Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, and the Director of Nutrition at the Federal Ministry of Health, Ladidi Bako-Aiyegbusi, have been recognised by TIME Magazine as two of the 100 most influential people in global health for 2025.
The list, known as the TIME100 Health, was released on Thursday and highlights individuals around the world who are driving innovation, shaping public health policy, and improving healthcare systems.
Also named on the list is Nigerian geneticist and entrepreneur, **Abasi Ene-Obong**, founder of global genomics company Syndicate Bio. He is the husband of Nollywood actress Ini Dima-Okojie.
TIME praised Pate as a health reformer shaped by both personal loss and international experience. The magazine shared that Pate’s dedication to improving health in Nigeria began after he lost a childhood friend who had polio and was later killed in an accident.
“I’m a nomad at heart,” Pate told TIME. “But I returned home in 2023 to become Nigeria’s Minister for Health and Social Welfare.”
Since his return, Pate has led major reforms under the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, with the support of President Bola Tinubu. His work has led to:
- The vaccination of over 12 million girls against HPV
- The renovation of more than 900 primary health care centres
- Health screenings for over 10 million Nigerians to check blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol levels
“Our population cannot afford to get sick,” Pate said. “A healthier population will fuel Nigeria’s economy and bring growth and hope to every community and vulnerable child.”
Pate reacted to the honour in a post on X (formerly Twitter), writing:
“Backed by the visionary and bold leadership of H.E. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I am deeply honoured to share that Nigeria’s ongoing health sector reform, under the #NHSRII, has received global recognition.”
He added that he was proud to be named alongside Dr (Mrs) Ladidi K. Bako-Aiyegbusi.
Bako-Aiyegbusi was praised by TIME for leading innovative strategies to reduce malnutrition in Nigeria. Working with NAFDAC and private companies, she is helping families who can’t afford expensive foods by promoting affordable nutrition alternatives.
“Even if families can’t afford protein and fresh vegetables, they can afford the much less expensive bouillon,” the TIME report stated. Her goal is to reduce malnutrition, stunting, and development issues in children.
Abasi Ene-Obong was also recognised for his groundbreaking work in genetic research. His company is expanding access to genetic testing in Africa to help in the fight against cancer and other diseases. TIME said that by including more African data in global studies, Ene-Obong is helping improve the accuracy of treatments for people of African descent.
Other global figures on the list include the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, philanthropist Melinda Gates, and Novartis CEO Vas Narasimhan.
The recognition of Pate, Bako-Aiyegbusi, and Ene-Obong shows Nigeria’s growing role in shaping global health.
