The Christian Medical and Dental Association of Nigeria (CMDA), a network of Christian medical practitioners, recently organized its 6th edition of the national conference at Bingham University, Karu, with the theme “Impact, Share, Serve, and Shine.” The conference gathered Nigerian Christian medical practitioners from across the globe.

In his welcoming address, the President CMDA Nigeria Dr. Ayodele Olukayode briefed the participants on the transformation the association has undergone since its establishment in 1972 in Ibadan and  has grown to have 40 established chapters spread across universities in the country as well as a few others in diaspora. Other speakers who spoke about activities of the CMDA at the event include Dr. Chuka Anude, Chair of the CMDA Nigeria Global Network Board as well as the President of the student body of CMDA.

The keynote speaker, the Vice-Chancellor, Bingham University, Prof. Haruna Kuje Ayuba, while commending the association for its contributions to the health sector, congratulated them for organizing the 6th edition of their conference.

Speaking on the theme “Impact, Share, Serve, and Shine,” Prof. Ayuba gave the background of the early missionaries, highlighting how they formed partnerships and alliances and mobilized resources to spread the gospel to Africa.

Expressing concern over the disarray in the health sector, Prof. Ayuba shared his worries about how Nigerian medical practitioners are leaving the country (Japa) amidst a shortage of manpower and other challenges confronting the health sector today.

Citing from the book of Nehemiah 1:4, Prof. Ayuba called on medical practitioners to consider the deteriorating health sector, which is faced with numerous problems, and to work hard to regain its past glory.

He reminded the CMDA to have a clear vision of what the association aims to accomplish in the health sector, to always make God the reference point on medical issues, to treat patients as the medical profession requires, to leverage opportunities and mobilize resources for health-related problems, to volunteer for programs for the less privileged, and to engage in research collaboration for the benefit of society, among other areas.

The Vice-Chancellor proposed that gateways to impact include family, religious groups, the education sector, media organizations, the business world, and the government, as areas where the association must make inroads to create a holistic impact on society.

Also speaking at the conference, Senator Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo described the CMDA as a formidable army that has what it takes to confront the challenges facing the health sector .

Senator Dr. Banigo shared her work experiences during her service years with the Government of Rivers State. She encouraged the association not to be in despair but to pursue and accomplish the purpose of their existence.

The highlights of the ceremony were the conferment of awards to distinguished personalities who have contributed to the growth of the association. 

Other dignitaries at the event included Prof. Odunayo Oluwatosin, a member of the Board of the International Christian Medical and Dental Association and Emeritus Professor of Plastic Surgery at UCH Ibadan; Dr. Shekwonganza Gwamna, Hon. Commissioner for Health Nasarawa State; the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, represented by the Methodist Archbishop of Abuja Archdiocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Michael O. Akinwale; the Primate and Metropolitan of All Nigeria, Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, who was represented by the Bishop of Lafia Diocese, Rt. Rev. Godwin Adeyi Robinson; Dr. Olukayode Iyun, President CMDA Nigeria; Prof. Chima Onoka, CEO CMDA Nigeria; Dr. Chuka Anude, Chair of the CMDA Nigeria Global Network Board.