The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Edo State Branch, has honoured the President of the association, Professor Afekhide Ernest Omoti, for his contributions to the growth and development of the medical profession, while Professor Sylvanus Akhalufo Okogbenin has highlighted emerging opportunities and challenges shaping medical employment in Nigeria.

The recognition came during the third edition of the Edo NMA Monthly Webinar Series, which attracted more than 120 participants, with attendance peaking at over 100 during the virtual engagement.
Professor Omoti was named the Edo NMA Celebrity of the Month for October 2026 in recognition of his contributions to the association, particularly during his tenure as chairman of the Edo State Branch, as well as his accomplishments at national and international levels.
His citation, presented during the webinar, highlighted his leadership contributions to the branch and celebrated his emergence as NMA national president.

Responding to the honour, Omoti commended the Dr Andrew Eigbedion-led Edo NMA administration for the recognition and contributed to discussions during the programme.
The guest lecturer, Professor Sylvanus Akhalufo Okogbenin, is the immediate past Chief Medical Director of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH) and Professor of Maternal and Fetal Medicine at Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, and ISTH.
An internationally recognised expert, Okogbenin’s professional interests span Lassa fever, maternal health, epidemic preparedness and infectious diseases. He has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed academic publications and participates in World Health Organisation scientific and advisory activities, international research collaborations and clinical trials involving Lassa fever therapeutics.

Speaking on the future of medical employment in Nigeria, he examined the changing dynamics of medical practice and the employment opportunities available to doctors.
He discussed various employment models, including permanent appointments, locum engagements, contract employment and alternative professional arrangements, highlighting how medical practitioners could navigate the changing healthcare environment.
Drawing on practical examples from Nigeria’s healthcare sector, Okogbenin identified emerging opportunities and offered guidance to younger doctors on maximising their professional, career and financial prospects.
He stressed that improved welfare, attractive working conditions and competitive remuneration were essential to retaining medical professionals in Nigeria and tackling the persistent challenge of physician migration, popularly known as the ‘Japa syndrome’.

The session was moderated by Dr Irene Akhideno, a distinguished medical practitioner and former chairman of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), ISTH. She is also a former president of the Edo State chapter of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) and currently chairs the NMA National Committee on Female Doctors Welfare and Family Support.
Akhideno ensured an engaging and intellectually stimulating discussion throughout the session.
The webinar attracted several prominent medical professionals and academics, including Professor Felix Okogbo, former Provost of the College of Medicine, Ambrose Alli University; Professor Muhammad Aminu Mohammad, immediate past National President of MDCAN; Professor Victor Ekanem, Consultant Pathologist at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH); and Professor Ayeboh Sadoh, Director of the Institute of Child Health, UBTH.

Others were Dr Kay Adesola, immediate past National President of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners; Professor Caroline Omoti, Consultant Haematologist at UBTH; Dr Seb Oiwoh, inaugural guest lecturer of the Edo NMA Webinar Series; Professor Clement Osime, the second guest lecturer; and Dr Wale Oke, former NMA National Secretary-General.
Also in attendance were Professor Andrew Dongo, Dean of the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Ambrose Alli University; Dr Peter Ugbodaga, former Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Health; Dr Hendrith Esene, Consultant Public Health Physician at Igbinedion University, Okada; and Dr Joseph Okoeguale, Director of the Institute of Viral Emergent Pathogens Control and Research Centre, ISTH, and Chairman of MDCAN, ISTH.
Members of the Edo NMA State Officers Committee who participated included the Secretary, Dr William Akerele; Dr Henrietta Ugbeni; Dr Iguehi Ofotokun; and Dr Ikponwonsa Ehiariamwian.
The programme also recorded international participation, with Nigerian medical professionals in the diaspora, including Dr Moses Ujaddughe and Dr Kenneth Osemobor from Canada, as well as Dr Hilda Omorogbee from Saudi Arabia, joining the discussions.

In his closing remarks at about 8:45 p.m., Edo NMA Chairman, Dr Andrew Oseghale Eigbedion, thanked the guest lecturer, the NMA national president, the moderator and all participants for making the third edition successful.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining the monthly webinar series as a platform for continuous medical education, professional development, intellectual exchange and stronger professional relationships among medical practitioners in Nigeria and the diaspora.

Eigbedion also pledged that his administration would continue to promote innovative professional and academic engagements to enhance the visibility, relevance and institutional standing of Edo NMA.
He said the branch was committed to positioning itself as a leading voice in medical advocacy, professional excellence and healthcare development in Nigeria.
The successful third edition underscores Edo NMA’s commitment to building an intellectually vibrant, professionally united medical community while creating platforms for addressing critical issues affecting the country’s healthcare workforce.