Edo NMA Honours NOHB, Others As Medical Elders, Associates Hail Landmark Recognition

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In a landmark recognition of distinguished service to the medical profession, the Edo State Branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has honoured one of its past Chairmen, Dr Philip Ugbodaga, by naming its newly completed Medical Library and ICT Hub after him.

The facility, christened the Dr Philip Ugbodaga Medical Library and ICT Hub, is located within the Doctors’ House, the headquarters of the Edo State Branch of the Association.

Dr Ugbodaga served as Chairman of the Edo State Branch of the NMA from 2010 to 2012 and has remained actively involved in the affairs of the Association while contributing significantly to the advancement of healthcare in Nigeria.

The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, who commissioned and unveiled the facility, also presided over the induction of Dr Ugbodaga into the Edo State NMA Hall of Fame in recognition of his outstanding contributions to healthcare delivery and his exemplary leadership of the Association.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, Governor Okpebholo commended the Edo State Branch of the NMA for its commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery.

He also praised the cordial relationship between the Association and the Edo State Government, describing it as a catalyst for ongoing improvements in the state’s health sector.

Ugbodaga’s honour formed part of activities marking the 2026 Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Edo State Branch of the NMA and the conclusion of the tenure of the outgoing State Executive Council (SOC).

The Chairman of the Edo State Branch of the NMA, Dr Eustace Oseghale, in his address at the ceremony, described Dr Ugbodaga as an exceptional leader, mentor and bridge-builder whose unwavering commitment to the Association has inspired generations of medical practitioners.

He noted that the decision to immortalise Dr Ugbodaga through the naming of the Medical Library and ICT Hub reflected the Association’s appreciation of his enduring contributions and his steadfast support for the growth of the medical profession.

In a congratulatory message, internationally renowned infectious disease expert and long-time associate of Ugbodaga, Dr Ephraim Ogbaini-Emovon, described the honour as richly deserved.

According to him, “Your recognition by the highest organ of our Association is a testament to your long years of unwavering commitment to advancing quality healthcare delivery in Nigeria, as well as your selfless leadership within the medical community over the past three decades.”

Also felicitating Dr Ugbodaga, former Chief of Staff to the Edo State Governor and development economist, Chief Taiwo Akerele, PhD, commended the Nigerian Medical Association for recognising what he described as a lifetime devoted to medicine, public service and humanity.

Akerele recalled Dr Ugbodaga’s long-standing advocacy for using medicine as a vehicle for social transformation and his commitment to promoting social justice and equitable healthcare. He likened him to Ernesto “Che” Guevara, the Argentine physician and revolutionary who devoted his life to championing the cause of the poor and vulnerable.

According to Akerele, Dr Ugbodaga’s enduring role as a physician, civil society leader and advocate for the poor represents a legacy worthy of recognition, not only within Nigeria but across the global medical community.

Dr Philip Ugbodaga is a renowned oral and maxillofacial surgeon and the pioneer Medical Director of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Benin City. Appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to lead the newly established federal tertiary institution.

Ugbodaga currently serves as the Public Relations Officer of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals in Nigeria.

The naming of the Medical Library and ICT Hub after him, as well as his induction into the NMA Hall of Fame, is widely regarded as one of the highest honours bestowed by the Edo State Branch of the Nigerian Medical Association, recognising a career defined by professional excellence, visionary leadership and enduring service to the medical profession.

The event was attended by the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, a former President of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP), Dr Omo-Ehijele Frank Odafen, the Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof Idia Ize-Iyamu, and the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr (Prof) Ernest Omoti.

A former Commissioner for Health, Dr Wilson Imogan, and a former Permanent Secretary in the Edo State Ministry of Health and guest speaker at the event, Dr Osamwonyi Irowa, were also among dignitaries present at the occasion.