Ogun State Commissioner for Health Tomi Coker has called for deliberate government investment in training doctors in leadership and management, beyond just clinical expertise.

Ms Coker made the call on Saturday at the Global African Women in Medicine (GAWIM) summit in Abeokuta.

The commissioner advised young doctors and medical students to start developing leadership skills early.

According to her, ethical leadership and sustained investment in human capital are critical to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system, particularly in reducing maternal mortality.

She noted that ethical conduct remains the foundation of medical practice, adding that values must guide professionals in both clinical and administrative roles.

“Ethics is a personal value. Whether in the boardroom or at the bedside, it must reflect in your actions because of the responsibility you owe your patients,” she said.

Earlier, Deborah Osinsanwo, president of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, urged female medical professionals to extend their impact beyond clinical duties into policymaking and governance.

Ms Osinsanwo said women had demonstrated excellence in the health sector but needed greater representation at top leadership levels to shape policies.

She commended ongoing reforms within the Ogun Ministry of Health and expressed optimism that the summit would enhance dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders.

In a keynote lecture titled “Sustaining Leadership from Practice to Boardroom”, Oluwabunmi Fatungase, the chief medical director of the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, urged women in medicine to prepare for leadership roles.

Ms Fatungase said women had the capacity to influence decisions and shape policies, adding that leadership goes beyond traditional clinical roles.

Also speaking, the organising committee chairperson, Oluwatobiloba Adewunmi, described the summit as a mentorship-driven initiative to empower women in medicine.

Mr Adewunmi said the platform was designed to prepare women for positions of influence and active participation in healthcare decision-making.

Olajumoke Ladapo, convener of GAWIM summit 2026, urged female medical practitioners to move from clinical practice to leadership roles and transform healthcare systems.

(NAN)