WELCOME ADDRESS

It is a great pleasure for me to welcome you to the 5^th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Association of Fetomaternal Medicine Specialists of Nigeria (AFEMSON), in the historic city of Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The theme of the conference: ‘The Placenta: Exploring the Fetal-Maternal Nexus’ was carefully chosen to emphasize the link between the 2 arms of our subspeciality and draw attention to the interactivity between clinical and non-clinical researches. We shall be discussing various issues that demonstrates the impact of the placenta on fetal and maternal health during pregnancy, ranging from molecular biology to clinical applications in areas such assudden intrauterine feta death, biophysical monitoring, Aneuploidy, Pre-eclampsia and FGR, among others.

The subtheme:‘Specialization and Training in FMM’, will afford us the opportunity of having a formal discussion on this important foundational issue in the emerging subspecialty. We shall be inviting the robust participation of all relevant postgraduate colleges as they share insights and together, we shall design the roadmap for effective training in our environment. International experts with established and tested curriculum shall be in attendance to lend opinions to the discussions.

All sessions including guest lectures, plenary sessions, oral and poster presentations, and workshops, promise to be exciting. Leading developments in all the areas under the theme and subtheme will be presented by erudite researchers and clinicians.

The conference is tagged ‘RIYE 2022’, to reflect the 4 major divisions of Ogun state. It will however be hosted in Abeokuta, the capital city, known for its rich cultural heritage, which makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa. The famous Olumo rock replicates the human placenta, being a protective, nourishing structure that should guarantee the safety, growth and development of its inhabitant. This makes Abeokuta the perfect setting for AFEMSON conference 2022 against its unique backdrops of geothermal wonderlands and exceptional adventures and activities for all participants.

I have no doubt that you will have a fruitful, memorable and rewarding exchanges during the conference, under firm assurances of a safe and secure environment. On behalf of the LOC, I look forward to welcoming you.

Femi Oloyede

Convener, Local Organizing Committee