The Chairman, National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Ondo State Council, Nurse Akintobi Orobode, has applauded the state Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his continuous supports towards the nursing profession in the state.
Orobode who appreciated the government of Ondo State explained that the continuous supports of Governor Aiyedatiwa has been crucial to the progress of nursing profession in the state.
The chairman made the appreciation at the opening ceremony of the NANNM 2024 Ondo Nurses Week/Scientific Conference programme which was held at Akure, the state capital.
In his speech, the NANNM chairman noted that Governor Aiyedatiwa willingness to pay the newly approved minimum wage, appointment of nurses into the Health Management Board, enhancement of entry level for graduate nurse among others are policies that have boosted their ego as nurses.
He said “Permit me to express my profound appreciation to the Ondo State Government under the leadership of of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. Your administration’s continued support for the health care sector and nursing in particular has been crucial to our progress.
“The domestication of the enhanced entry point (GL 10) for our graduate nurse. The implementation of revised hazard allowance for health workers, the willingness to pay N70,000 newly approved minimum wage without pressure from the labour movement, appointment of our members (full time and part time) into the board of HMB and your support to the three state own universities in ensuring the creation of the nursing department, just to mention but a few have boosted our ego”.
However, Nurse Orobode explained that despite the government support to the nursing profession in the state, the profession is still lagging behind in some aspects and appealed for the consideration of government in those aspects.
He listed the aspects to includes: Bringing back the state owned college of nursing that the average and poor citizens can afford, point to point upgrading of nurses who aquire degree certificate instead of conversion which brings them down by a GL, sponsoring of nurses for speciality training, in-training courses for nurses, adequate staffing of hospital with qualify nurses, payment of uniform allowance for nurses, regular employment of intern nurses and lots more.
Speaking in the achievement of the nurses association, Orobode disclosed that the state administrative council has included practical sessions that will improve the skills of nurses , which will constantly translate into effective nursing care when discharging their duties.
In an address, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa represented by his Special Adviser on Health, Prof Simidele Odimayo, commended nurses in the state for humanitarian services they render to the people always.
In his reaction, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Awolowo Ajaka, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Niran Ikuomola, promised that the governor will look into the needs stated by the chairman of nurses.
Ajaka who described Governor Aiyedatiwa as a man of the people who is always open to the people’s demands gave his assurance that the governor will strive to see to the demands of nurses in the state.
The Board Chairman of the Ondo State Hospitals’ Management Board, Dr. Fasoranti, described the state’s nurses as exceptional and assured them that the board would always prioritise nursing care in the state. He urged the nurses to remain resolute and committed to their calling.
The representative of the Ooni of Ife, Dr. Kenade Enugbaju, in his goodwill message, prayed for the continued prosperity of the profession.
The “Mother of the Week,” Mrs. Dunni Ajiboye, in her goodwill message, commended the nurses for upholding the established legacy and for their effective service at their respective duty posts.
She called on the government to recruit more nurses into the system to mitigate the “japa” syndrome (the mass migration of professionals).
The Chairman of the occasion and Pro-Chancellor of Achievers University, Owo, Hon. (Dr) Bode Ayorinde, stressed the need for humility in the profession.
In his keynote address, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Prof. Olasupo Ijabadeniyi, noted that nurses play a critical role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
He emphasised the need for nurses to advocate for policies that positively affect their profession and called for greater investment in nursing through the use of technology for professional development and productivity.
Ijabadeniyi stressed the importance of improving the health sector through increased budgetary funding to encourage better performance within the system.
