Committee of Heads of Physiotherapy Department in Nigeria (CHOPDIN) kicks-off Asaba 2014

The 54th annual scientific workshop/general meeting of the Nigeria Society Of Physiotherapy on Monday kicked off with a workshop and general meeting of all the Heads of Physiotherapy Department in Nigeria. Mr Gordons Alexander the Master of ceremonies welcomed everyone and handed over the baton to Mrs Olajumoke Smith who kicked off with an opening prayer. 

In a welcome address, the chairman of the CHOPDIN, Dr. Mrs. Abanum, Head Of Department, Delta State University Teaching Hospital Oghara welcomed all the HODs from the six geo-political zones present and stated the theme of this year's workshop asPhysiotherapy in the Prevention of Lifestyle Related Diseases presented by Tomi Ojetunde B. PT, MNSP, MCK (New Zealand), Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner (Harvard Institute of Lifestyle Medicine U.S. A). She narrated a brief history of CHOPDIN which dates as far back as 1999 when Comr. F O Faniran, the then NSP President inaugurated the committee and has been active till date. The chairman stated some of her achievements for the last four years and encouraged all the HODs present to contribute positively to the deliberations and to effect the resolutions which would be reached in their various departments. She specially thanked all the HODs present for making out time to attend despite their busy schedules. All the HODs present took turn to introduce themselves and their departments. 

The Head of Physiotherapy Department Federal Medical Centre Asaba, Mr. Ogbutor Godsday host of this year's meeting welcomed all the Heads Of Department to his own centre wishing them all a happy deliberation and stay in Asaba. The National President of the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy, Taiwo Oyewumi in a keynote address highlighted some of the achievements of the National Executive Council in the last two years. In his address, he welcomed all the new heads of department into the fold and wished them the best of luck in their new assumed position. The president who informed the HODs that his administration to the glory of Gods recorded over 70% of the mandate presented noted some of his achievements in DPT program, National Post Graduate Physiotherapy college of Nigeria (NPPCN), collaboration with some international Physiotherapy Associations, National Health Bill etc. He also solicited the support of the committee on some proposals he wishes to table at the AGM later in the week. 

The workshop theme was extensively treated by the resource person, Tomi Ojetunde who advised Physiotherapists to take active role in lifestyle disease prevention and urged that proactive steps be taken in promoting the role of Physiotherapy in primary health care. In summary, he stated that health coaching, counselling, awareness creation will go a long way in improving health, enhancing quality of life and prevention/delay of disease onset. The session was well attended and retired into its Annual General Meeting and Elections.

̊Editor's note: The AGM of CHOPDIN took place behind closed doors and we await the release of thier communiqué for onward dissemination to the general public.