By Emma Okereh
All is now set for private medical doctors, under the aegis of Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria (AGPMPN) to converge on Abuja,Nigeria’s federal Capital , on Thursday, August 12, to discuss critical issues facing healthcare delivery in Nigeria as part of activities marking Centenary of the oldest medical association in Nigeria.
Apart from engaging in healthcare dialogue, the AGPMPN will undertake two other key activities: a fund-raise for N10billion in furtherance of the association’s save-a –million-mothers – initiative as well as appreciate through Special Awards, of contributions made by some Nigerians and institutions, in supporting healthcare practices and health infrastructural development in Nigeria.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja at the weekend, Dr.Iyke Odo, national president of the AGPMPN stated that ‘’arrangements have been concluded to make the centenary program a huge success as Distinguished Senator Ken Nnamani , Chairman of the Occasion, Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbanjo ,the Chief Guest of Honour and other Special Invitees have been contacted, and many accepted to participate in person .’’
Dr. Odo further explained that the save-a –million-mothers – initiative is a segment of specially designed programs of the centenary event to help address the challenge of high maternal mortality rate in the country.
He also gave names of Nigerians who will receive award at the event to include Dr. Godwin Maduka, Anambra State born but United States of America based medical practitioner and founder of the Las Vegas Pain Institute and Medical Center, United States of America ; Senator Tolu Odebiyi, who represents Ogun West Senatorial District of Ogun State in the Senate and Professor Maurice Iwu, former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), who is also a renowned Professor of Pharmacognosy, for their special impacts in the health sector. Among Other Nigerians nominated for the award are personalities cutting across age, political and social status.
In the post humous awards category are: Professor Dora Akunyili, former Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), for her relentless fight against fake and unwholesome food and drugs, late Dr. Stella Adadevoh, for her supreme sacrifice in the fight against Ebola and Professor Olukoya Ramsom Kuti, for his works in the area of paediatrics in the nation. Former President Goodluck Jonathan will also receive an award for his servant-leadership in the fight against Ebola, under his watch as president. Nigeria’s football icon, Kanu Nwankwo, won a nomination in another category for his selflessness and laudable work with the Kanu Heart Foundation, through which a lot of indigent children with heart conditions received free surgeries and other medical interventions.
Also, a former First Lady, Mrs Maryam Abacha, who founded what is now referred to as the National Hospital Abuja, through her pet project, the Family Support Programme Initiative. It was originally known as the National Hospital for Women and Children. Others include, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) foremost jurist and educationist, Chief Kessington Adebutu, renowned philanthropist, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Executive Governor, Ekiti State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, former executive governor of Ondo state, Hon. Bashorun Askia Ogieh, MD/CEO DESOPADEC, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu, Former Minister of Health, Dr. Ifeanyi Okoye, MD/CEO, JUHEL Pharmacy, Florence Otedola, Founder, CUPPY Foundation, Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu, Founder, BUA Foundation, Sir Emeka Offor,Founder, SEO Foundation, Sir Dr. Daniel Chukwudozie, Philanthropist.
Other prominent awardees, in the political, corporate business and Non-Governmental organization communities, who have been listed for the great impacts they have made overtime in the health sector include, Save The Children International, Nigeria, International Committee of the Red Cross, Society for Family Health and Clinton Health Access Initiative. The event will hold at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.
