The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Enugu State has charged its members to leverage the association to promote the health and wellbeing of the society.

State Chairman of the Association, Dr Chima Edoga, stated that the professional association should be used to provide a moral voice for the vulnerable and build bridges between healthcare professionals and government.

Edoga stated during the confirmation of award for Distinguished Contribution to Healthcare and Community Health Advocacy on its immediate past State Chairman, Dr Sunday Okafor by the Isiuzo Local Government Area that the association is committed to improving health standards and devoting services to residents irrespective of their status and location within the state.

The award was in recognition of Okafor’s outstanding contributions to healthcare advocacy, professional leadership and improvement of health outcomes for communities across Enugu State.

The award ceremony formed part of the official commissioning of projects executed under the immediate past leadership of Obiora Obiagu in Isiuzo local government.

Deputy Governor, Ifeanyi Ossai, commissioned the projects on behalf of Governor Peter Mbah.

A statement signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Dr Benjamin Agbo, which eulogised Okafor for the award, said it was not merely a celebration of one individual, but an acknowledgement of what a medical organisation can accomplish when its members work together with vision, compassion and courage.

He maintained that the recognition was both personal and collective and bears eloquent testimony to the impact made under Dr. Okafor’s administration and to the dedication of the entire team that worked with him.

” This honour reminds us that leadership is not ultimately measured by the titles one holds or the length of time spent in office, but by the lives touched, institutions strengthened and hope restored. Titles may pass, but meaningful service leaves footprints that time cannot erase.

“Under his leadership, the Association strengthened professional solidarity, expanded community-oriented health interventions, deepened constructive engagement with government and other stakeholders, and consistently placed the welfare of doctors and the health needs of the people at the centre of its activities. Isi-Uzo was among the communities that felt the tangible impact of this collective commitment”, the statement said

The NMA which described the honour as “well-deserved”, said Okafor’s life of service to the Association, humanity and God remains a source of inspiration to the medical profession and a compelling reminder that the ‘highest reward of leadership is the positive difference it makes in the lives of others”.

It noted that presence of the current NMA leadership alongside the Immediate Past Chairman at the ceremony was also a powerful demonstration of institutional continuity, professional brotherhood and shared purpose.

Okafor had received the honour in the company of a high-powered delegation from NMA Enugu State comprising the State Chairman, Dr. Chima Edoga; Deputy Chairman, Dr. Christian Ozor; and Publicity Secretary, Dr. Benjamin Agbo.