'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – President Bola Tinubu and Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), have congratulated Dr. Bolu Ogunyemi on his historic emergence as the President-Elect of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA).
Dr. Ogunyemi, a Nigerian-born Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at Memorial University of Newfoundland, is the first Black person to assume this prestigious position in the 158-year history of the CMA.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu hailed the election as a testament to Dr. Ogunyemi’s exceptional leadership and dedication to the medical profession.
“This remarkable achievement demonstrates Dr. Ogunyemi’s visionary leadership, dedication to excellence, and compassionate commitment to enhancing the welfare of others,” President Tinubu stated.
The President expressed confidence that Dr. Ogunyemi’s 15 years of leadership experience and extensive medical expertise have prepared him for this landmark role. He urged Ogunyemi to embrace inclusivity and collaboration, particularly with those who competed for the position.
Tinubu assured Dr. Ogunyemi of the unwavering support and prayers of the Nigerian government and its people as he prepares to lead the CMA.
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa also commended Dr. Ogunyemi for this groundbreaking achievement. In a press release by NiDCOM’s Director of Media and Public Relations, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa described the victory as a milestone of global significance.
“This record-breaking milestone is a testament to the resilience, dedication, and determination to succeed,” she said.
Dabiri-Erewa emphasized that Dr. Ogunyemi’s success exemplifies the excellence Nigerians in the diaspora can achieve and urged other Nigerians abroad to emulate his hard work and dedication.
Dr. Ogunyemi, a practicing dermatologist based in St. John's, Newfoundland, has served as a visiting specialist in Labrador City since 2018. His election followed a rigorous series of elections, underscoring his widespread support and credibility within Canada’s medical community.
As President-Elect, Dr. Ogunyemi will represent the CMA in engagements with provincial and territorial medical associations, the media, government, and related organizations. His role will be formally confirmed at the CMA General Council meeting in May 2025.
President Tinubu and Dabiri-Erewa highlighted the pride and inspiration Dr. Ogunyemi’s achievement brings to Nigeria. Tinubu described it as an elevation that will enhance the global reputation of Nigerian professionals, while Dabiri-Erewa urged him to continue bringing glory to the nation.
The NiDCOM Chairman reiterated the commission’s commitment to celebrating Nigerians making significant impacts globally, describing Dr. Ogunyemi’s milestone as one that underscores the limitless potential of Nigerians in the diaspora.
Dr. Ogunyemi’s achievement marks a new chapter in the history of the CMA and sets a precedent for increased diversity in leadership within global medical associations.
