The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), State Specialist Hospital (SSH) Okitipupa Unit, has celebrated fourteen retired nurse leaders who dedicated decades of their lives to the service of humanity and the health sector in Ondo State.
The colourful event, held in grand style, was attended by dignitaries including the State Chairman of NANNM, Comrade Orobode Felix Akintobi; Vice Chairman, Comrade Owolabi Victoria; Public Relations Officer, Prince Lucky Okikiola Aremu; Auditor I, Comrade Omosebi Gideon Owoetomo; Nat. Treasurer of NAPON, Comrade Ikuyelorimi Kehinde; the Head of Nursing Services (HNS) of the hospital, Mrs. Ilesanmi Theresa; the Chief Medical Director of SSH Okitipupa; as well as senior and junior nurses, heads of departments, unit heads, and members of the press.
In his remarks, the Unit Chairman of NANNM SSH Okitipupa, Comrade Amehin Ebiwonni Benjamin, described the day as a “red-letter day” in the history of the association and the hospital.
He commended the retirees for their unwavering commitment, selflessness, and integrity, noting that they had served across all communities, age groups, and ethnicities with excellence. He particularly acknowledged their courage during critical times such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Ebola, and Lassa fever outbreaks, stating that they upheld the ethics of the nursing profession with compassion and poise.
Comrade Benjamin also highlighted the systemic challenges in the profession, including inadequate remuneration, poor welfare, lack of recognition, and the troubling wave of brain drain.
He noted that despite these obstacles, the retirees had remained steadfast in their duties, which inspired NANNM to celebrate them, as “charity begins at home.” He expressed appreciation to the hospital management, NANNM leadership in Ondo State, and all supporters for making the event a success.
In his goodwill message, State Chairman Comrade Orobode Felix Akintobi commended the unit for the laudable occasion, stressing that celebrating colleagues who have worked for over 35 years is an important tradition.
He urged nurses in active service to always do good, as “whatever we do today will become the history of tomorrow.” He also acknowledged the critical, independent roles nurses play in patient care, roles that cannot be assigned to any other profession and appealed to both the hospital management and the government to sponsor nurses for seminars, courses, and training to enhance their skills and service delivery.
The state chairman further reiterated that members of the community should desist from assaulting nurses as they they are trying their best amidst unconducive factors to render care, noting that as members of the society are all volatile due to the situation of the country, the nurses too are part of the citizens under same condition.
Orobode issued a stern warning that any assault on nurses would be met with the immediate withdrawal of nursing services until the matter is fully resolved.
The Chief Medical Director of SSH Okitipupa also commended the nurses for their unwavering support and prayed for the retirees, wishing them well in their future endeavours.
Honourees/retirees: Akinboye Francis A., Agofure Augustine, Yeye Clement E., Sadare Benson, Okundaye Gabriel Sola, Ononwale Alex, Akinmorin Emmanuel Akinrinola, Lebi Victor, Hon. Adekmoye P. A., Akinmusi Eniabiare A., Balogun Mary, Omoike Catherine Yemi, Bulu Adekomye, Adewole Samuel.
Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Mrs. Omoike Catherine Yemi expressed heartfelt gratitude to the nursing community for organising the programme in their honour and the awards given to recognize their outstanding performances during their service years.
The event was not only a moment of recognition but also a reminder of the invaluable contributions of nurses to healthcare delivery in Ondo State and Nigeria at large.
