By Precious Oham
Osun State has emerged winners of the 4th Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, South-West Zonal Games.
The games which was held in Osun State between 23rd November and 26th November, 2023, ended with fanfare and pomp as Team Osun amassed a total of 33 medals (13 gold, 8 silver and 12 bronze).
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)
During the games, the Caucus Chairman, Dr. Babatunde Olaniyi Rosiji, led the Caucus leadership on a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, represented by the DVC Admin, Prof. Yomi Daramola.
He thanked the university authorities for opening up their facility for use during the Zonal Games.
The DVC used the opportunity to invite the NMA to the West African University Games (WAUG) that will be hosted by OAU later this year.
The team later visited the CMD of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, Prof. John Okeniyi who warmly welcome the team to The Source- Ile-Ife and promised to be present at the events to render every form of support.
He lauded the leadership of the Caucus for ensuring the games continue considering the many benefits of regular exercise.
The colourfully adorned athletes from the 5 States comprising the NMA Southwest Zone had a march-past and the event was declared opened by the Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Barr. Lekan Ojo.
Other dignitaries present include the CMD, OAUTHC, the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Babatope Kolawole representing the VC. Prof. Yemisi Amusa, Chairperson of OAU Sports Council and the Permanent Secretary, Osun State Ministry of Health, Dr Isiaka Adekunle
In compliance to the advise normally given to patients, the physicians took to the fields to compete in sports ranging from football, table tennis, Draught, Scrabble and chess.
Other sports that featured in the 2023 edition include; lawn tennis, ludo, badminton, volleyball, golf, ayo olopon and athletics.
The athletes selected from the event will be representing the NMA Southwest Zone at the upcoming Doctors’ Games in Lagos.