The Edo State Chapter of the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria (OSN) has honoured the newly elected President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Prof. Afekhide Ernest Omoti, with a reception held at the MDCAN Lounge in Benin City.
The event, held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, was led by the Chairman of OSN Edo State Chapter, Prof. Rita Momoh, who described Prof. Omoti as a distinguished medical professional whose integrity, leadership, and commitment to healthcare delivery have earned him widespread respect within the medical community.
According to Prof. Momoh, the reception was organised to celebrate “one of our own” and recognize Prof. Omoti’s remarkable contributions as a clinician, researcher, administrator, and leader.
Responding, Prof. Omoti, who attended the event alongside his wife, Prof. Caroline Omoti, expressed appreciation to members of the OSN and the Department of Ophthalmology of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) for their unwavering support throughout his campaign for the NMA presidency.
He noted that their confidence in his leadership abilities played a significant role in his successful election.
Before emerging as NMA President, Prof. Omoti served as Chairman of the Edo State Branch of the NMA and Chairman of the National Eye Health Committee. He is also an Honorary Consultant Ophthalmologist at UBTH and a Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Benin (UNIBEN).
The reception attracted several prominent members of the medical and academic community, including Dr. Emmanuel Osaigbovo, Chief Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), who represented the Chief Medical Director of UBTH, Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu; Dr. Philip Osho, Deputy CMAC (Clinical Services); Prof. Adebola Ehizele, Deputy CMAC (Research and Ethics); Chairman of Edo NMA, Dr. Eustace Oseghale; Chairman of MDCAN UBTH, Dr. Benson Okwara; and Dr. Leonard Atsikidi, former Secretary of Edo NMA.
Other dignitaries present included Dr. Tina Ideh, Managing Director of Prime Optical; Prof. Valentina Okeigbeme, Head of the Department of Ophthalmology, UBTH; Prof. Adesuwa Osahon; Dr. Jeremiah Iguma; Prof. Catherine Ukponmwan, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of UNIBEN; Prof. Waziri Erameh; Prof. Vivian Osagiona; Prof. Omolade Awodu; Dr. Emmanuel Ighodaro, former Chairman of Edo NMA; Dr. Lucy Eriba, Vice-Chairman of MDCAN UBTH; Dr. Emeka Okoh; Dr. Bodeno Ehis; and Dr. Osayem Otabor-Olubor, among others.
Prof. Omoti was elected President of the NMA during the Association’s Annual General Congress and Delegates Meeting held in Kano on May 2, 2026. He is expected to lead the country’s foremost medical body for the next two years.