainees and use the Golden Jubilee and scientific meeting to renew its commitment to medical excellence and improved healthcare delivery.
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