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Why I Am Running For Publicity Secretary of AGPMPN (Lagos Chapter) – Dr Barth Ufoegbunam

Published

6 years ago

September 19, 2020

Eric

Chief Medical Director of Gracevalley Medical Centre, Dr Barth Ufoegbunam is contesting for the position of Publicity Secretary of the Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria (Lagos Chapter). In this chat with The Boss, he explained why he is the best qualified man for the job.

I understand that you have developed an agenda for your campaign as Publicity?

Yes, I did this to enable our distinguished and highly cerebral senior colleagues and colleagues to have a better understanding of what we intend to do.

Who is Dr Barth?

Let me start by saying that Doctors are highly respected and regarded, globally, expectedly, we should be men and women of unmatched impeccable integrity, we should therefore live above board, our word should be our bond. I studied at the prestigious University of Ife (Now Obafemi Awolowo University) and have acquired tremendous experience on the job as a Medical practitioner.

I am a Rotarian and specifically, President-elect of Rotary Club of Ikeja South, some of us who are versed with Rotary affairs will know that Rotarians don’t play with ROTARY’S 4 Way Test. Is it the TRUTH? Will be FAIR to all concerned? Will it build GOODWILL and better FRIENDSHIP? Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned.? I am therefore accustomed to service and giving back which is my sole reason for my current aspiration.

So, what are your plans if elected?

First let me say I am committed to using my time, talent, thought and treasure to the benefit of our association.

You will agree with me that there is more to life than the practice of medicine.

Over the years a lot of people have harboured the perception that most doctors are socially shy, naive and inactive.

I personally think there is an element of truth in that assertion.

There is a need to balance up life equations regardless of how busy we think we are.

We deserve some form of break from our busy day to day clinicals.

If elected, I will work with the Social Secretary to see how we can institute a bi-monthly or quarterly indoor/ outdoor competitions among different zones as well as other social activities.

These can be extended to other medical affiliates in the states on 6 monthly or annually too.

Such social events will be given adequate publicity and promotions as may be necessary.

We can even extend such competitions and events to other non-medical professional bodies like NBA, PSN and others.

Other than the health-related benefits, AGPMPN can earn additional revenue through such social activities.

Pharmaceutical companies could be brought in for sponsorships and presentations.

My vision is to make a difference and change the narratives. AGPMPN Lagos will not be same again with me as Publicity Secretary. We will inject a new lease of life to our public perception and blow our trumpet to even the heavens.

In my first 30 days in office, I will personally fund the opening of all social media accounts, upgrade and activate any redundant or pre-existing one including the AGPMPN website after due consultation and buy-in of the Chairman and Exco members.

To show my readiness for this role, I have secured a two-year deal for a weekly 10-minute slot (Saturday morning) on WAP TV (showing on DSTV 262) & 7 other stations for promotion of AGPMPN activities and programmes, at no expense to AGPMPN.

This will enable us showcase the good works we are doing in AGPMPN to Nigerians and the global audience.

Additionally, it will serve as a huge source of revenue to AGPMPN if properly harnessed.

The Chairman and Exco members will have the prerogative of choosing the montage for the TV programme and fine tune other necessary arrangements after inauguration.

I will ensure the publication of the monthly AGPMPN newsletter, upgrade it to international standard, it will be presented both in print medium and PDF format for online distribution and sharing.

The Editorial Board will be made up of all zonal secretaries.

This is actually one of the five statutory functions of the Publicity Secretary as enshrined in AGPMPN constitution.

As head of Membership Development Committee (MDC) I will liaise with the Chairman and Exco members to arrive at a workable strategy that will enable us bring all legally operating private facilities in the state into the AGPMPN family.

This will automatically help to curtail the menace of quackery in our communities and enable us grow our membership and by extension our revenue.

In addition, each hospital must procure a digitally numbered renewable, well- designed AGPMPN hospital membership badge or logo that must be conspicuously displayed at the entrance of every private hospital in the state for a token amount of money.

