Osotimehin an icon of women rights, leadership – Minister

The late former minister of Health and Executive Director, United Nations  Population Fund (UNFPA) Prof. Babatunde Oshotimehin has been described as an icon of women rights, demographic dividend and  leadership. Different speakers from, the United Nations, past and present ministers and stakeholders in the health sector paid  glowing tributes to late Osotimehin during  the memorial […]

The late former minister of Health and Executive Director, United Nations  Population Fund (UNFPA) Prof. Babatunde Oshotimehin has been described as an icon of women rights, demographic dividend and  leadership.

Different speakers from, the United Nations, past and present ministers and stakeholders in the health sector paid  glowing tributes to late Osotimehin during  the memorial service organized in his honour by the Federal Ministry of Health at the weekend in Abuja.

Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole described Prof. Osotimehin as a very humble and committed Nigerian whose exemplary leadership and legacies would outlive and immortalize him. 

He said Osotimehin’s common quote was that “no woman should die giving birth’ and ‘we should stop treating women as if they are disposables.’

Meanwhile at a commendation service in honour of Osotimehim  organized by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), at the National Christian Centre, Abuja,  Prof. Isaac Adewole said  late Osotimehin campaigned to everyone on the need to do something about the population of Nigeria in order not to have demographic problems.

The Director General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr Sani Aliyu said, the contributions that the late professor made towards HIV/AIDS response in Nigeria  was huge and highly significant.

Dr Sani said that Oshotimehin was the one that helped set up a vibrant system that today makes it possible for millions of  Nigerians to be on treatment for HIV/AIDS saying he took a giant step and Nigeria will continue  to remember him for this landmark achievement in fighting HIV/AIDS.