The Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP) has conferred the Distinguished Medical Practitioner (DMP) award on Dr Andrew Oseghale Eigbedion, recognising his outstanding contribution to private healthcare practice in Nigeria.
The honour was bestowed during the ANPMP’s 47th International Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM), held from 23 to 27 April 2025 at the Conference Hotel, Abeokuta, Ogun State. The event attracted over 500 private medical practitioners from across Nigeria, alongside foreign delegates, for a week of networking, idea exchange, and discussions aimed at advancing healthcare delivery.
The conference featured several notable attendees, including the Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako; former governors Donald Duke of Cross River State and Gbenga Daniel of Ogun State; President of the Nigerian Medical Association, Prof Bala Audu; and ANPMP President, Dr Kay Adesola. Royal representatives of Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Alake of Egbaland; Oba Adeniyi Sonariwo, Akarigbo of Remoland; and Oba Saka Adelola Matemilola, Olowu of Owu, were also present.
Donald Duke delivered the Annual Andem Ewa Guest Lecture, outlining strategies to expand universal health insurance coverage across Nigeria. Dr Salako, in his keynote address, detailed the Federal Government’s efforts to improve healthcare delivery before formally opening the conference. The Ogun State Governor, represented by Secretary to the State Government, Joseph Oluwatokunbo Talabi, welcomed delegates and conveyed the Governor’s goodwill.
Other distinguished speakers included Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa; Director General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr Kelechi Ohiri; Co-founder of Bridge Clinic Nigeria, Dr Richardson Ajayi; former Ogun State Health Commissioner, Dr Babatunde Ipaye; and Dr Wole Kukoyi, former Ogun State Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association.
In his address, ANPMP President Dr Adesola called for stronger partnerships between private practitioners and the Federal Government. He noted that the association represents owners of over 11,000 private medical facilities in Nigeria, based on Federal Ministry of Health data.
Chairman of the opening ceremony, Gbenga Daniel, advocated for the removal of medical practitioners’ salaries from the core civil service structure as a solution to the country’s persistent brain drain. He also raised concerns over the burden of multiple taxation on private medical facilities and highlighted his proposed Terminal Diseases Funding Bill, which has passed first reading in the Senate.
During the opening ceremony, eleven practitioners were conferred with the Fellowship of the Association of General Practitioners (FAGP). Recipients included Dr Rabor Derek, Dr Aghedo Moses, Dr Udegbe Enaholo, Dr Egboh Emmanuel, Dr Adetoye Olusanya, Dr Odogu Victor Kroneakegha, Dr Thompson Moses Blackson, Dr Alumbugu Esau, Dr Onyetulem Daniel, Dr Sanusi Gbadebo Gafar, and Dr Yekeen Taofik.
The highlight of the conference was the conferment of the DMP award on eight distinguished practitioners during the gala dinner and awards night. The DMP is regarded as the medical equivalent of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) title in the legal profession. Recipients included Dr Imuetiyan Godfrey Osarumwense, Dr Adeyemi James Babatunde, Dr Amure Olusola Barnet, Dr Erinfolami Adeife James, Dr Christopher Ogana Lukpata, Dr Olakunde Oluwole Moses, Dr Benni John Amakiri, and Dr Andrew Oseghale Eigbedion.
While conferring the award, Dr Adesola praised Dr Eigbedion’s achievements as Medical Director of Eseohe Medical Centre, Ekpoma, and for his leadership within the Edo Central Senatorial Zone and Edo State at large. He commended Dr Eigbedion’s efforts in increasing the visibility of the ANPMP and his service as Consultant Paediatrician and Neonatologist at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital.
Speaking to journalists, Dr Eigbedion expressed his gratitude to the ANPMP leadership and members, saying the recognition would inspire him to work even harder. He noted that he is the first private medical practitioner from Edo Central Senatorial Zone, and the youngest in Nigeria, to receive the prestigious DMP award.
In his closing remarks, ANPMP Secretary General, Dr Gbadebo Adebiyi, expressed satisfaction with the success of the AGM, commending the Ogun State chapter led by Dr Oluwakayode Oyelade and the Local Organising Committee chaired by Dr Kunle Farayibi for their efforts.
