Sharafadeen Okunade elected as Lagos NMA Chairman

The Lagos branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has elected Sharafadeen Okunade as its chairman.

The election was concluded after the association’s national body took over the process following a crisis that engulfed the branch.

A statement by the electoral committee, jointly signed by Olufisayo Aribaba, returning officer; and electoral officers Goke Akinrogunde and Ramon Moronkola; said the election was conducted electronically on July 28.

The process was supervised by the NMA national leadership led by Afekhide Omoti, alongside the secretary-general and deputy secretary-general.

“The elections were conducted with 22 candidates contesting for 10 offices,” the statement reads.

“Voting commenced at 9:00 a.m. and closed at 2:00 p.m., with over 2,800 members participating. This represents an unprecedented level of participation in the electoral history of the NMA Lagos state branch.”

Moruf Abdulsalam was elected first vice-chairman, Olabisi Olanrewaju as second vice-chairman, Chinedum Eluogu as secretary, Olunike Ogundare as deputy secretary, and Morolayo Kikelomo Onamusi as treasurer.

Other elected officials include Adeola Salawu as publicity secretary, Korede Hunpatin as social secretary, Aishat Bello-Taslim as financial secretary, and Olanrewaju Obadeyi as internal auditor.

The committee was immediately sworn in. Speaking during the inauguration, Omoti tasked the new leadership to sustain peace within the association, rebuild trust among members, and promote unity.

He said the executive should prioritise the welfare and professional interests of doctors in Lagos state.

The NMA president also called on the association’s affiliates to ensure the remittance of members’ dues deducted from salaries.

He noted that prompt remittance would enable the association to effectively discharge its responsibilities to members.

The Cable