Dear Mansagian,
Have you seen the latest MANSAG Instagram video reel by the Cambridge Local Organising Committee and the MANSAG Publicity Team? “Love, love, love, it” swooned a Mansagian in a WhatsApp message to me, already brimming with excitement about the upcoming Annual General Conference and Meeting in October.
The last few weeks has been boiling hot with the weather but also with news of several exciting developments in the MANSAG family. I had the privilege of participating at the re launch of MANSAG North East where Dr. Franklin Eleazu and his team worked very hard to put together a fantastic program of awareness (including the GMC) for Nigerian healthcare professionals in and around Newcastle. Dr Abdullahi Ringim and his team of dedicated colleagues are going to get very hot hiking in the Derbyshire dales before cooling off with some networking and hot chops. Mr. Theo Asumu and his colleagues are preparing some mean sizzling hot barbecues in Manchester this month. Dr. Femi Akerele is busy planning another hot summer activity for our siblings in the South West after their heartwarming Christmas do in the middle of the cold dark winter last year. It’s hot, hot, hot all around MANSAG and I hope wherever you are, you have enjoyed the summer heat.
There has been lots of hot developments within the Nigerian diaspora community. It was inspiring as a paediatrician to learn that the National diaspora anthem was composed by a 15-year-old child and a privilege to hear him premiere it by singing in front of ministers, senators, legislators, commissioners and Nigerian greats at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The diaspora week was an opportunity to showcase the potential for Nigerians in diaspora to contribute to national development. Her Worshipful Cllr Abigail Katunga-Marshall – remember her – was especially celebrated at the awards. I was also able to attend the launch of the BRIDGE Platform by Dr Tunji Alausa CON the former Deputy Health Minister now Minister for Education. The BRIDGE platform enables us to connect with universities and tertiary institutions in Nigeria to share our skills and expertise. Please register on the platform and be matched to an institution that needs you. https://diaspora-bridge.ng/p/public-launch
I was relieved, humbled, angry, and upset all at the same time reading through the experience of a Mansagian who went through unimaginable horror when accused of something so serious but ultimately exonerated. Unfortunately, we know these are not isolated incidents for our members, but Dr Chris Agbo, Dr. Oge Ilozue and others have laid a solid foundation for us to support our colleagues. We will be sharing lessons for our whole community on how we can thrive and avoid these experiences. I’m grateful to our colleague for the courage to share their experience and advice on actions to take to avoid such pitfalls. I can only encourage those still thinking about it to heed their advice and become part of the MANSAG family.
Some of you may have seen the new MANSAG website www.mansag.org. On behalf of the executive committee, I’m very sorry for the delays you have experienced getting any information from the old website in the last few months. We have reflected in the new site what MANSAG is about and what fellow Mansagians want – supporting the more than 15,000 doctors, pharmacists, medical scientists, radiographers, allied health professionals and undergraduate clinical students who wish to thrive and flourish in the UK as well as contribute to Nigerian health systems. We will do this by engaging with policy makers in the UK and Nigeria, providing mentorship, sponsorship and networking opportunities to our members so we can flourish here in the UK, provide dedicated welfare support to all Mansagians and passionately promote our Nigerian family and cultural heritage.
Our new website will enable all these and more when it’s fully developed. One extra hot feature is a facility for MANSAG Networks where colleagues with similar professional interests can meet, share and debate expertise and knowledge. If you have suggestions for an even better website please contact Dr Ugochi Nnaji, Publicity Secretary at publicity@mansag.org. We will be onboarding all registered members in the coming weeks. Since the re launch of the new website it’s now so easy to register or renew your membership. Please visit mansag.org/membership-benefits to register or update your membership and get a Membership Number. This gives you access to lots of our benefits. I hope you like the new site but any feedback will be deeply appreciated.
Dates for your diary:
- Aug 16: East Midlands Hike and Chop; Dr Abdullahi Ringim
- Aug30: Manchester Barbecue for families; Dr. Theophilus Asumu
- Sept 6: MANSAG Care of the Elderly International Webinar; Dr. Amaka Achara
- Oct 24: MANSAG Annual General Conference and Meeting Cambridge; Dr. Mayowa Omoniyi
And finally;
Dr. Omoniyi and his team of passionate colleagues in MANSAG East of England are putting together an exciting 2025 Annual General Conference programme. The theme of the conference is Strengthening Health Systems to showcase the work of Nigerian clinicians improving health systems in the UK, Nigeria and globally. The feature this time is that accompanying persons and their children will also participate fully and be included as part of the conference. It’s an ambitious programme over one and half days and no wonder they have given you a foretaste of what to expect with their hot, hot, thrilling sneak preview advert.
Check it out again! https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNSpZYZsPDD/?igsh=Y2RpNGZvcTdjdHE5
Watch out for details!! Book your place as quickly as you can. I love, love, LOVE IT!!!
Remember that as Mansagians, together we transform!
Until next time,
Remain blessed
Jide,
Dr. Jide Menakaya
President MANSAG