By Michael Ezenwata
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Awka Zone, has honoured distinguished members for their contributions to medical practice and the growth of the association at its 2026 Physicians Week luncheon and award ceremony in Awka.
The award recipients included former Awka Zonal Chairman, Dr Emmanuel Umenweke; Associate Professor Ifeoma Njelita; and Barrister Amaka Ezeno, wife of former zonal chairman, Dr Patrick Ezeno.
Speaking at the event, the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, commended the association’s leadership for recognising the honourees, urging them to sustain their commitment to medical excellence and service to humanity.
Dr Obidike expressed confidence in the Prof. Tim Mbaeri led executive, noting that the state government remained committed to improving doctors’ welfare, encouraging medical practitioners to uphold professionalism, compassion and dedication in caring for patients.
Congratulating the zone on its successful Physicians Week celebration, the commissioner urged doctors to balance professional excellence with humane patient care.
In his welcome address, the Awka Zonal Chairman of the NMA, Prof. Tim Mbaeri, praised medical practitioners for their resilience, courage and professionalism, while congratulating the award recipients on their contributions to the association and the medical profession.
Reflecting on the 2026 Physicians Week theme, “Securing the Future of Medicine in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa,” and its subthemes on physicians’ wellbeing and the transformation of medicine through digital health and innovation, Prof. Mbaeri stressed the need for improved funding to enable Nigerian medical professionals to maximise their potential.
He called on the Federal Government to expand health insurance coverage to vulnerable populations, explaining that access to affordable healthcare would improve public wellbeing and reduce financial hardship.
The NMA leader urged doctors to prioritise their health and wellbeing, warning that medical professionals must take care of themselves to continue saving lives, adding that the association was interested in leveraging artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies to advance medical practice.
The Chairman of the 2026 NMA Awka Zonal Award Ceremony, Dr Udoka Imagie, congratulated the association on a successful Physicians Week, commending its choice of award recipients, describing their contributions as significant to the zone’s development.
Speaking in separate remarks, Dr Umenweke expressed gratitude for the recognition, pledging to continue supporting the association’s activities. Barrister Amaka Ezeno and her husband, Dr Patrick Ezeno, expressed appreciation for the honour.
Another medical practitioner, Dr Cyprian Okpala, congratulated the awardees for their individual contributions to the growth and reputation of the association.
Meanwhile, an orthopaedic specialist, Prof. Amaechi Nwachukwu, advised members of the public to adopt healthy eating habits, particularly by reducing the consumption of junk food and including fibre-rich foods in their diets to promote better health.
The awards were presented by former NMA State Chairman, Dr Tochukwu Mbachi; former Awka Zonal Chairman, Dr Eric Anazodo; and senior medical practitioner, Prof. Solomon Ukaibe.
Also present were the NMA Anambra State Chairman, Dr Ndubuisi Arua; State Vice Chairman, Prof. Osita Umeononihu; Awka Zone Vice Chairman, Dr Chinasa Okafor; and immediate past Awka Zonal Chairman, Dr Basil Dim, alongside other members of the medical community.
The event, held on Oct. 24, formed part of activities marking the 2026 Physicians Week, celebrating medical professionals while drawing attention to physicians’ welfare, healthcare financing and innovation in medical practice.
Michael Ezenwata is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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