- Nigerian-Born Neurosurgeon Wale Sulaiman Bags NiDCOM Diaspora Merit Award
- Receives 2026 National Diaspora Merit Award for Healthcare, Humanitarian Service
- Dabiri-Erewa described Prof. Sulaiman as a deserving recipient, citing his exceptional contributions to healthcare
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has honoured Nigerian-born neurosurgeon, physician executive, academic and humanitarian, Prof. Wale Sulaiman, with the 2026 National Diaspora Merit Award (NDMA) in recognition of his outstanding contributions to healthcare, humanitarian service and national development.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Prof. Sulaiman, the Chief Medical Director and Chief Executive Officer of RNZ Global Limited, received the award during the 2026 National Diaspora Day celebration held on July 25 at the Presidential Banquet Hall in Abuja.
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The award was presented by the representative of President Bola Tinubu and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, alongside the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Hon. (Dr.) Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
In a related development, the Kwara State Association of Nigeria in North America (KSANG) also presented Prof. Sulaiman with an Outstanding Leadership Award in recognition of his humanitarian service, professional accomplishments and contributions to community development.
In a letter confirming the National Diaspora Merit Award, Dabiri-Erewa described Prof. Sulaiman as a deserving recipient, citing his exceptional contributions to healthcare, humanitarian interventions and his exemplary representation of Nigeria in the diaspora.
According to NiDCOM, the award recognises Nigerians living abroad who have distinguished themselves professionally while making significant contributions to Nigeria’s development.
The commission noted that the Federal Government designated July 25 as National Diaspora Day to celebrate the estimated 20 million Nigerians living overseas and acknowledge their contributions to national development.
NiDCOM added that the award honours Nigerians whose professional achievements, humanitarian efforts and commitment to nation-building have projected the country positively on the global stage.
The latest recognition adds to Prof. Sulaiman’s growing list of honours. He was previously named among the 600 Nigerian Diaspora Icons at 60, an initiative celebrating Nigerians who have excelled professionally and contributed to national and global development.
Prof. Sulaiman has also remained actively involved in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system. While serving as Chairman of Neurosurgery at Ochsner Health System in New Orleans, United States, he voluntarily accepted a 25 per cent salary reduction to enable him to return regularly to Nigeria to provide specialist neurosurgical services.
Through his humanitarian initiatives, he has provided free neurosurgical and spinal care to Nigerians, supported the training of medical students, resident doctors and fellows, created opportunities for Nigerian doctors to undertake specialist training in the United States, and facilitated partnerships between international healthcare institutions and Nigerian medical professionals.
His outreach programmes have also delivered free medical and surgical interventions to thousands of people in underserved communities, improving access to specialist healthcare across the country.
In recognition of his contributions to healthcare and national development, former President Muhammadu Buhari conferred on him the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
President Bola Tinubu also appointed him as the pioneer Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun (FUHSI) in June 2024.
The 2026 National Diaspora Merit Award further reinforces Prof. Sulaiman’s national and international recognition for his contributions to healthcare, medical education, humanitarian service and the promotion of Nigeria’s global image.
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