The Edo State Branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has immortalised one of its former chairmen, Dr Philip Ugbodaga, by naming its newly completed Medical Library and ICT Hub after him in recognition of his outstanding contributions to healthcare and the medical profession. The facility was commissioned by Governor Monday Okpebholo, represented by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, during the Association’s 2026 Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference in Benin City. Dr Ugbodaga was also inducted into the Edo State NMA Hall of Fame in recognition of his distinguished leadership and enduring service to the Association.
The facility, christened the Dr Philip Ugbodaga Medical Library and ICT Hub, is located within the Doctors’ House, the headquarters of the Edo State Branch of the Nigerian Medical Association.
Dr Ugbodaga served as Chairman of the Edo State Branch of the NMA between 2010 and 2012 and has remained an influential figure within the Association, contributing significantly to healthcare development and medical leadership in Nigeria.
Representing Governor Okpebholo at the event, the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, commended the Edo State Branch of the NMA for its commitment to advancing healthcare delivery through professional development and institutional growth. He described the cordial relationship between the Association and the Edo State Government as instrumental to ongoing efforts to strengthen the state’s healthcare system.
The honour formed part of activities marking the 2026 Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Edo State Branch of the NMA, as well as the conclusion of the tenure of the outgoing State Officers Committee (SOC).
Speaking during the unveiling, the Chairman of the Edo State Branch of the NMA, Dr Eustace Oseghale, described Dr Ugbodaga as an exceptional leader, mentor and bridge-builder whose unwavering commitment to the Association has inspired generations of medical practitioners.
He said the decision to immortalise Dr Ugbodaga through the naming of the Medical Library and ICT Hub reflected the Association’s appreciation of his enduring contributions and steadfast support for the growth of the medical profession.
In a congratulatory message, internationally renowned infectious disease expert and long-time associate of Dr Ugbodaga, Dr Ephraim Ogbaini-Emovon, described the honour as richly deserved.
According to him:
“Your recognition by the highest organ of our Association is a testament to your long years of unwavering commitment to advancing quality healthcare delivery in Nigeria, as well as your selfless leadership within the medical community over the past three decades.”
Also congratulating Dr Ugbodaga, former Chief of Staff to the Edo State Governor and development economist, Chief Taiwo Akerele, PhD, commended the Nigerian Medical Association for recognising what he described as a lifetime devoted to medicine, public service and humanity.
Akerele described Dr Ugbodaga as a physician, public servant and advocate for equitable healthcare whose career has been dedicated to improving the lives of the vulnerable, saying his legacy deserves recognition not only within Nigeria but across the global medical community.
Dr Philip Ugbodaga is a renowned oral and maxillofacial surgeon and the pioneer Medical Director of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Benin City. Appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to lead the newly established federal tertiary institution, he currently serves as the Public Relations Officer of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals in Nigeria.
The naming of the Medical Library and ICT Hub after him, alongside his induction into the Edo State NMA Hall of Fame, is widely regarded as one of the highest honours bestowed by the Edo State Branch of the Nigerian Medical Association, recognising a career defined by professional excellence, visionary leadership and enduring service to the medical profession.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, who represented Governor Monday Okpebholo; the Commissioner for Health, Dr Cyril Adams Oshiomhole; former President of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP), Dr Frank Omo-Ehijele Odafen; the Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu; the Chief Medical Director of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Benin City, Dr Philip Ugbodaga; the President of the Nigerian Medical Association, Prof. Bala Audu; former Commissioner for Health, Dr Wilson Imongan; former Permanent Secretary in the Edo State Ministry of Health and guest speaker at the event, Dr Osamwonyi Irowa, among other senior government officials, medical professionals and dignitires.