By Samson Obande,  Lafia

Dr. Emmanuel Meshi of the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Lafia, has emerged as the new Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, Nasarawa State Branch, following the 2026–2028 State Officers Committee election.

Dr. Meshi was declared winner on Friday by the Electoral Committee, ELCOM. He polled 229 votes to defeat Dr. Amanyam, who scored 150 votes, and Dr. Anazodo, who garnered 54 votes.

The election, conducted across the three NMA zones of Lafia, Akwanga, and Keffi, was described by the committee as peaceful, free, and fair.

Declaring the results, ELCOM Chairman, Dr. Bulus Peter Umaru, said the process adhered to the principles of the association. He commended members for their orderly conduct and described the exercise as a demonstration of unity among medical practitioners in the state.

“The election was free and fair, and it was conducted without any major challenge. I appreciate the contestants for showing maturity, and their supporters for maintaining peace throughout the process,” Dr. Bulus said.

He urged the incoming leadership to work with all stakeholders to advance the objectives of the association, which he listed as promoting the welfare and harmonious relationship among members, participating in efficient healthcare delivery, educating the public on medical and scientific issues, and ensuring continuous professional development.

“Carry your fellow contestants along because they have ideas that will help the association. Be magnanimous in victory because there can only be one chairman at a time,” he advised.

In his acceptance speech at the handing-over ceremony held at the NMA Secretariat in Lafia, Dr. Meshi expressed gratitude to God and to members for the confidence reposed in him.

“I give gratitude to God Almighty for sparing us all through the election period up until this time that we are able to take over the mantle of leadership,” he said.

He assured members that his administration would focus on improving doctors’ welfare, strengthening unity within the association, and repositioning the NMA secretariat in the state.

“First, let me appreciate the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, His Excellency Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, for the efforts made to strengthen healthcare delivery in the state and for creating an enabling environment, especially in terms of security for doctors.

“We look forward to partnering with the state government to improve the welfare of doctors and ensure better welfare packages for our members,” he added.

Dr. Meshi acknowledged the challenges ahead but expressed confidence that with members’ support, his administration would deliver on its mandate.

“We are not unaware of the magnitude of the task that lies ahead of us, but we trust God and we trust our members, with their full support and cooperation, that we will be able to deliver on our mandate,” he said.

He identified members’ welfare as his administration’s top priority.

“Our primary responsibility and role as the leadership of this great association is the welfare of our members. We will take it as a top priority and pursue the welfare of every individual and affiliate of NMA,” Dr. Meshi stated.

He also pledged to renovate the NMA building in Lafia to give it a befitting outlook and to foster a more united association.

“My leadership will improve the building of the NMA in Lafia to give it a befitting outlook. Secondly, we will do all it takes to unify the association as one body, a stronger and united family in Nasarawa State,” he said.

Dr. Meshi appreciated his campaign team, past leaders of the association, and his fellow contestants, assuring them that their ideas and contributions would be accommodated.

Other newly elected officers for the 2026–2028 tenure are: Dr. Ifeanyi Onubogu, Vice Chairman; Dr. Jude Isha Yekpowudu, Secretary; Dr. Theophilus Thomas Dabot, Assistant Secretary; Dr. Karen Nenkimun Bakwa, Treasurer; Dr. Stephen Joseph Umbugala, Financial Secretary; and Dr. Solomon Patrick Abimiku, Public Relations Officer.

The immediate past Chairman, Dr. Isa Ohyoma, and immediate past Secretary, Dr. Bismarck Chimezie Iwueke, will serve as ex-officio members of the new executive committee.