NMA Kicks Off ‘Doctors’ Games’ In Kaduna, Calls Unity Wellness

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) officially launched its 8th annual ‘Doctors’ Games’ in Kaduna State on Monday, bringing together medical professionals from across the nation for a week-long celebration of unity, well-being, and professional camaraderie.

The event, aptly named ‘KADA 2026’, has attracted over 1,000 medical practitioners from Nigeria’s 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and the diaspora.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Professor Bala Mohammed Audu, President of the NMA, described the gathering as a testament to friendship, teamwork, and healthy competition within the medical profession. “Today, we gather here to celebrate what is often called the human race, under the theme of friendship, teamwork, and healthy competition,” he remarked.

Professor Audu highlighted that beyond their demanding professional duties, doctors are individuals united by shared values and common aspirations. He stressed that the Games serve as a crucial reminder of the importance of balance and solidarity, particularly during a period of intense and taxing medical practice. The initiative aims to foster peace, happiness, improved living, unity, and camaraderie among doctors nationwide, offering a vital opportunity for them to “recharge, reconnect, and strengthen the bonds that hold the association together, while promoting physical and mental well-being.”

The NMA President extended his gratitude to the Advisory Committee, National Sports Committee, state officials, and other stakeholders for their dedicated efforts in organising the Games. He urged all athletes to compete with passion, fairness, and unwavering respect for the rules.

Earlier, Dr. Hassan Bala Salihu, Chairman of the NMA Kaduna State Branch and head of the Local Organising Committee, expressed immense pride in Kaduna’s role as host for this year’s Games. Dr. Salihu emphasised that the 2026 celebration is particularly focused on unity, wellness, resilience, and professional harmony, underscoring the vital link between a healthy doctor and a healthy nation.

He confirmed that from February 9th to 15th, participants will engage in a diverse range of indoor and outdoor sporting activities, all meticulously designed to promote teamwork, discipline, and national integration, transcending ethnic and regional divides.

The Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, represented by Engineer Martins Galadima, Senior Special Assistant on Stakeholder Relations, conveyed Governor Uba Sani’s warm wishes to all participants. She reiterated the state government’s steadfast commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery through improved facilities, strategic recruitment of personnel, and better welfare provisions for all healthcare workers.