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We’re friendly, hospitable, Abia D.Gov. tells NMA, as State hosts 2022 S/E NMA Games
Abia State Deputy Governor Sir. Ude Oko Chukwu has assured members of Nigerian Medical Association Southeast region of security, as the state hosts the year 2022 NMA zonal games.
Declaring open the games taking place at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, MOUAU stadium, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu represented by the Commissioner for Health Dr. Joe Osuji, disclosed that Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has strived to maintain peace and security in the state and urged the contingents from the five states of southeast to feel free and take advantage of the serene atmosphere in the state
The Deputy Governor while wishing them injury free games in the state assured them of the hospitality of Ndi Abia, while encouraging them to embrace the spirit of sportmanship.
He lauded the Nigerian Medical Association particularly those of the Southeast for their doggedness and strides recorded in the health sector and encouraged them not to relent.
Sir Okochukwu expressed optimism that the games which will last for two days in the state, would encourage friendship, in addiction to the health benefits
In their r goodwill messages, the commissioner for sports, Hon. Karibe Ojigwe and his counterparts from Youth Development, Barr. Charles Esonu and Hon. Godswill Ndom, Commissioner for Boundary matters lauded Abia NMA chapter for attracting the event to Abia State and wished the contingents success throughout their stay in Abia State.
They noted that Abia remains the safest states in Nigeria, and a place to be
In his remarks earlier, the National Secretary of Sport Committee NMA, Dr. James Omotim who gave a brief history of the NMA games, said it is a game hosted across the geopolitical zones.
He pointed out that the best state/team would be selected to represent the region in both the national and other games that would involve other professional bodies and warned that the game is strictly for doctors; and any state that hired a mechinery would stand to be disqualified.
He lauded the cordial relationship existing between NMA and the Abia state government which would in turn see to the success of the event.
In his address, the Chairman, Abia State Chapter of Nigeria Medical Association Dr. Chimezie Okwuonu while welcoming the contingents from the five states of the southeast to the state for the games, noted that the Doctors outside attending to patients also engaged into other physical activities including sports
He disclosed that Abia State is hosting the NMA southeast zonal event for the first time and listed the games to be played to include;
Football; Scrabble; Lawn tennis; Volleyball, Badminton,
; Basketball; Cheese; Table tennis; Athletics; Checkers and Golf
The event attracted the presence of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Barr Chris Ezem represented by the Permanent Secretary, Political Affairs, Barr. Isaac Nwachukwu, the Chief Medical Director, Federal Medical Center, Prof. Onyebuchi Azubuike and other government officials.