The additional membership fees and funds generated from the sale of the badges or logos will help to boost our revenue.

I will work with other Exco members to organize social activities/ competitions among different zones, say on a quarterly basis.

We will also involve colleagues in other medical affiliates, this will engender camaraderie and friendship amongst members.

I will ensure a robust publicity and enlightenment campaigns for all AGPMPN programmes relying on my experience, expertise and strong media contacts established over the years.

The birthdays and wedding anniversaries of members will be celebrated with pomp and pageantry, however with the consent of the celebrants. This will be done in all our social media platforms; it will no doubt help to foster unity and bonding amongst members of AGPMPN.

My vision is not to reinvent the wheel but to reposition AGPMPN to enable it gain name recognition among practitioners, the general public, governments at the local, state and national levels and globally as well.

These are very lofty plans and very extensive, I hope it is not mere political rhetoric?

I dare say that it’s not a spurious promise, neither is it a bait to get elected but a vision borne out of a very genuine passion for service.

We are talking of dwindling revenues for AGPMPN and we have seen zones being levied ditto for individual members.

A large chunk of our monthly dues goes to AGPMPN national and with COVID-19 induced economic doldrums, our revenue may be further shrunken as a result of these factors.

We need to elect men of vision that can think outside the box. I am offering to serve and nothing more. Moreover, as Anchor, Health Mata (a weekly TV talk show on health) on WAPTV, I already have a face and a voice that I will not jeopardize but use for uplifting this association.

Related Topics:AGMPN (Lagos Chapter)Dr Barth Ufoegbunam Publicity Secretary

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2027: Peter Obi Raises Doubt About Clinching ADC Presidential Ticket

Published

11 hours ago

March 19, 2026

Eric

A former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed reservations over his ability to clinch the African Democratic Congress’ (ADC) presidential ticket for the 2027 elections.

In a video address to his followers, Obi stated that receiving the ADC’s presidential ticket is not guaranteed.

He said: “Someone asked me how I know for sure that the ADC will give me the presidential ticket. I cannot be certain. What matters is that we are committed to a cause.

I keep wondering how we ended up in this situation and what might happen if we decide to stop working on this project.”

“Obi also said he is still committed to his goals, and he hasn’t let any reported threats stop him.

The former Labour Party presidential candidate praised his supporters for their resilience, recognizing the difficulties of working within opposition politics in Nigeria.

Obi thanked everyone who stayed loyal even though they didn’t get much benefit right away.

“I thank you for your sacrifice. It’s not easy to be in the opposition in Nigeria, and I’m thankful to those who keep supporting even when there’s no clear reward,” he said.

He, however, expressed uncertainty about the future, especially concerning political alliances and commitments.

“How can we be certain that the people we’re working with right now won’t leave us behind tomorrow? I wish we could be sure, but we can’t,” he said.

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Terrorism: Tinubu Seeks UK’s Assistance Amid Challenges

Published

19 hours ago

March 19, 2026

Eric

President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, solicited partnership with the United Kingdom to crush terrorism in the Sahel before it engulfs the region.

“Our West African region faces complex terrorism challenges with roots in the Sahel,” Tinubu told King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and elite guests, at a state banquet.

Speaking as the first Nigerian leader at the historic venue, Tinubu said: “As one of the largest nations within the Commonwealth, Nigeria looks forward to contributing constructively to the continued growth and vitality of this global community.

“Our West African region faces complex terrorism challenges with roots in the Sahel. Nigeria carries an enormous responsibility to help safeguard regional stability. In confronting these threats, partnership with the United Kingdom remains essential and I look forward to my meeting with Prime Minister Kier Starmer tomorrow.

“Despite these challenges, Nigeria approaches the future with hope and confidence. We are a nation of diverse and vibrant people, of young people dreaming big, of entrepreneurs with a global outlook, and of a hopeful people determined to realise their full potential.”

