Our time together
‘We have partnered with several associations and it’s rare to see such a clear well-structured calendar of activities and events laid out so well. … It is truly commendable’. ‘It is clean, crisp and easy to navigate’. These are some of the positive comments from visitors to our new www.mansag.org website. They were impressed by the work done by so many people within and outside MANSAG behind the scenes to bring our website (and the front door of our organisation) up to date. On behalf of the entire membership of MANSAG, I thank them for their creativity and passion in making our website an excellent platform to showcase our work. Those members who attended the Annual General Conference in Cambridge know that you can log in to the members portal with your membership number to immediately access your chapter colleagues and your specialty professional networks… And access the wider variety of membership benefits on offer to you. Try it now and see!
2026 has begun with many exciting programmes for our members in their various chapters across the country. I’m envious of the Manchester chapter starting the year with their ‘end of year ‘ buffet party at ROOTS Restaurant. I can imagine some spicy pepper soup will not go amiss in this cold, wet, rainy, winter weather, or the drinks and bites reception by the London Chapter to welcome the new year and new members, or the listen and learn going on in Yorkshire as we speak, or the planning meetings underway by the local organising committee to welcome MANSAGians to the Annual Education Symposium in Newcastle. Across the land, MANSAG UK is buzzing with activities directed to support, inspire and encourage our members. We on the executive committee are so grateful for all you do and will do everything in our power to support all the chapters in their work.
The 2026 Education and Academic Symposium will be held in Newcastle. I thank Dr Franklin Eleazu and his team of dedicated committee members for volunteering to host us. It will showcase excellence in research, innovation and pioneering work done by our members and their collaborators. We will have abstract sessions and workshops to highlight the work that our members in early stages of their careers are doing. And we will reward and recognise those who are inspiring us to take up Research and Education. We will also be reinstating our Galadima Lectures in honour of Dr Alfa Sa’adu a MANSAG founding member. Soon the education committee will be inviting applications for the MANSAG Travel Fellowships and the Research committee for the MANSAG Research Awards. Please use these opportunities to assess your contributions to research and development. You never know, you may be the one! Remember if you don’t ask, you don’t get….
Over the last six months, we have been working hard with various partners to design a range of programmes that show case the intention of Nigerian Healthcare professionals in the diaspora in strengthening the healthcare landscape of Nigeria. The global Nigerian medical diaspora associations will be working across the seven geopolitical zone in Nigeria. MANSAG has been assigned to work in the North West Zone and will be leading the programme on ‘crashing maternal and neonatal mortality’ in Nigeria. It is a truly impactful project that goes to the heart of the Nigerian state – Keeping our mothers and babies safe from harm. We must not turn away from this call by our country for us to help with our expertise if we can.
I’m pleased that the Nigerian State is recognising the contribution of MANSAG members in so many ways to improving healthcare delivery. In the last few months these are some programmes our members have been involved in:
- Dr. Ade Boluru, Dr Sigismund Wilkey– Supported the Training of Lagos State Ambulance Services Senior Management team in London / Milton Keynes –
- Professor Rotimi Jaiyesimi – Completing a two year Quality Improvement Project with Babcock University Hospital on Infection prevention and control
- Professor Ifeanyi Okike – Inaugurated as a member of the Health Ministerial Committee on Expanding Undergraduate Medical Education in Nigeria
- Dr. Chris Agbo – Appointed to the Education Ministerial Committee on Medical Simulation
- Dr. Jide Menakaya – Appointed to the Health Ministerial Committee on Clinical Governance and Patient Safety
- Mr. Alex Edosa Oboh – Leading the Diaspora Engagement Committee on MANSAG’s contribution towards reducing maternal and neonatal mortality through the MAMII programme
Dates for your Diary
- Saturday 24 Jan 2026: MANSAG Town Hall Meeting Q1 2026 1700-1800 (Online)
Organiser: Dr. Jide Menakaya: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mansag-town-hall-q1-2026-tickets-1981093907206?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=1 - Saturday May 2 2026: Annual Education and Academic Symposium Newcastle (In-Person)
Organiser – Dr Franklin Eleazu and the Local Organising Committee - Saturday 13 June 2026: MANSAG Leadership Away Day London (In Person)
Organiser – Prof Rotimi Jaiyesimi and Dr Oge Ilozue
And finally,
I would like to invite you to our next Town Hall Meetings on Saturday 24 Jan 2026. The Town Hall is an excellent opportunity for our members to engage with the leadership team of MANSAG. It is a forum where each member can shape the work of the organisation and drive areas we can engage in. We all know that we face challenges in the provision and delivery of health care for our patients in the UK and in Nigeria. Recent events in policy and practice highlight how important our members’ expertise are to this discourse. Your organisation, MANSAG, is well placed to advocate for our members and explore with policy makers how we can make an impact. But we need your contributions on how we can influence these discussions. Please do join us at this week’s Town Hall meeting
Until next time,
Remain blessed
Jide,
Dr. Jide Menakaya
President, MANSAG
#MANSAGisMINE
