Fashola, others celebrate Prof. Salako’s exceptional service as NIMR DG

As Prof. Babatunde Salako steps down as the Director-General of the Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), many Nigerians gave are commending him for his exceptional service and contributions to the nation’s health sector

At a send-off event in Lagos on Tuesday., former Governor of Lagos, Babatunde Fashola, lauded Salako, describing him as a great mind and a patriotic Nigerian. The event also marked Salako’s 65th birthday.

Fashola, the Chairman of the occasion, commended Salako for advancing medical research in the country through NIMR.

“I am truly delighted that although I do not possess Salako’s scientific achievements and knowledge, I am proud to share his first name. He has championed the expansion of medical and scientific research in the country, and the establishment of the NIMR foundation is a testament to his efforts to promote translational research. I am sure that this country still needs his scientific expertise in other areas,” he said.

Former Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, praised Salako as a performer and reformer, calling his appointment as NIMR D-G one of the best decisions made during the Muhammadu Buhari administration.

“Sometimes, we criticize decisions made by our leaders, but I want to publicly state today that this is one of the best decisions President Buhari made during his administration. Salako brought NIMR from obscurity to global recognition.

“No one can ignore the transformation that took place under his leadership, and that is why he deserves all the praises,” he said.

Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the Deputy Governor of Ogun, highlighted Salako’s two-term tenure as marked by groundbreaking research, innovative initiatives, and a relentless commitment to advancing medical science in Nigeria. She noted that Salako, who is her cousin, ensured NIMR retained its status as a premier research institute in the country.

“We gather to celebrate and send forth an exceptional leader, a distinguished scholar, an eminent physician, and a beloved cousin whose impact at NIMR has made significant contributions to global health.

‘One of his hallmarks has been his ability to foster collaboration and build bridges between various stakeholders in the health sector. He has worked tirelessly to ensure that NIMR remains at the forefront of addressing public health challenges, from infectious diseases to non-communicable conditions.

“His legacy is not only in the research papers published or the policies influenced but also in the lives he has touched and inspired,” she said.

Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, praised Salako for advancing scientific research in the country during his eight-year tenure.

According to Abayomi, Salako has transformed the facility beyond recognition.

“It really is a pleasure to send you forth to bigger things because of the vast amount of knowledge and experience you possess. Your good work has attracted a high delegation of various health stakeholders here to celebrate and appreciate your efforts in health research,” he said.

In his response, Salako described the commendations as a call to do more for the country. He attributed his success to creating a conducive environment for research to thrive.

“I believe what I call a success story is creating a research environment that is conducive for research, allowing it to progress.

“The innovation that did the magic at NIMR was linking researchers to universities to teach and supervise, thereby enhancing their academic careers and promoting them to professors.

“This made them more visible to their university colleagues, improving human capacity and transforming the institute in terms of funds and grants. Some of these innovations made NIMR globally relevant and nationally competitive,” he said.

He commended the staff and management of NIMR for their support in transforming the institute.