Samuels succeeds Okonkwo as APIN chief executive

By Zika Bobby

Dr Jay Osi Samuels has assumed office as Chief Executive Officer of APIN Public Health Initiatives, succeeding the organisation’s pioneer chief executive, Prof. Prosper Okonkwo.

His appointment took effect on October 1.

Samuels, who joined APIN in 2006, previously served as Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of programmes and contributed to its public health interventions and institutional development.

The transition followed APIN’s 25th anniversary, as the indigenous organisation expanded its focus from HIV prevention and treatment to broader public health services.

Originally established as a Harvard School of Public Health project with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, APIN became an independent non-governmental organisation in 2007.

It assumed responsibility for programmes previously managed through Harvard, including HIV services funded by the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief through the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Addressing staff, Samuels paid tribute to Okonkwo and pledged to protect core programmes while expanding the organisation’s impact.

“Grants begin and end. Projects begin and end. Donor priorities change. Institutions must endure,” he said.

He called for diversified funding and stronger partnerships with government, philanthropic organisations, academic institutions and the private sector.

Samuels said his first 100 days would focus on listening to teams and strengthening governance, financial management, procurement and programme delivery.

Urging transparency and patient-centred decisions, he reminded staff that “behind every number in our reports is a human being.”

“The first 25 years gave us a legacy. The next 25 years should give us a responsibility,” he said.