By Eze Adiuku
A Chief Consultant General and Minimal Access Surgeon, Dr. George Obonna, has been elected President of the Nigerian Surgical Research Society (NSRS) at the Society’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Benin City, Edo State.
He was elected at the 87th Conference of NSRS, held on Friday, July 3, 2026, together with other executives that will oversee the affairs of the Society.
Other officials elected include Dr. Clement Odion as Secretary, Dr. Lucky Ehiagwina as Assistant Secretary, Dr. Raymond Eghonghon as Treasurer, Dr. Omorodion Irowa as Auditor, Prof. Emmanuel Akpo as Editor, Dr. Francis Campbell as Assistant Editor, Prof. Afeyodion Akhator as Ex-Officio I, and Prof. Stanley Okugbo as Ex-Officio II.
Speaking after his election, Dr. Obonna described his emergence as an opportunity to lead the Society into a historic milestone, noting that the NSRS, founded in 1976, will celebrate its Golden Jubilee in December 2026.
He said plans are underway to mark the Society’s 50th anniversary during its 88th scientific conference, expected to hold later this year at a core surgical training centre, with the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) being considered as the venue.
According to him, the celebration will promote surgical research, encourage more scientific publications, and strengthen healthcare delivery, particularly in resource-constrained communities.
“This will allow for further research and publications in the field of surgery, further enhancing our services to our communities, especially in our poor resource setting. This will save many lives of people who otherwise would not have been able to access standard healthcare,” he said.
NSRS Patron, Prof Vincent Odigie praised the Society, expressing happiness that the previous President, Prof Afeyodion Akhator is handing over to a dynamic group.
He charged the new executive to work hard since they all understand the workings of the society and live by those principles.
The Chief Medical Director of University of Benin Teaching Hospital, UBTH, Idia Nibokun lZE-IYAMU through the Chairman Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC) admonished surgeons to continue to deliver quality services to their patients and the community.He prayed God to guide and protect them in their day to day activities.
In his address, Chairman Local Organizing Committee (LOC), Prof Stanley Okugbo welcomed all members who travelled far and wide and thanked the hospital management for hosting support.
Beyond his national professional role, Dr. Obonna has also made significant contributions to healthcare in his home community of Obizi in Imo State. Through a health facility he established in the community, he has carried out several life-saving surgical procedures, providing residents with access to quality healthcare and reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for specialized medical treatment.
