Osagie Ehanire

Dr. Osagie Emmanuel Ehanire’s illustrious career is a unique blend of medical excellence and political astuteness. Born on November 4, 1946, in Warri Town, Delta State, Ehanire’s journey from a medical professional to a prominent political figure is a testament to his dedication and versatility.

Educational Foundations and Medical Expertise

Ehanire’s academic journey began with his primary education, followed by secondary education at Government College Ibadan, Oyo State, where he excelled in his Higher School Certificate examination. His pursuit of medical knowledge took him to Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany, where he qualified as a surgeon. Ehanire’s postgraduate education includes training at the Teaching Hospital of the University of Duisburg and Essen and the BG Accident Hospital in Duisburg, Germany. In 1976, he further honed his skills by obtaining a postgraduate Diploma in Anaesthetics from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. His medical credentials were solidified with a Board Certification in General Surgery and Orthopaedic Trauma Surgery from the Medical Board of North Rhine Westphalia in Dusseldorf, Germany. In 1984, he attained the prestigious title of Fellow of West African College of Surgeons.

Medical Career and Return to Nigeria

Ehanire’s medical career in Germany was marked by his roles as Resident Anesthesiologist, Vascular Surgeon, and General Surgeon in Thoracic Surgery at various hospitals. He also contributed as a Clinical Instructor at BG Accident Hospital in Duisburg, Germany. Upon returning to Nigeria in 1982, he joined the University of Benin Teaching Hospital as Senior Registrar in Orthopaedic Surgery. Between 1985 and 1990, he served as a Divisional Consultant Surgeon at the Shell Petroleum Development Company Hospital. Ehanire has also been involved with the Medical Review Board of Edo State Hospital Management Board and serves as a Trustee of TY Danjuma Foundation.

Political Career

Ehanire’s political journey is marked by significant contributions to Nigeria’s political landscape. He was a delegate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) to the merger conference that led to the formation of the All Progressive Congress (APC), a name he coined. As the Edo State Coordinator for the Buhari Support Organisation (BSO), he played a crucial role in President Muhammadu Buhari’s victory in the 2015 presidential election. In October 2015, Ehanire was nominated as a minister in the Buhari administration and was subsequently appointed as the Minister of State for Health in November 2015. He continued his service in the health sector by being appointed the Minister of Health in August 2019.

Other Professional Engagements

In addition to his political and medical careers, Ehanire has been involved in various other capacities, including being a member of the Board of the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health (PMNCH).

Personal Life and Recognition

Ehanire is a family man, known to be married with children. His contributions to Nigeria were officially recognized in October 2022 when President Muhammadu Buhari conferred upon him the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON). Dr. Osagie Emmanuel Ehanire’s journey is a compelling narrative of a life dedicated to medical excellence and public service, illustrating his significant contributions to both the health sector and the political realm in Nigeria