Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said access to quality healthcare must be recognised as a fundamental right for all Nigerians, rather than a favour to the poor or a privilege reserved for the elite.
Speaking on Tuesday at the launch of Care365 Health Hub in Abuja, Obasanjo lamented that millions of Nigerians still trek long distances to access medical facilities, while many die from preventable diseases.
“This is not a favour to the poor,” Obasanjo said. “It is our responsibility as leaders, as policymakers, as patriots, and as the elite within our community. It is no longer acceptable that in the age of artificial intelligence and space tourism, a Nigerian child should die of malaria because her mother couldn’t afford to travel to the nearest health facility.”
The event, chaired by Obasanjo, was also attended by former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), and ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, both of whom endorsed the initiative. Abubakar described Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure as “grossly inadequate” and urged stronger government and private-sector support, while Jonathan hailed Care365 as a vital digital innovation capable of transforming healthcare delivery.
Founder of Care365, Engr. Ngozi Joseph Odumuku, said the project is designed to expand access through digital platforms, ensuring that healthcare services are within reach of every Nigerian. Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, welcomed the effort as a practical solution to bridging gaps in healthcare access nationwide.
