By Oluwatoyin Adegoke
The Federal Government, in partnership with the Ogun State Government, have commenced final interviews for young professionals selected as National Health Fellows under the National Health Fellows 2.0 programme across the state’s 20 local government areas.
The exercise followed an earlier announcement by the Sector-Wide Approach ,SWAp, Office of the Federal Ministry of Health that 774 candidates would be interviewed nationwide between January 12th and 16th
Speaking at the Ogun State Ministry of Health, Abeokuta, the State SWAp Desk Officer, Dr Olamide Agunbiade, said the initiative, introduced by the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, was aimed at engaging young Nigerians in strengthening the health system.
Dr Agunbiade explained that the programme equipped unemployed and underemployed youths with basic public health skills, while exposing them to community health challenges and practical solutions through training, mentorship and field engagements.
He noted that fellows from the first cohort made notable contributions to state health programmes, including the 2026 Annual Operational Plan, the MAMII initiative and activities of the Primary Healthcare Development Board.
Two candidates shortlisted, Mr Oluwasegun Shotunde and Mrs Paulina Ademola described the interview as rigorous but fair, expressed
optimism that the programme would enhance their capacity to contribute to healthcare development in their communities.
Edited by Taiwo Akinola
