By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

In a historic stride marking half a century of influence in Nigeria’s health sector, the Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria ,APHPN,has broken ground on its first National Secretariat, ushering in a new chapter of institutional strength and national visibility.

The landmark ceremony, held in Karshi, a fast-rising district in the Federal Capital Territory ,FCT, drew key stakeholders across the health, development, and security sectors, all gathered to witness what many described as a defining moment in the association’s 50-year journey.

Leading the event, APHPN National President, Dr. Terfa Kene, invited Chairman of City Gate Homes Ltd, Chief Mike Duru Ejiogu, to perform the symbolic ground-breaking,highlighting the critical link between infrastructure development and the advancement of public health systems in Nigeria.

The project delivers on a major campaign promise made by Dr. Kene during his 2025 presidential bid in Abeokuta, where he pledged to secure a permanent secretariat for the association. With construction now underway, that vision is rapidly becoming reality.

The Secretariat is being executed in partnership with Solap Signature Properties Limited, whose Chief Executive Officer, Architect Akosu Paul, also donated the land for the project.

He described the initiative as a vital contribution to nation-building and institutional development, noting that it will provide a lasting operational base for a body central to shaping Nigeria’s public health outcomes.

The event attracted prominent figures, including the National President of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria,MWAN, Dr. Zainab Kwaru Muhammad-Idris, who praised APHPN’s resilience and foresight. Other key officials in attendance included National Secretary and Assets Committee Chairman, Dr. Augustine Ajogwu; FCT Chapter Chairman, Dr. Sebastian Esomonu; and National Treasurer, Dr. Juliette Ango, alongside several members and staff of the association.

Also present were retired Brigadier General Terlumun Er, executives from City Gate Homes Ltd, and community leaders from Karshi, underscoring the wide support backing the initiative.

Strategically located in one of Abuja’s emerging growth corridors, the Secretariat is expected to serve as a national hub for policy dialogue, research coordination, professional development, and advocacy in public health.

For APHPN, the ground-breaking goes beyond laying a foundation,it symbolizes decades of commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s health systems and signals a bold step into the future of public health leadership in the country.