Former Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, has raised concerns over the growing trend of brain drain in the country, particularly in the health sector, warning of its negative consequences on national development.
Mimiko stated this while delivering a public lecture at an event to mark the 81st birthday celebration of Sen. Bode Olajumoke in Akure on Tuesday.
The lecture, themed “Conqueror, Conquered and Consequences: A Discourse on Brain Drain,” was organised by the Bode Olajumoke Education and Hospitality Initiative (BOEHI).
Mimiko described brain drain as a form of “national bleeding,” stressing that a country that continues to export its brightest minds would inevitably suffer stagnation across its critical sectors, including healthcare, education and technology.
The former governor added that the strategies of the policy had to be translated into fruition, through political will that would engender and encompass uninterrupted, adequate funding and policy consistency in the health sector.
Mimiko said the implementation of the 15 per cent budgetary allocation to health, as outlined in the Abuja 2021 declaration, was the necessary step that had to be taken, as opposed to the 5 per cent maximum ever allocated to health thus far.
Speaking, Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa acknowledged the growing concern around brain drain, noting that his administration was committed to creating opportunities that encourage professionals to stay and thrive in the state.
Aiyedatiwa, whose deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, represented, commended the choice of the topic as both timely and valuable.
Aiyedatiwa congratulated the celebrant for his important philanthropic role in society.
