ARD-BUTH at 10

🎉 A Week of Impact, Inspiration, and Celebration

From May 19th to 24th, 2025, the Association of Resident Doctors, Babcock University Teaching Hospital (ARD-BUTH) marked a major milestone — its 10th anniversary! The celebration featured a full week of service, learning, leadership, and fun, all happening within the supportive environment made possible by the hospital's Chief Medical Director, Prof. Barnabas Mandong.

Here’s a recap of the exciting events that made the anniversary truly unforgettable.

🩸 Day 1: Kicking Off with Compassion — The Blood Drive

What better way to begin than with service? The week opened with a blood donation hosted right at the hospital. The community showed up in large numbers, and by the end of the day, 33 units of blood had been donated — a strong and meaningful start.

💼 Day 2: Leadership Meets Innovation

🔹 John Maxwell Leadership Webinar

The morning began with the John Maxwell Leadership Training Webinar anchored by EQUIP Nigeria. It was an engaging session with lots of positive feedback from participants, who left motivated and ready to lead.

🔹 Scientific Conference: AI & Healthcare

Later in the day, the scientific conference explored the theme:
“AI in Modern Medicine: Balancing Perceived Threat to Job Security and Professional Efficiency.”

The keynote speaker, Dr. Usha Anenga, a consultant OB/GYN and former NMA Vice Chairman, explained how AI is meant to support, not replace, medical professionals — and stressed the need for adaptability in a tech-driven future.

For the subtheme,
“Healthcare Leadership in a Multidisciplinary Sector: The Resident Doctor’s Role,”
Prof. Ademola Oremosu, Provost, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, encouraged doctors to cultivate emotional intelligence to thrive within today’s diverse healthcare teams.

Over 40 participants joined virtually, and the feedback? Insightful, inspiring, and highly interactive.

🎓 Day 3: Giving Back to the Future — Career Talk for Students

The focus shifted to the next generation with a career talk event for 150 students (50 each from three secondary schools). Speakers included Prof. Renner, Dr. Adebola Omotosho, Barr. Kemi Osude, and Dr. Ayodeji Ajibade, who engaged the students with stories, advice, and answers about career options in sciences, arts, and commerce.

This event was anchored by ARD Vice President, Dr. Anthony Okonji, who also served as the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee for the 10th anniversary.

🗳️ Day 4: Strategy, Sports & Smiles

🔹 Ordinary General Meeting (OGM)

The OGM was led by Dr. Sharon Msoo Bitto, ARD-BUTH President, who gave a rousing report of her administration’s achievements — including:

Successful advocacy for improved remuneration

Partnerships and sponsorships

Renovation of the ARD Lounge and HO quarters

Launch of the ARD car wash business

The soon-to-go-live ARD website

The ARD Constitution was amended and ratified, thanks to the Constitution Review Committee headed by Dr. Victor Okebalama. Members also approved a dues increase, and conversations around a loan scheme for members were well-received.

⚽ Sports & Games

The evening turned competitive with a friendly football match between Team Surgery and Team Medicine (Surgery took the win). There were also egg races, sprints, and other games — with Dr. Bitto herself joining the fun!

🌴 Day 5: Beach Vibes & Bonding

The weekend came early as members headed to Barracuda Beach, Lagos for a picnic day. It was pure fun — food, music, dancing, photos, and lots of laughter. A perfect way to relax and connect beyond the wards.

🙏 Day 6: Wrapping Up in Gratitude

The celebration ended on a reflective note with a thanksgiving service at the Pioneer Seventh-day Adventist Church, Babcock University. Members gave thanks for the journey so far and looked ahead with hope and unity.

🎬 Bonus Highlight: Our Story, Captured on Film

One of the biggest highlights of the anniversary was the release of ARD-BUTH’s first-ever documentary, telling the story of the association’s formation, struggles, wins, and vision for the future. A must-watch for every member, past and present.

From service to learning, celebration to connection, the ARD-BUTH 10th Anniversary was more than just a birthday — it was a powerful reminder of how far the association has come in a decade of dedication and community.

Here’s to the next 10 years — and beyond!


Written by:
Dr. Aniekeme Bassey
Editor-in-chief, ARD-BUTH