Rabiu Omaku
Dr. Meshi C. Emmanuel has emerged as the new Nasarawa State Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), after securing victory in the Association’s 2026–2028 State Officers Committee election.
Meshi, who was declared chairman on Friday by the Electoral Committee (ELCOM) of the Association, polled 229 votes to defeat his challengers, Dr. Amanyam, who scored 150 votes, and Dr. Anazodo, who garnered 54 votes.
The election, which was conducted across the three NMA zones of Lafia, Akwanga, and Keffi, was described as peaceful, free, and fair by the electoral committee.
Declaring the result, Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Dr. Bulus Peter umaru, said the process was conducted in line with the principles of the Association and commended members for their orderly conduct.
He said the election was a demonstration of unity among medical practitioners in the State, urging the incoming leadership to work with all stakeholders to advance the objectives of the Association.
“The election was free and fair, and it was conducted without any major challenge. I appreciate the contestants for showing maturity, and their supporters for maintaining peace throughout the process,” Dr. Bulus said.
He charged the new leadership to promote the welfare of doctors, strengthen unity among members, and support effective healthcare delivery in Nasarawa State.
According to him, “the aim and objectives of the Association include promoting the welfare and harmonious relationship among members, participating in efficient healthcare delivery, educating the public on medical and scientific issues, and ensuring continuous professional development.”
Dr. Bulus advised the new chairman and his team to carry along other contestants, noting that their ideas and experience would contribute to the growth of the Association.
“Carry along with your fellow contestants because they have ideas that will help the Association. Be magnanimous in victory because there can only be one chairman at a time,” he said.
In his acceptance speech during the handing-over ceremony held at the NMA Secretariat in Lafia, Dr. Meshi expressed gratitude to God and members of the Association for the confidence reposed in him.
“I give gratitude to God Almighty for sparing us all through the election period up until this time that we are able to take over the mantle of leadership,” he said.
Dr. Meshi assured members that his administration would focus on improving doctors’ welfare, strengthening unity within the Association, and repositioning the NMA secretariat in the State.
“First, let me appreciate the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, His Excellency Engineerv. Abdullahi Sule, for the efforts made to strengthen healthcare delivery in the State and creating an enabling environment, especially in terms of security for doctors.
“We look forward to partnering with the State Government to improve the welfare of doctors and ensure better welfare packages for our members,” he added.
The new NMA Chairman acknowledged the challenges ahead but expressed confidence that with the support of members, his administration would deliver on its mandate.
“We are not unaware of the magnitude of the task that lies ahead of us, but we trust God and we trust our members with their full support and cooperation that we will be able to deliver on our mandate,” he said.
He identified members’ welfare as his administration’s top priority, promising to pursue initiatives that would improve the wellbeing of doctors and strengthen the Association.
“Our primary responsibility and role as leadership of this great Association is the welfare of our members. We will take it as a top priority and pursue the welfare of every individual and affiliate of NMA,” .
He also pledged to renovate and give the NMA building in Lafia a befitting outlook while working towards a more united and stronger association.
“My leadership will improve the building of the NMA in Lafia to give it a befitting outlook. Secondly, we will do all it takes to unify the association as one body, a stronger and united family in Nasarawa State,” he said.
Dr. Meshi appreciated his campaign team, past leaders of the Association and his fellow contestants, assuring that their ideas and contributions would be accommodated in moving the Association forward.
Other newly elected officers of the NMA Nasarawa State Chapter for the 2026–2028 tenure include Dr. Ifeanyi Onubogu as Vice Chairman, Dr. Jude Isha Yekpowudu as Secretary, Dr. Theophilus Thomas Dabot as Assistant Secretary, Dr. Karen Nenkimun Bakwa as Treasurer, Dr. Stephen Joseph Umbugala as Financial Secretary and Dr. Solomon Patrick Abimiku as Public Relations Officer.
The immediate past chairman, Dr. Isa Ohyoma, and immediate past secretary, Dr. Bismarck Chimezie Iwueke, will serve as ex-officio members of the new executive committee.
