The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Mariya Mahmoud, has reaffirmed the commitment of the FCT Administration, under the leadership of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, to strengthening healthcare delivery, supporting medical institutions and ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.
Mahmoud stated this while delivering her goodwill message as Chief Host at the 50th Anniversary Celebration and Annual General and Scientific Meetings of the West African College of Physicians (WACP), held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja. The event had the theme, “WACP at 50: Celebrating a Legacy and Envisioning the Future”.
The minister described the College’s golden jubilee as a significant milestone in West Africa’s medical history, commending its five decades of contributions to specialist medical training, scientific research, professional development and the promotion of excellence in clinical practice.
She emphasised that a strong healthcare system was fundamental to sustainable development, noting that the health of a population directly influenced economic productivity, social well-being and regional prosperity.
She said, “A healthy population is essential for economic productivity, social well-being and sustainable national development.”
Mahmoud called on governments and relevant stakeholders to prioritise investment in medical education, specialist training, scientific research, modern healthcare infrastructure and the welfare of healthcare professionals.
She also advocated expanded mentorship and professional development opportunities for young physicians to strengthen the region’s medical workforce.
Mahmoud noted that physicians played a critical role beyond treating illnesses, highlighting their contributions to disease prevention, medical research, public health education and the formulation of evidence-based healthcare policies.
She further encouraged the College to embrace emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to improve clinical decision-making and healthcare delivery.
The minister commended the WACP leadership, Fellows, members and partners for sustaining the vision of the College’s founding fathers and providing a platform for scientific exchange, professional collaboration and the development of practical solutions to shared healthcare challenges.
She also praised the Central Organising Committee, led by Dr Akin Moses, for successfully organising the landmark event in Abuja.
In his remarks, the President of the WACP, Dr Mourtalla Ka, called for stronger postgraduate medical education, enhanced scientific research and greater regional collaboration to address emerging healthcare challenges across West Africa.
Ka noted that the College had trained and certified thousands of specialist physicians over the past five decades, contributing significantly to clinical practice, medical education, scientific research and health leadership across the region.
He paid tribute to the founding fathers, past presidents, senior Fellows, teachers and mentors whose dedication had sustained the institution’s legacy.
The WACP president stressed the importance of embracing advances in medical science and technology while upholding professional standards and the human values central to medical practice.
He also urged the College to strengthen support for younger Fellows and trainees and use the golden jubilee and scientific meeting to renew its commitment to medical excellence and improved healthcare delivery.
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