The Health Promotion and Education alumni association of the Ibadan College of Medicine (HPEAAICM) held its inaugural annual general meeting on January 20, 2023, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. The event was a historic moment for the association as it marked the official launch of the organization, which aims to bring together alumni of the college’s Department of Health Promotion and Education to network, share knowledge and experience, and support the development of the field in Nigeria.

The meeting, which also doubled as an induction program for new members, was attended by a diverse group of people including important dignitaries, such as the first lady of Ondo State, Her Excellency Chief (Mrs) Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, and other esteemed guests, including healthcare professionals, policy makers, researchers, and students. The presence of these dignitaries and guests lent prestige and credibility to the event and demonstrated the significance of the association and the field of health promotion and education in Nigeria.

The meeting provided an opportunity for attendees to learn about the latest developments in health promotion and education and to network with peers and other professionals in the field. The event also featured presentations, guest speakers and a variety of activities that aimed to promote the exchange of ideas and best practices in the field of health promotion and education.

The meeting was chaired by Professor Olusola Omigbodun, Provost of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, who declared the event open and addressed the attendees with great enthusiasm. He acknowledged the importance of the formation of a strong alumni association for the department of Health Promotion and emphasized that this is just the beginning of a new chapter. He also highlighted the theme of the meeting “Health Promotion, Policy, research and practice in Nigeria” which he said is critical to the development of the field in the country. He said that the theme is an indication of the association’s commitment to promoting health promotion policy, research, and practice in Nigeria and that the association is dedicated to promoting and advancing the field of health promotion and education in Nigeria. He also encouraged all attendees to fully participate in the meeting and contribute to the discussions to ensure that the association achieves its objectives.

In his welcome address, Dr. Bright Orji, President of HPEAAICM, thanked the invited guests, the College of Medicine, and the Department of Health Promotion and Education at the University of Ibadan for making the dream of setting up the alumni association a reality. Dr. Oluwafemi Dipeolu, the head of the department, Health Promotion and Education, gave a brief history of the department and its achievements in the last 20 years.

The meeting also included a message from the board of trustees, Professor Ademola Ajuwon, chairman BoT, HPEAAICM, and goodwill messages from the Honorable Commissioner of Health Oyo State, Dr. Olabode Ladipo, who is an illustrious alumnus of the department, and Professor William (Bill) Brieger, one of the founding members of the department.

In the guest presentation, given by Professor Joseph Okeibunor of the World Health Organization Brazzaville, he highlighted the critical roles Health Promotion plays in health. Also, Mr. Akin Jimoh, Chief Editor of Nature Africa Journal, mentioned the importance of documentation in Nigeria and the need for Health Promotion practitioners to be more visible in their work and to promote and publish their research.

Her Excellency Chief (Mrs) Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu shared her journey as a breast cancer survivor and how the BRECAN foundation, which she founded, raises awareness for breast cancer and supports patients battling the disease.

One of the major highlights of the event was the official induction and membership oath, which was conducted by Prof Dipo Otolorin, president, Ibadan College of Medicine Alumni Association (ICOMAA). Additionally, the HPEAAICM website, www.hpeaaicm.org, was officially launched, serving as a repository of resources and a job portal for new health promotion professionals.

The HPEAAICM National award of impact was conferred on some distinguished alumni, including Prof Dimeji Oladepo, Her Excellency Chief (Mrs) Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, and Her Excellency Engr. (Mrs) Tamunominini Makinde, for their contributions to the field of health promotion and education.

In her closing remark, Mrs. Oyefunso Orenuga, Ex-officio, HPEAAICM, and the provost of Lagos State College of Nursing, thanked all attendees for their participation and support. The meeting was a huge success and provided a platform for members of the alumni association to network, share knowledge and experience, and support the development of the field in Nigeria.