By Nudoiba Ojen
The Nigeria Medical Association Southwest Zonal Games, Osun 2023, which began on November 23 ended with fanfare and pomp on Sunday, November 26.
The medical practitioners, in line with the advice they normally give to patients, the took to the fields to compete in sports and games ranging from football, table tennis, draught, scrabble and chess at the event which held in Osun State.
Other activities that the physicians participated in in this year edition included lawn tennis, ludo, badminton, volleyball, golf, ‘ayo olopon’ and athletics.
The colourfully adorned athletes from the five states comprising the NMA Southwest Zone, had a march-past at the grand event declared open by Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, who was ably represented by the Commission for Health, Barr. Lekan Ojo.
A statement by the NMA Southwest Caucus Chairman, Dr Babatunde Rosiji and Caucus Secretary, Dr Gbenga Akintunde, said that NMA Osun State came first in the games with a total of 33 medals (13 gold, 8 silver and 12 bronze).
Rosiji and Akintunde added that NMA Ekiti emerged the first runner up with 15 medals (6 gold, 6 silver and 3 bronze) while NMA Oyo clinched the 2nd runner up position with 14 medals (4 gold, 5 silver and 5 bronze).
The athletes selected from this event will be representing the NMA Southwest Zone at the upcoming Doctors’ Games in Lagos.
NMA Southwest Caucus Chairman, Dr Rosiji, expressed satisfaction with the games and performance of the doctors at the meet.
Rosiji, who led the caucus leadership on a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Prof Adebayo Bamire, thanked the university authorities for opening up their facility for use during this edition of the Zonal Games.
Responding, the VC, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Yomi Daramola, seized the opportunity to invite the NMA to the West African University Games (WAUG) billed to be hosted by OAU later this year.
The NMA caucus leadership also visited the CMD of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, Prof. John Okeniyi.
Okeniyi lauded the leadership of the Caucus for sustenance of the games considering the many benefits of regular exercise.
Among dignitaries at the events were the VC, represented by the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Babatope Kolawole; the CMD, OAUTHC, Prof. Okeniyi; Prof. Yemisi Amusa, Chairperson of OAU Sports Council and the Permanent Secretary, Osun State Ministry of Health, Dr Isiaka Adekunle.
