Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has described the award conferred on her by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Rivers State Branch, as a recognition of decades of friendship, service and unwavering support for the medical profession.
She made the remarks while speaking as the Special Guest of Honour after receiving a prestigious award at the 2026 NMA Rivers State Branch Dinner and Award Night in Port Harcourt on Saturday.
Prof. Odu said the honour was not a product of her current position in Government, but the enduring relationship she had built with the association over the years.
She recalled that her late husband, Dr.Chimdi Afuluka Odu, was once the Vice Chairman of the NMA, Rivers State Branch, a period during which she became closely involved in the association’s activities, fostering a bond that continued throughout her career, including her tenure as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health.
While describing the relationship with the NMA has a lifelong commitment, she assured members that she would continue to support the association and contribute to the advancement of the medical profession, whether in or out of public office.
The Deputy Governor expressed deep appreciation to the NMA for the recognition, describing it as a prestigious honour she would cherish.
She pledged to continue adding value to the association and to the healthcare sector through dedicated service.
Odu also paid glowing tribute to members of her family, colleagues and friends, acknowledging the support of her husband, children and associates throughout her professional journey.
She emphasized the importance of nurturing relationships, noting that strong personal and professional bonds have remained invaluable throughout her career.
In her remarks the Head of Service, Dr. Inyingi Brown, who was also a Special Guest/ Awardee, lauded the dedication and sacrifices of medical practitioners, noting that the Rivers State Government recognizes the invaluable role they play in safeguarding the health and well-being of the people.
She assured the association of the continued support of the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara’s administration, stressing that the Government would continue to provide an enabling environment for healthcare professionals to thrive.
“We appreciate what you do, and we are here to ensure that, as much as lies within the capacity of His Excellency, the Governor, you will receive the support you deserve”, she stated.
In her acceptance speech, the newly elected Chairman of the NMA, Rivers State Branch, Prof. Ureh Oparaodu, pledged to provide inclusive and purposeful leadership, calling on members to set aside electoral differences and work together to strengthen the association.
Describing the responsibility of leading the association as a “heavy mantle”, she said the office extends beyond representing doctors, noting that decisions taken by the association directly impact healthcare delivery and the wellbeing of residents of Rivers State.
She recalled the intense and highly contested election, marked by months of consultations, meetings and sacrifices by contestants and their supporters, stressing that the contest was driven by a shared desire to advance the ideals of the association rather than personal ambition.
“There is no victor and no vanquished in this election. We are all winners because we share the same vision for the Nigerian Medical Association”, she declared.
The NMA Chairman urged members to embrace reconciliation and unity, emphasizing that her campaign mantra, “Leaving No One Behind”, was not merely a slogan, but a guiding philosophy that would shape her Administration.
The Chairman called on members to “heal the association” and work collectively, saying the NMA belongs to every doctor and can only achieve its goals through the commitment and participation of all.
Prof. Oparaodu expressed confidence that with God’s guidance and the support of members, the association would achieve greater milestones and continue to play its vital role in promoting quality healthcare and influencing policies that benefit the people of Rivers State.
She expressed appreciation to God for His guidance throughout the election process and thanked her family, particularly her mother, whom she described as her “prayer warrior,” for her unwavering encouragement and also acknowledged the support of her siblings, her husband, children, as well as her friends and colleagues.
- Benebo is the Information/Public Relations Officer, Office of the Deputy Governor.
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