After the arrival of delegates on Day 1, the Day 2 of the 32nd FAMSA general assembly, one of the most anticipated event in the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, started officially at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Ibadan, Nigeria.

The event started officially with the Nigerian national anthem at 9:39am. Among those present at the opening ceremony of this historical event, were the Provost of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Prof.E.Oluwabunmi Olapade-Olaopa, the Dean of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Prof.Mayowa O.Owolabi, the Chairman of the FAMSA 2018 organizing committee, and the President of the University of Ibadan Medical Student Association, Mr. Muhammad-Bashir Yahya.

The provost of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, delivered his welcome address at about 9:48am.His address was a well delivered one as he was applauded by the delegates and observers at the end of his speech. His address ended at about 9.57am.
“Good morning. The dean of Clinical Sciences, the adviser of FAMSA, all our distinguished guests and all our delegates. Welcome! It is a great pleasure to see you all here, in the home of AMSA (African Medical Student Association). AMSA started in Nigeria in 1961 and was inaugurated in Kampala. This led to the formation of FAMSA(Federation of African Medical Student Association). It is a great pleasure to see that we have put so much effort into this……Finally, Africa spends so much money to train medical students .The development of Africa is something that must be understood by her youths. So as you try to ensure that you get greener pastures, you must endeavour to come back and give back to Africa.”
An excerpt from the welcome address of the Provost, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan.

Professor A.O.Omigbodun, who was among the distinguished guests that were present gave his welcome address after that of the provost.
“It is my immense pleasure to welcome you all to the 32nd general assembly of FAMSA. The theme of this year’s assembly is “Repositioning Healthcare in Africa for Sustainable Development”. The delegates here represent the best of African youths, knowledgeable, willing to learn, vibrant and eager to serve. I hope that you all share your experiences with one another…..A great amount of work was put into this…..Welcome to the 32nd FAMSA general assembly. And I sincerely wish you all a very pleasant stay in Ibadan. Thank you for your audience……”
An excerpt from the welcome address of Prof.A.O.Omigbodun

The President of the University of Ibadan Medical Student Association (UIMSA) was welcomed to the podium to give his welcome address at about 10:06am. His speech was a really educating and motivating one, as he urged us all to be fully involved in the program and in the development of the health sector in Africa.
A representative from the World Health Organization (WHO), gave his keynote through a video which was played to all delegates and observers present.
One of the highlights of the opening ceremony was the performance of AY sax, a saxophonist. His performance saw the delegates and observers present clapping and dancing to the melodious sound from his glittering instrument. With the mind-blowing rendition from his saxophone accompanying the background music by the Late Michael Jackson, “Heal the world”, and that of Shakira, titled “Waka Waka”, there could not have been any better way to bring the opening ceremony of the FAMSA general assembly 2018 to an end.
The vote of thanks for the opening ceremony was given by Miss. Mayowa Adefuye . Delegates and observers then proceeded for the tea break .The opening ceremony of the FAMSA GA was a very beautiful event, despite the fact that some logistical challenges were faced by the members of the organizing committee during the course of the opening ceremony.

BY TEJIRI NAPOLEON