NiDCOM Lauds Diaspora- Led Medical Team On Respiratory Therapy Launch

May 8, 2025 Victor Oriola

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has expressed strong commendation for the recent launch of a Respiratory Therapy training initiative spearheaded by a team of Nigerian medical professional in the Diaspora.

Represented by Mrs. Violet Nwosu, Assistant Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols, NiDCOM, Dabiri-Erewa in a statement signed by Gabriel Odu, described the intervention as apt and strategically aligned with efforts to strengthen and transform Nigeria’s healthcare system.

She said the training not only addresses a critical gap in respiratory healthcare services but also introduces an added layer of professional development that will greatly benefit the Nigerian medical community.

L-R: Dr. Gbenga Agbelemose, Associate Director, Respiratory Therapy Services, Cedar-Sinai Medical Centre; Dr Edego Egba, Nasarawa State Chief Medical Director of Hospitals Management Board; Dr. Usman Iskilu Saleh, the Exec. Secretary, Nasarawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NAPHDA); Dr. (Sir) Joe Madu, President US/Africa Chamber of Commerce and Mrs. Violet Nwosu, Assistant Director, Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit NiDCOM, representing Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa OON, Chairman/CEO, NiDCOM at the Respiratory Therapy Training Initiative Launch in Abuja.

Dabiri-Erewa further emphasised that such collaborations reflect the vital role Nigerians in the diaspora play in national development and reaffirmed NiDCOM’s commitment to supporting such programmes that build capacity and drive sustainable progress.

Dr. (Sir) Joe Madu, President, the US/Africa Chamber of Commerce stated that partnership between diaspora and home talents will be beneficial in revamping the healthcare system in Nigeria, as he explained that the move will foster brain circulation and boost medical tourism in Nigeria.

He encouraged both local and diaspora Nigerians to start thinking differently and more creatively about how to build and manage a strong and lasting healthcare system.

In his remarks, Dr Gbenga Agbelemose, Associate Director, Respiratory Therapy Services, Cedar-Sinai Medical Centre, USA, said the training is the first of its kind in Nigeria, aimed at healthcare professionals in fields such as anaesthetics, cardiology, respiratory care, and related areas.

He added that the programme would make it easier for professionals like physiotherapists to transition into respiratory therapy.

However, Dr Agbelemose pointed out that for respiratory therapy to thrive in Nigeria, more awareness is needed, along with training opportunities, proper funding, skilled workers, and supportive policies which includes updating the health education curriculum in Nigeria that is globally recognised.

Dr Usman Iskilu Saleh, Executive Secretary, Nasarawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NAPHDA), commended the initiative and expressed the State Government’s willingness to partner with the medical team.

He assured that Nasarawa State is committed to working together with the team to improve and invest in its healthcare system.

The training is an initiative of the Association of Respiratory Care Therapists of Nigeria, designed to drive the establishment and growth of respiratory therapy in Nigeria.