By Kemi Olatunde

The Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa, has reiterated his commitment to improving the welfare of nurses in the state.

He made this statement during the 2024 Ondo Nurses’ Week/Scientific Conference with the theme, “Our Nurses, Our Future: The Economic Power of Care,” held in Akure on Tuesday.

According to the Governor, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Health, Prof. Simidele Odimayo, nurses are central to excellent performance in the health sector. He noted that the UNIMED Teaching Hospitals in both Akure and Ondo are being restructured for better efficiency and an improved working environment for them.

He stated that efforts are being made to increase nurses’ salaries, adding that more nurse interns will be employed to strengthen the health sector.

The Governor also said that his administration has ensured the nursing faculty at UNIMED has been fully accredited, and added that the effort to renovate all Primary Health Care Centres in the state has reached an advanced stage.

He further revealed that medical equipment and consumable companies would soon be established in the state to enhance the health sector.

He called for more support for his administration in order to further improve the living conditions of residents.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Awolowo Ajaka, who was represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Niran Ikuomola, praised the nurses for their cooperation within the health sector, calling for teamwork to promote the welfare and well-being of the residents.

He revealed the government’s readiness to involve nurses in an upcoming federal government project, “Project 10 Million,” aimed at reaching the rest of the state.

Highlighting the importance of the profession to the health sector, he urged nurses to continue collaborating with other stakeholders to build the best health sector in the country.

He also noted that the Governor had approved the employment of nurses and midwives, along with the adoption of salary grade level 10 as the entry grade for nursing officers in the state public service.

He encouraged them to continue supporting the government in making the state a place of pride, while reiterating the government’s commitment to the good health of its residents.

In his welcome address, the State Chairman of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Felix Orobode, congratulated the nurses for their dedication to service, noting that their decision to serve the nation speaks volumes.

While pointing out that the theme of the week, “Our Nurses, Our Future: The Economic Power of Care,” underscores the strength and importance of the profession, he stated that the nursing profession, which comprises about 54 percent of the health sector, contributes significantly to Nigeria’s wealth.

He expressed his appreciation to Governor Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa for his continuous support of the health sector, particularly for his approval of grade level 10 for graduate nurses entering the civil service, among other efforts.

Describing nurses as the “lifeblood” of the health sector, he called on the government to sponsor nurses for professional training, adding that allowances for specialised nurses should also be provided.

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, Hon. 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.

He further stressed the importance of improving the health sector through increased budgetary funding to encourage better performance within the system.