SaharaReporters gathered that the event was moved to the Federal Capital Territory due to flooding in Yenagoa.
The Nigerian Medical Association has moved the debate organised for presidential candidates from Bayelsa State to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The event was earlier scheduled to hold on Tuesday, 25th of October, 2022, at the Banquet Hall, Government House in Yenagoa.
SaharaReporters gathered that the event was moved to the Federal Capital Territory due to flooding in Yenagoa.
As in several other parts of the country, flooding has wreaked havoc on communities across Bayelsa State, leading to killings and displacement of many people.
The Commissioner for Environment and chairman of the state’s Task Force on Flood Mitigation and Management, Mr. Iselema Gbaranbiri had said no fewer than 300 communities and villages have either been totally or partially submerged in the state.
Gbaranbiri also disclosed that about 700,000 persons have either been displaced or affected by the flood.
Presidential candidates expected at the NMa event include Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress (AAC); Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress; Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party; Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, New Nigeria People’s Party and Labour Party’s Peter Obi.
They are all expected to speak on “Nigeria's Health Care Delivery System and the 2023 Democratic Transition: A time to change the narrative".
“Compliments from the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA). We are delighted to inform you that the Nigerian Medical Association will be celebrating the 62nd edition of her annual National Physicians' Week,” the invitation letter sent the Sowore of the AAC read.
“Ipso facto, the NMA and indeed all medical doctors in Nigeria and the diaspora, write to invite you as a Special Guest/Panel Discussant. Your Excellency, you will be expected to discuss the topic – “2023 and beyond; my health agenda for Nigerians.”
“The Chairman of the event is former President, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, GCON while the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, Excellency, Senator Douye Diri will be the Special Guest of Honour.
“The Guest of Honour at the auspicious event will be the President of the World Medical Association (WMA), Dr Osahon Enabulele.
“Other Invited Special Guests/Panel Discussants are Their Excellencies, Atiku Abubakar GCON, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Mr Peter Obi and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso while the Royal Father of the Day is His Majesty, King Bubaraye Dakolo, Agada IV, Chairman, Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council.
“The NMA Physicians' Week is an annual event during which the sacrificial works of Physicians are given prominence and doctors are celebrated. This year's celebration is particularly special considering it is occurring in the month of the anniversary of our nation's independence celebrations and the period of gestation that will birth the next democratic transition.
“In line with the prevailing and most important on-going national conversation, the theme for this year is "Nigeria's Health Care Delivery System and the 2023 Democratic Transition: A time to change the narrative.”
“While the event is celebrated concurrently in all states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, the leaders of the medical profession from across the country assemble in a chosen state of the Federation for the opening ceremony.
“Thank you, Your Excellency as we look forward to an engaging session with you. Please accept, from the Nigerian Medical Association, the assurances of our highest regards.”