The House of Representatives on Thursday in Abuja recommended a national award for US-based Nigerian surgeon, Dr. Oluyinka Olutoye, for carrying out a successful tumour surgery on a baby in her mother’s womb.
The House, therefore, mandated its Committee on Diaspora to liaise with relevant government agencies to fast track operational guidelines to engage Nigerians in the Diaspora for national development.
This resolution followed a motion sponsored by Linus Okorie.
Moving the motion, Okorie said that Oluyinka successfully removed a baby suffering from a rare tumour from her mother’s womb at 23 weeks, operated on her and returned her back to the womb.
He described the feat as projecting Nigeria to an unquantifiable long lasting positive image.
Okorie said: “There is therefore, a need to commend Dr Olutoye for his impactful medical feat that positively projected the image of Nigeria globally and accordingly celebrate him.”
Contributing, Rita Orji said Nigerians doing well in the Diaspora should be celebrated while alive.
Orji said: “This will help to encourage other Nigerians to strive to excel in their various endeavours.”
Also contributing, Aisha Dukku suggested that doctors like Olutoye should be encouraged to come back to the country to assist in saving lives.
Ruling on the motion, Speaker Yakubu Dogara restated the need to motivate such Nigerians in Diaspora for their achievements in the countries where they reside.
Dogara said: “And ultimately leverage them for diplomatic, economic and scientific advancements of the country.”
The lawmakers subsequently observed a 30-second standing ovation to honour Dr. Olutoye.
R&D Health Reps recommend national award for US-based Nigerian surgeon
