Dear Mansagians,
‘How do I scratch your itch’? Brian, the straight talking American chief executive officer of the brand new African Medical Centre of Excellence Abuja asked me at a side huddle when we attended the recently concluded Nigerian Medical Association – Germany’s Golden Anniversary Celebrations in Mainz near Frankfurt? That got me thinking as we discussed partnership arrangements between MANSAG and reputable national and global organisations.
As the hot summer gradually recedes into the distance it’s exciting to share in this edition the plans for the 28th Annual General Conference and our legally mandated Annual General Meeting. The overarching theme of this year’s conference is partnerships. Partnerships that strengthen our careers working in Great Britain, as well as partnerships that strengthen our relationship with our colleagues, our families, our communities and our country of heritage, Nigeria.
The conference doors will open on Friday 24 October 2025 at 4 pm. The Local Organising Committee, skillfully led by Dr Mayowa Omoniyi has put together a varied and rich programme for you, your spouse and your children. On Friday there will be high level panel discussions on the macro-economic and political framework that guide healthcare policy in Nigeria followed by another session on sustaining that policy with diaspora involvement. At the same time, a workshop for residents will be going on discussing with experts like Prof Erekosima chair of our Education Committee on how to make the best use of your portfolio to enhance their career. Whilst all this is happening there will be a Nollywood film night for our accompanying family members.
As if that’s not enough, workshops on how to develop your specialist skills in Nigeria, own a healthcare business or invest in health care facilitated by experts and experienced professionals will take place for any of our members or the families interested in those aspects of their careers. For those who want to catch up with the former schoolmates or MANSAG chapters that want to meet up or interest groups that want to interact, there will be ample time to connect. I won’t forget how our strong partnership with MDCN will bring a team to Cambridge so you can update your Nigerian practice license like Dr Fapohunda our national treasurer did just a few weeks ago. License updates with MDCN will start on Friday and continue throughout the conference weekend.
Saturday the 25 October will start with a family 5km fun run organised by Dr Alexander Edosa Oboh the chair of the MANSAG diaspora engagement committee. Alex has lots to tell you in Cambridge about how you can partner with others to strengthen health systems in Nigeria
We are delighted that one of our Cambridge academics Prof Georgette Oni will open the conference Scientific session sharing how her professional partnerships has strengthened care for women with cancer in the UK. You will hear how we are partnering with the MAMII leadership team to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality in Nigeria
We will be partnering with our colleagues in Canada to publish the numerous abstracts that have been sent in to be presented at our conference. CANPAD has an index linked journal https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/canada-s-first-black-medical-journal-launches-in-edmonton-1.7600785 that will showcase the work of our colleagues in the UK and elsewhere We have 3 hours of abstract presentations during the conference. I’m grateful to Prof. Okike chair of our research committee and his team for overseeing a seamless and popular abstract submission process
The 28th annual general conference will have workshops and activities for our members and their families. We are delighted about the opportunity to meet and partner with the President of Wolfson College University of Cambridge our own Dame Professor Uchegbu DBE. I am excited to learn of her insights on how Nigerian pharmacists are strengthening our health systems in the UK and globally
You will also hear from the Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commision Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa OON when she discusses MANSAG’s partnership with NiDCOM as we prepare for the 2026 Diaspora Health Impact Initiative. This is a vital programme for national development, orchestrated by MANSAG.
The conference will end with a gala dinner, dance and awards ceremony to celebrate our members and their contributions strengthening our communities and health systems in the UK and Nigeria Please join us for a wonderful half term weekend of learning, networking, community and inspiration!
Dates for your diary: Saturday 20 September 2025. MANSAG Town Hall Meeting 1700 -1800 Online Dr Ugochi Nnaji Please book here for your ticket https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1707868573879?aff=oddtdtcreator
Friday – Sunday 24-26 October 2025. MANSAG Annual General Conference and Meeting. Cambridge. Dr Mayowa Omoniyi. Please get your conference tickets here; www.mansag.org
And finally,
That question how do I scratch your itch? highlights to me why it’s important we form strong partnerships with others. Organisations like Cruxstone, Seso Global AMCE, LEMFI, Air Peace, Mercy Ships, Afin Bank, GMC with whom we have forged strong partnerships in the past 12 months have something that our members desire and would benefit from to strengthen us as we grow our professional career portfolios in the UK. We in turn have something they desire that would benefit them as they strengthen their business portfolios in the UK and Nigeria. It’s mutually beneficial and satisfying that we can scratch each other’s itch. Good partners strengthen each other.
Until next time, remain blessed….
Jide,
Dr. Jide Menakaya
President MANSAG
