Dr Emmanuel Nwose, Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) South-South Zone has praised the Akwa Ibom State government and its Delta State counterpart for their cooperation thus far in hosting the association’s regional games.
Dr. Nwose commented at the Tower of Ivory School sports complex in Abak during the opening ceremony of the South-South games.
“Funding is a very big challenge as well as insecurity but some States government are trying in areas of support. Notable are Akwa Ibom State and Delta. However, we call on corporate bodies to support the NMA games for a better experience.”
According to the NMA zonal boss, the games are hosted as part of the zone’s preparations for the NMA National Games in Abuja next month as well as other opportunities for doctors to socialize.
“It’s hosted to showcase the other side of doctors. The doctor is not just for clinical services. They are multi-talented. The other reason of the games is to keep the doctors fit for service to the society.”
The games opening ceremony was attended by DIG Udom Ekpoudom (Rtd.), governor of Tower of Ivory School, Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Augustine Umoh, Bayelsa State Health Commissioner, Dr Pabara Newton and Commissioner for Special Duties, Bayelsa, Dr Churson Obosi.
Also from Bayelsa are, Dr Peter Singabele, Chairman Bayelsa State Civil Service and former Health Commissioner, Dr Ayibapreye Barakatei, Chief Consultant Radiologist.
Professor Augustine Umoh took the kickoff for the first football match between Edo and Rivers State as doctors from Edo defeated Rivers team by 1-0.
The first medal event was basketball where team Akwa Ibom female defeated team Rivers to clinch the gold.
In the volleyball event, Cross River State male doctors defeated Bayelsa 2-0, while Akwa Ibom female lost to Bayelsa 0-2 in the 3rd place match.
