Meet Bernard Otu Assim-Ita
A communication specialist whose passion lies in transforming complex health information into compelling, accessible stories. With a background in Theatre, Media, and Communication, Bernard has carved a path at the intersection of storytelling and public health, using strategic communication to help improve the well-being of communities across Nigeria.
He first discovered The Next Hundred Public Health Stewards (TNH-PHS) program on LinkedIn while nearing the end of his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) service year. At the time, he was searching for clarity on how his communication degree could contribute to public health. The more he explored the program, the more he saw an opportunity to learn, connect disciplines, and channel his storytelling skills into meaningful advocacy. “The more I read about the program, the more I saw an opportunity to learn, grow, and connect the dots between communication and health advocacy,” he recalls. “That curiosity and desire to make a real difference pushed me to apply.”
Bernard joined the 3rd Cohort of the TNH Public Health Stewards Program, a diverse group of emerging leaders committed to transforming health outcomes in Nigeria.
Before joining TNH, Bernard understood public health as a collection of separate fields, each working independently. The program changed that perspective. During the orientation, he met passionate young professionals and learned from experts who revealed how deeply interconnected public health systems truly are. It was an awakening that reshaped his understanding and gave him direction.
His immersion experience at Nigeria Health Watch became a pivotal moment. Working on storytelling and advocacy projects that centred on health communication, Bernard found alignment between his skills and his purpose. His work made such an impact that the organisation extended his stay, giving him an even broader platform for growth. Now, almost three years later, he serves as a Communication Officer at Education as a Vaccine (EVA), a women-led and youth-centred organisation. There, he continues to strengthen programs that support young people, especially in maternal, newborn, and child health, while advancing social and behavior change communication across Nigeria.
Bernard’s drive is rooted in lived experience. Growing up, he witnessed how misinformation and limited access to health knowledge could shape decisions and outcomes in harmful ways. “I have always been driven by the need to make complex health information simple and relatable for the average person,” he says. “That inspired me to use communication as a tool for change, especially for young people who are often left out of these conversations.”
For him, TNH has been more than a program; it’s a community that continues to encourage and inspire his journey. “Through TNH, I’ve gained access to learning opportunities, mentors, and a network of passionate young professionals who genuinely want to improve public health in Nigeria,” he shares.
Among the projects that stand out for Bernard is his work on the U=U Media Awareness Campaign, funded by the US-CDC PEPFAR, which aimed to reduce HIV stigma and increase public understanding. He also contributed to national advocacy efforts to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV). These experiences helped him see firsthand how communication can shift perspectives, empower communities, and spark change.
To young people eager to make a difference in public health, Bernard offers heartfelt guidance: “Start where you are and use what you have. You don’t need to have it all figured out before you take the first step. Public health is a wide field, so take time to find what interests you and build from there. Keep learning, collaborate with others, and don’t underestimate the power of your voice. Every effort, no matter how small, contributes to building a healthier Nigeria.”
