ANPA golf symposium raises funds for life-changing medical missions

Stanley Ihedigbo

Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA) recently organized a successful golf symposium in collaboration with the Heart Bright Foundation.

The event, which took place on May 3, 2025, at the Carolina Lakes Golf Club in South Carolina, USA, aimed to raise funds for medical missions and workshops in Nigeria.

ANPA is the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas, a non-profit organization representing Nigerian medical and dental professionals in the Americas incorporated in 1995 for educational, scientific and charitable purposes as a tax-exempt non-profit organization under section 501(c) (3) of the internal revenue code.

At the event, ANPA donated a sum of $20, 000, to Heart Bright Foundation, a health-focused organization whose mission is to promote cardiovascular wellness through prevention, awareness, and partnerships in the Charlotte Mecklenburg area of the State of North Carolina, a gesture which was received by Ms. Nicole Bonesteel on behalf of Heart Bright Foundation

Standing as the pillars behind the colourful event was the well-respected and internationally celebrated member of ANPA, Edo-born Uyi Phillip Igbinadolor, DMD FAGD, (Member, ANPA Golf Committee, NPAG Board of Trustees and former President University of Benin Alumnus Association North America), who was accompanied to the ceremony by his wife, Dr.(Mrs) Awawu Igbinadolor another devoted member of ANPA.

Dr. Igbinadolor and his wife were roundly praised and celebrated for their outstanding and unwavering commitment towards the growth and development of ANPA and for their unrelenting and unparalleled contributions toward community development in Edo state in particular and the United States in general.

For his part, Grand Knight Emeritus Sir Tonna Okei (Ikuku Oma), President of Organization of African Unity – Southern Carolina (OAU – SC), and his wife Dr. Mrs. Toyin Okei were special Guests of Honor.

Also present at the event to ensure a hitch-free celebration were Seun Alli, MD FACC (Chairman ANPA Golf committee), Dr. Joel Adedoyin Onafowokan ANPA Chairman of the Carolina’s and Chief Host with his beautiful wife Mrs. Onafowokan, Dr. Chiedu Okocha, Dr. Andrew Ighade, Dr. Dele Ekunsanmi, Dr. Oby Ogbata MD Pharmacist Sunny Obuseh, among other prominent members and dignitaries present at the event.

In a chat with newsmen shortly after the event, Grand Knight Emeritus Sir Tonna Okei expressed appreciation to all who contributed in one way or the other towards the success of the symposium and fundraising.

The multiple award winner for unflinching advocacy for human capital, community development, relentless call for good governance and cultural promotion, the Agbor Delta state-born Tonna who appeared at the event in full Agbor traditional regalia lauded the donors and expressed optimism that the donated sum will be put into good use.

‘’Heart Bright Foundation’s mission is to promote cardiovascular wellness through prevention, awareness, and partnerships in the Charlotte Mecklenburg area. I am confident and full of hope that the organization will direct this donated sum to what it is meant for. They focus mainly on cardiovascular wellness and education by treating the risks such as diabetes, stroke, and hypertension. They have a free clinic in the South End area which helps patients that have (or are at high risk for) heart disease or Diabetes. They will not disappoint’’ Sir Tonna concluded.

It would recall that the President of Organization of African Unity – Southern Carolina (OAU – SC), Grand Knight Emeritus, Sir Tonna Okei, some months ago bagged a meritorious award from the Integrative Youth Development (IYD) Web of Support Programme in Nigeria, in recognition of his unflinching advocacy for human capital and community development, relentless calls for good governance and cultural promotion.

The award came a few days after the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas Carolina’s Chapter (ANPA), United States of America (USA), in a similar vein bestowed on him, a meritorious award for his selfless service to humanity.