By Chioma Obinna
As the countdown begins with only two weeks remaining, the Dove Healthcare Awards 2025 is approaching its decisive voting period. The ceremony, set for December 5 at the Lagos Oriental Hotel on Victoria Island, Lagos, marks the third annual celebration honoring outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
Hosted by the Dove Healthcare Foundation, this year’s theme, “Celebrating Excellence and Innovation in Healthcare,” invites both medical professionals and the wider public to cast their votes before the October 17 deadline. Dr. Bola Otegbayo, the Project Coordinator, emphasized the awards’ role in shining a light on healthcare workers whose efforts often go unnoticed. “Each vote amplifies support for healthcare excellence across Nigeria,” she remarked.
Since its inception in 2017, the Dove Healthcare Foundation has recognized a diverse array of individuals and organizations pivotal to Nigeria’s health system, spanning fields such as clinical medicine, public health administration, hospital leadership, and pharmaceutical advancements.
Notable past honorees include Emeritus Professor Ayodele Falase, a trailblazer in cardiology and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, alongside Professor Jesse Abiodun Otegbayo, Chief Medical Director of University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. Esteemed institutions like Fidson Healthcare, UCH Ibadan, and Caroline Medical Centre Abuja have also been celebrated for their impactful work.
Professor Otegbayo reflected on the significance of the recognition, stating, “Receiving a Dove Award affirms the relentless dedication invested in enhancing patient care.”
The awards span multiple categories such as pharmaceutical innovation, hospital administration, ophthalmology, dialysis services, fertility treatments, and government-led healthcare initiatives. In the previous year, Fidson Healthcare earned the title of Most Outstanding Pharmaceutical Company, while St. Ives Specialist Hospital in Lagos was honored as the Most Outstanding Fertility Hospital. The Delta State Contributory Health Commission was acknowledged for its efforts in broadening healthcare access through insurance programs.
Other distinguished recipients include Cynard Eye in Port Harcourt, awarded Most Outstanding Eye Care Service Provider, and Caroline Medical Centre Abuja, recognized as the Most Outstanding Dialysis Centre.
The Dove Awards also extend beyond Nigeria’s borders. In 2024, Ebury Court Care Services from the United Kingdom received the Most Outstanding Healthcare Team of the Year accolade, with Managing Director Mrs. Rachael Abe attending the Lagos ceremony to accept the award. “This recognition underscores that healthcare excellence transcends geographical boundaries,” Abe noted.
Additionally, NIPRO Medical Europe, known for manufacturing NIPRO Dialysis Machines, was honored as the Most Outstanding Dialysis Equipment Manufacturer of the Year. The award, initially accepted by the Nigerian team, was officially presented at the company’s headquarters in Mechelen, Belgium, with Dr. Otegbayo present to represent the foundation.
Voting remains open to all Nigerians, with the foundation urging widespread participation via the official website before the October 17 cutoff. “Our goal is to make this a truly people-driven award-an expression of gratitude for those who tirelessly safeguard our health behind the scenes,” Dr. Otegbayo explained.
A foundation spokesperson added, “Beyond celebrating achievements, this platform motivates the Nigerian healthcare community to uphold higher standards of care and dedication.”