By Raphael Ede
The Nigerian Medical Association, Enugu State Branch, on Monday, officially unveiled and dedicated its new state secretariat in New Haven, Enugu, with the outgoing leadership making a strong plea for unity and calling on aggrieved members to return to the fold.
The event, which marked the commencement of the association’s 2026 Annual General Meeting, brought together medical elders, religious leaders, and healthcare stakeholders to celebrate what many described as a significant institutional achievement recorded despite internal friction.
Addressing newsmen during a world press conference shortly after the dedication, the Chairman of NMA Enugu State, Dr. Sunday Okafor, revealed that when his administration assumed office, the state branch was operating from an unfitting shop space owned by the Medical Women Association of Nigeria.
Reflecting on the challenges faced by his executive, Okafor lamented that internal disagreements involving affiliate bodies—particularly the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria—threatened the progress of the association.
“When we came on board, NMA Enugu State operated from what’s best qualified as a shop… It wasn’t befitting that a parent body would actually be using a shop extension,” Dr. Okafor said. “At the end of the day, it was unfortunate that even while we were hunting for a befitting place, that one of our affiliate bodies, which was the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria, had to really go above and beyond to conduct [themselves] in such a manner that is not becoming of our profession. But as God may have it, our vision for a new secretariat materialized.”
Urging members to put collective interest above personal differences, Dr. Okafor stated, “I encourage us to sustain this spirit of unity beyond this administration. Our Association will always remain stronger when we place collective interest above personal interest.”
Sharing his perspective during the unveiling, the Founder and Chief Executive Director of Memfys Hospital, Emeritus Prof. Samuel Ohaegbulam, commended the resilience of the outgoing leadership for securing a new temporary administrative space despite internal opposition.
“When I got the unexpected treatment, even from a fellow member of the association, it happened, and we were helpless,” Prof. Ohaegbulam stated. “I’m happy that the executive turned around and were able to find this place that will provide at least a temporary accommodation for this association… All the distractions didn’t prevent you from doing what needs to be done. I congratulate you for this milestone.”
Also speaking at the ceremony, Emeritus Prof. Martin Anthony Chukwubuike Aghaji noted that despite attempts by detractors to derail the project, progress ultimately prevailed.
“They did it and made so much noise. It’s not that so much matter, and they wondered why,” Prof. Aghaji remarked. “All you can see is progress. For now, moving forward. Progress, progress… So today is a great day. Today is absolutely a great day.”
The new office premises were formally dedicated by the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Enugu, Rt. Rev. Prof. Samuel Ike, who administered the Hippocratic Oath to reaffirm doctors’ commitment to ethical practice and offered prayers for the officers who will occupy the facility.
Speaking on the theme of the 2026 AGM, “Mitigating Health Workforce Migration in Nigeria: The Enugu State Experience,” Okafor commended the Enugu State Government under Governor Peter Mbah for implementing health sector reforms and improving welfare packages for state doctors, which he credited for helping stem the tide of medical brain drain.
“Today, we have also been able to address the welfare of our people. Those working in state hospitals are now one of the highest paid in the country today,” Dr. Okafor stated, adding that the association remains committed to constructive partnership with government and development partners to advance healthcare delivery.
Activities for the 2026 NMA Enugu AGM are scheduled to continue throughout the week, featuring medical outreaches at the Enugu Custodial Centre, an opening ceremony chaired by Dr. Dan Shere with Bishop Prof. Ike as keynote speaker, and an elective business session on Saturday to usher in a new executive council.
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