In a year marked by global uncertainty and health system transformation, one woman’s work has stood out as a beacon of impact and innovation. Dr. Olufunke Omotayo, a trailblazing figure in public health and clinical research, has been named a recipient of the prestigious 2022 City People Outstanding Talents Award, honouring her exceptional contributions to the fields of healthcare, science, and community advocacy.
Hosted annually by City People Media Group, the Outstanding Talents Awards celebrate Nigerians who are not only leaders in their industries but also catalysts for positive change across the continent. Olufunke’s recognition is not only timely but deeply deserved, spotlighting a career defined by scientific integrity, strategic foresight, and an unwavering commitment to the underserved.
With a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Benin and a Master of Public Health from the University of Saskatchewan, Canada, Dr. Omotayo has masterfully fused academic excellence with real-world application. Her professional journey, which began in frontline healthcare and evolved into high-level clinical trial leadership, has impacted both the local communities of Alberta, Canada, and broader global health networks.
For over a decade, Dr. Omotayo served within Alberta Health Services, where she held multiple roles including Health Promotion Coordinator, Health Advisory Council Officer, and ultimately Consultant for Clinical Integration and Innovation. In these roles, she was not just a professional operating within a health system; she became a systems thinker and change agent. From overseeing complex oncology and infectious disease trials to guiding public health policies responsive to community needs, her influence has spanned across research corridors and community boardrooms alike.
Among her many accomplishments is her leadership in public health programs tackling chronic disease prevention, infectious disease management, and trial operations for groundbreaking treatments in cancer, spinal cord injury, and COVID-19. Her scientific contributions are not confined to laboratories; they are deeply woven into the daily lives of patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.
The 2022 award citation from City People specifically lauded Olufunke for her “resilient spirit, scientific excellence, and unshakable belief in the power of equitable health access.” What set her apart, the panel noted, was not only her clinical rigour but her community-centred approach, ensuring that research is not only conducted but translated into better outcomes for real people, especially marginalised groups.
What makes Dr. Omotayo‘s achievement particularly compelling is that, even while climbing the ranks of clinical research, she never lost sight of the grassroots. As a Health Advisory Council Officer, she worked hands-on with local stakeholders across Northern Alberta, ensuring that policy was informed by lived experience. Her ability to speak the language of both community members and scientific peers has earned her respect across disciplines.
Earlier in 2022, she joined global biopharmaceutical company Amgen as a Local Trial Manager (Country Study Manager), a role that places her at the helm of study operations for life-changing therapies. Even in this new global capacity, her Nigerian roots, public health sensibilities, and drive to give back remain central to her mission.
Dr. Omotayo’s City People award is more than a personal accolade; it is symbolic. It affirms that expertise built across borders, when rooted in service, can shape policy, influence care models, and inspire generations. She stands as a model for African excellence in science, a mentor for young women in STEM, and a testament to what’s possible when compassion meets capability.
“I am deeply honoured by this recognition,” Omotayo said in her acceptance message. “For me, every data point represents a patient, a story, a life we are trying to improve. That’s the heartbeat of my work, merging evidence with empathy.”
As Nigeria continues to position itself as a hub for medical innovation and research leadership, the story of Olufunke Omotayo serves as a powerful reminder: the most outstanding talents are those who not only rise but lift others with them.
