The newly-appointed Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Prof. John Obafunwa, on Friday pledged to work for the institute’s progress.

Mr Obafunwa, who gave the assurance at the official handing over ceremony organised by his predecessor, Prof. Babatunde Salako, whose tenure ended on July 23, promised not to disappoint Nigerians.

The new director-general pledged his commitment to further enhance the institute’s capacity and willingness to work with all staff of the institute to increase the health indices of the country.

Mr Obafunwa, a former vice-chancellor of the Lagos State University, Ojo, was appointed by President Bola Tinubu as the new director-general of NIMR on July 22, 2024.

“I won’t disappoint Nigerians and the entire staff of NIMR. Just give me a chance for us to work together as a team for the progress of the institute. I don’t have any intention to re-invent the wheel. All I will do is to build on the good foundation already laid by my predecessor.

“I love diligence, hard-work and I have been informed by Prof. Salako that you are all hard working. As a team, we will achieve a lot together,’’ Mr Obafunwa said.

Speaking earlier, outgone Director-General of NIMR, Mr Salako, appealed to the members of staff to give their holistic support to Mr Obafunwa.

Mr Salako said that Mr Obafunwa already had the mandate of the nation to make the institute productive in enhancing the health of the nation through innovative research and discoveries.

He said: “The new DG is well experienced in terms of administration. I would like to hear that NIMR is better than when Salako was there because it will not be a compliment for me to hear that since Salako left, the place has gone down. It means we did not put down a solid structure that he can build on. I solicit your unwavering support to your DG.”

(NAN)