The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has honoured Dr. Nonye Soludo, wife of the Anambra State Governor, and Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, immediate past Acting Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, for their outstanding contributions to the health sector.
The awards were presented during the closing ceremony of the 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM), Scientific Conference, Award Presentation, and Launch, held in Awka on Sunday.
Themed “From Drain to Gain: Strategies for Building Nigerian Health Workforce Capacity,” the event addressed the ongoing challenge of brain drain in Nigeria’s health sector and explored strategies to reverse the trend.
Dr. Nonye Soludo was honoured for her humanitarian work through her wellness initiative, “Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo,” which promotes nutrition, fitness, and overall well-being.
Prof. Ikechebelu received recognition for his significant impact and achievements in the medical profession.
Also honoured was Dr. Afam Obidike, Anambra State Commissioner for Health, for his administrative excellence and efforts in fostering a strong partnership between the state government and healthcare professionals.
Delivering a keynote address, Prof. Walter Nwafia, an Environmentalist and Clinical Physiologist at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, stressed the critical role of technology in addressing Nigeria’s healthcare workforce gap. He called for urgent intervention to halt brain drain by addressing its root causes—such as poor remuneration and insecurity.
Prof. Nwafia also encouraged senior medical professionals to mentor younger doctors and advocated for the NMA to use its collective bargaining power to secure improved conditions for members.
In his presentation, Dr. Olugbenga Ogunfowora spoke on the topic:
“The Digital Doctor: Embracing Telemedicine, Artificial Intelligence and Other Digital Health Tools.” He highlighted the potential of AI and digital tools to improve healthcare delivery across Nigeria.
“With AI-enabled systems at primary healthcare centres, doctors can remotely consult, treat, and monitor patients even from outside the country,” he said.
“This is how we can convert brain drain into brain gain.”
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In his remarks, Dr. Princeton Okam, Chairman of NMA, Anambra State, described the AGM and awards as a platform for stakeholders to address critical issues in Nigeria’s healthcare system. He praised Governor Chukwuma Soludo for advancing healthcare innovation in the state, particularly through telemedicine.
“Let me congratulate our awardees Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, Dr. Afam Obidike, and Dr. Nonye Soludo who were selected for their remarkable achievements and service to humanity,” Okam stated.
He also expressed appreciation to the Governor for his reforms in the health sector, including infrastructure development, recruitment of medical personnel, and the introduction of free antenatal and delivery services.
In a message delivered on his behalf, Governor Chukwuma Soludo, represented by Dr. Afam Obidike, described the conference theme as timely, noting that brain drain remains a major concern for his administration.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to leveraging technology and strengthening partnerships with the NMA and other stakeholders to rebuild and transform the state’s healthcare delivery system.
