General News
AS Prof. Babatunde Salako exits the Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) as the Director-General, some Nigerians on Tuesday lauded him for his exceptional service and contributions to health development.
Mr Babatunde Fashola, a former Governor of Lagos, who spoke at a sendforth programme organised in honour of Salako in Lagos, described him as a great mind and patriotic Nigerian.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the sendforth also coincide with Salako’s 65th birthday
Fashola, who was the Chairman of the occasion, praised Salako for promoting medical research in the country through NIMR.
“I am truly delighted that although I do not have Salako’s scientific feat and knowledge, I am proud to share his first name.
“He has championed the course of expanding the frontiers of medical and scientific research in the country and the establishment of NIMR foundation is also a testament of Salako’s efforts to promote translational research.
“I am sure that this country is not done with him and we also need his scientific input in other areas,” he said.
Also, Prof. Isaac Adewole, a former Minister of Health, described the outgone D-G as a performer and reformer, adding that his appointment as NIMR D-G was one of the best decisions made during the Muhammadu Buhari led administration.
“Sometimes, we criticise decisions made by our leaders but I want to say publicly today that this is one of the best decisions that my boss, President Buhari, made in his administration.
“Salako brought NIMR from obscurity to global knowledge. No one will fail to recognise the transformation that took place in NIMR under your leadership, and that is why you deserve all the praises,” he said.
Also, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the Deputy Governor of Ogun, said Salako’s two-term tenure had been marked by groundbreaking research, innovative initiatives and a relentless commitment to advancing medical science in Nigeria.
Salako-Oyedele said the D-G, who was her cousin, ensured that NIMR retained its position as a premier research institute in the country.
She said: “We gather to celebrate and send forth an exceptional leader, a distinguished scholar, an eminent physician and a beloved cousin whose impact in NIMR has made significant contributions to global health.
“One of his all mark has been his ability to foster collaboration and build bridges between various stakeholders in the health sector.
“He has worked tirelessly to ensure that NIMR remains at the forefront of addressing public health challenges, from infectious diseases to non communicable conditions.
“His legacy is not only in the research papers published or the policies influenced, but also in the lives he has touched and inspired and as a a cousin, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing his extraordinary qualities”.
In the same vein, Prof. Akin Abayomi, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, said NIMR advanced the frontiers of scientific research in the country under the leadership of Salako in the last eight years.
According to Abayomi, the D-G has worked immaculately and impressively to transform the facility beyond recognition.
“It really is a pleasure to come here to send you forth, but send you forth to bigger things because of the amount of knowledge and experience you.
“Your good work has attracted a very high delegation of various health stakeholders here to celebrate and appreciate your efforts in health research,” he said.
In his response, Salako described the commendations as a call to do more for the country .
He attributed his success to creating a conducive environment for research to thrive in their various research specialists.
“I believe what I call a success story is creating a research environment that is conducive for research and this in turn allows them to progress.
“The innovation that did the magic in NIMR was to link the researchers to the university to teach and supervise, and in doing so, the university took them through their academic career and promoted them to professors.
“This made them more visible to their colleagues in the universities and this improvement in human capacity transformed the institute in the area of funds and grants.
“Some of these innovations made NIMR to become globally relevant and a nationally competitive institution,” he said.
He commended the staff and management of NIMR for working and supporting him to transform the institute.(NAN)
24th July, 2024.
C.E.
Tags: Babatunde Fashola Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) Prof. Babatunde Salako