The Nigeria’s President said it was an honour to stand before the royal family, representing the people of Nigeria to reaffirm the enduring bonds of friendship, history, and shared purpose that have united Nigeria and the United Kingdom for several centuries.

“Allow me first to express my sincere appreciation to Your Majesty and to Her Majesty, The Queen for the warmth and generosity extended to me, my wife, Oluremi, and the Nigerian delegation.

“As the first Nigerian leader to speak here at Windsor Castle, which has served the British Crown for nearly a millennium, is particularly historic. Windsor has stood as a symbol of continuity, witnessing the steady evolution of institutions that have shaped governance, culture, and public life not only in Britain but far beyond these shores.

“Nigeria and the United Kingdom have shared more than just history; our two nations share a vision of progress and resilience. Today, we continue that journey, committed to building a future rooted in partnership, mutual respect, and common values.

“Standing here in Windsor Castle, one cannot help but reflect on Britain’s impact on modern democratic governance worldwide.”

He explained further: “The Magna Carta of 1215 laid the early foundations for the rule of law and the development of parliamentary democracy, establishing enduring ideals around liberty, accountable government, and civic responsibility.

“Great British thinkers and writers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Edmund Burke helped to propagate those democratic ideals. Their influence continues to resonate to this day.

“The literary genius of William Shakespeare and other writers such as Charles Dickens, has enriched and shaped the English language, spoken by over 1.5 billion people worldwide.

“In Nigeria, elements of these traditions continue to inform the institutional foundations of our own republic. Our courts draw upon legal traditions rooted in English common law. Our parliamentary institutions reflect constitutional practices that evolved here over centuries. Our civil service structures have also drawn upon administrative models developed in Britain and adapted to Nigeria’s own national context.

“While institutions matter greatly, our people remain the strongest bridge between our two countries.”

He said the Nigerian community in the United Kingdom has become one of the most dynamic diaspora communities worldwide, adding: “Nigerians contribute enormously to the vitality of this nation. Within the National Health Service, Nigerian doctors and nurses play an indispensable role in delivering healthcare. Nigerian-trained doctors are among the largest groups of international medical professionals serving the NHS.”

He noted the exploits of Nigerians in the country especially in sports, saying: “in sport, rugby players such as Maro Itoje, footballers including Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze, and champion boxer Anthony Joshua, illustrate the remarkable human connection that links Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

“Our partnership is further strengthened through the Commonwealth of Nations, which connects 56 countries under Your Majesty’s leadership.”

He expressed confidence that the friendship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom will continue to grow.

“Finally, Your Majesty, I wish to express Nigeria’s deep gratitude to this great nation for the refuge and support it extended during the dark years of military dictatorship. Like many Nigerians involved in the pro-democracy struggle, I found safety here, and I recall that my residence was placed under Metropolitan Police surveillance for protection following threats from agents of the junta.

“That solidarity remains etched in our collective memory, and it is deeply humbling for me to stand before Your Majesty today as the President of a democratic Nigeria.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, I thank Your Majesty, Her Majesty The Queen, Prince William and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, other members of the Royal Family, and the people of the United Kingdom for their longstanding friendship.

“In the spirit of friendship and our shared destiny, I invite you all to raise a glass with me:

“To the special bond between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, and to the bright future that we shall build together.”

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Bala Mohammed Debunks Defection Rumours, Affirms Loyalty to PDP

Published

19 hours ago

March 19, 2026

Eric

Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed, has dismissed speculation linking him with a possible defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), reiterating his commitment to the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP).

The governor, who also serves as Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, had recently been the subject of reports suggesting he might be considering leaving the opposition party, with claims that such a move could occur within the week.

However, while dismissing the rumour shortly after presiding over the swearing-in of 17 newly appointed Permanent Secretaries at the Government House in Bauchi on Wednesday, Mohammed downplayed the claims, stressing that he had made no official statement indicating any intention to quit the PDP.

He maintained that the reports are unfounded, reaffirming his continued membership of the party.

“I find it amusing that even when I have not said anything officially, people are already discussing me as if I have moved,” he said.