BUSARI ABBASNNNGO Annual Conference Fireside Chat: Honouring the Life and Legacy of Prof. Olikoye Ransome-Kuti
NNNGO Annual Conference 2025
November 12, Lagos, Nigeria.
Theme: Advancing Solutions and New Institutional Support for the Nonprofit Sector
As part of the 2025 Annual Conference of the Nigeria Network of NGOs (NNNGO), a heartfelt fireside chat was convened to reflect on the extraordinary life, values, and enduring influence of Professor Olikoye Ransome-Kuti, Nigeria’s iconic public health advocate and the founding Chairman of the Network.
The conversation, moderated by Ms. Aderonke Oyelakin, Executive Director of Bimbo Odukoya Foundation, brought together two individuals deeply connected to his legacy: Ms. Yemisi Ransome-Kuti, Board Member and Founding Executive Director, NNNGO.
Dr. Abiola Tilley-Gyado, Board Member, NNNGO
More than twenty-two years after his passing, Prof. Olikoye’s imprint on Nigeria’s health and development landscape remains unmistakable. His leadership helped shape policies, strengthen institutions, and build bridges between government, civil society, and international actors, paving the way for the establishment of NNNGO in 1992.
A Legacy Rooted in Integrity, Collaboration, and People-Centred Leadership
In line with this year’s theme – Advancing Solutions and New Institutional Support for the Nonprofit Sector, the session emphasised how Prof. Olikoye’s work serves as a blueprint for strengthening the third sector.
He embodied a style of leadership that was: Visionary, long before institutional strengthening became a development priority. Accountable, always prioritizing communities over politics. People-centred, ensuring no one, especially children was left behind. His commitment to collaboration laid the foundation for the Network’s formation, demonstrating that development thrives when individuals and organisations work together with trust and shared purpose.
“Uncle Koye”: A Personal Reflection from Yemisi Ransome-Kuti
In a moving tribute, Ms. Yemisi Ransome-Kuti described Prof. Olikoye not just as a national figure, but as a warm, relatable, deeply principled human being whom everyone fondly called “Uncle Koye.”
She painted a portrait of a man who was: Remarkable, humble, and compassionate. Disciplined and morally grounded. Deeply supportive, not through financial means but through wise counsel and staunch protection, who was dedicated to Nigerian culture and made-in-Nigeria brands.
His love for humanity, especially children shaped his calling as a pediatrician and later defined his contributions to national public health reform.
She further emphasized that NNNGO was born out of collaboration, a value Prof. Olikoye championed throughout his life. Many early collaborators “dropped off” because they could not work collectively, she noted, stressing the importance of nurturing: Collective action, Trust, and Transparency.
These, she affirmed, are the pillars that enabled NNNGO to grow into the vast network it is today, and the values the sector must continue to strengthen, especially at state and local government levels.
Preserving Humanity in Health: Insights from Dr. Abiola Tilley-Gyado
Offering another dimension to Prof. Olikoye’s legacy, Dr. Abiola Tilley-Gyado reflected on his character as a leader defined by: trustworthiness, accessibility, Integrity, and passion for service. These qualities, she says – earned him public respect and eventually the position of Minister of Health.
Dr. Tilley-Gyado challenged today’s healthcare workers and development actors to ask themselves: “How accessible are you to the communities you claim to serve?”
She highlighted Prof. Olikoye’s conviction that no one should be left behind, whether due to age, vulnerability, poverty, or social exclusion. This belief guided many of his initiatives, particularly during the emergence of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria.
She recounted how Prof. Olikoye entrusted her to lead the National AIDS Control Programme, emphasizing preparedness, advocacy, and proactive collaboration. His leadership resulted in: Federal approval for state governments to allocate ₦1 million annually to AIDS control, and Local governments budgeting ₦500,000 for the same purpose; Nationwide campaigns to dispel myths, reduce stigma, and mobilize effective community response.
Through these efforts, Olikoye demonstrated how small beginnings, supported by strong planning and integrity, can evolve into transformative national movements.
A Model for the Future of Nigeria’s Third Sector
The fireside chat concluded with a reflection:
As Prof. Olikoye’s legacy is more than history is indeed a roadmap.
His values speak directly to the challenges and opportunities of today’s nonprofit ecosystem, which are: Strengthening collaboration across sectors; Building systems that are resilient and responsive; Embracing locally owned solutions; Centering humanity in all development efforts; Leading with honesty, passion, compassion, and courage
As Nigeria’s nonprofit landscape continues to evolve, the life and work of Prof. Olikoye Ransome-Kuti remain a guiding light, a light in sustainable development, that begins with integrity, collaboration, and community participation.
