Transition of Leadership at Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention: Two Years of Strategic Development for Nigeria’s Health Security and Welcoming Dr. Olajide Idris as the New Director General

Monday, February 19, 2024

19 February 2024 | Abuja - Transition of Leadership at Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention: Two Years of Strategic Development for Nigeria’s Health Security and Welcoming Dr. Olajide Idris as the New Director General

Today, the 19th of February 2024, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) announces the official transition of leadership from Dr. Ifedayo Morayo Adetifa to Dr. Olajide Idris following the announcement of a new appointment by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on 16th February 2024. The formal handover will hold at the Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare on 20th February at 9.00am.

Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, the NCDC made significant strides in fulfilling its mandate to prevent, detect, and respond to public health events. Dr. Adetifa's strategic partnerships, innovative approaches, and tireless dedication have been instrumental in enhancing the nation's health security, particularly amidst challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the global Mpox outbreak, the Diphtheria epidemic, and other emerging public health concerns.

“Leading the NCDC has been one of the highlights of my professional career. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved as a team. As I pass the torch, I am confident that the agency is in good hands, and I look forward to cheering on its continued success from afar.” - Dr Ifedayo Adetifa.

As Dr. Adetifa embarks on a new chapter, the NCDC staff acknowledges his invaluable contributions, exemplary leadership, and unwavering commitment to advancing the country's health security agenda, in line with the health sector reform four-point agenda.

Stepping into the role of Director General, Dr. Olajide Idris brings with him a wealth of experience spanning over 30 years in Medical Practice, Healthcare Systems Management, Consulting, Pharmaceuticals, and Research. Under his leadership as the Permanent Secretary and Commissioner of Health in Lagos State, the Lagos State’s health sector experienced significant health reform in areas that cut across medical emergency services, human resource development, infrastructural development, revitalization of the primary care system, healthcare financing, health promotion and disease prevention. His exceptional leadership during the Ebola virus outbreak response further demonstrates his capability to advance Nigeria's health security agenda.

The NCDC team expresses heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa for his outstanding service and leadership to the nation while extending a warm welcome to Dr. Olajide Idris as he assumes his new role.

As the national public health institute, the NCDC remains steadfast in its commitment to collaborative efforts with partners and stakeholders, as we collectively strive to protect the health of all Nigerians.

About NCDC

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) is the country's national public health institute, with the mandate to lead the preparedness, detection, and response to public health emergencies. The Bill for an Act to establish NCDC was signed into law in November 2018, by President Muhammadu Buhari. The mission of the NCDC is 'To protect the health of Nigerians through evidence-based prevention, integrated disease surveillance and response, using a One Health approach, guided by research and led by skilled workforce'.

Contact

NCDC Toll-free Number: 6232 | SMS: 08099555577 | WhatsApp: 07087110839 Twitter: @NCDCGov | Facebook: @NCDCgov | Instagram: @NCDCgov | NCDC Media Releases

Signed:

Dr Yahya Disu

Head of Communications

Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

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