Kemi Olatunde

The need for Nurses to provide efficient service delivery to residents of Ondo State in order to repose confidence in the health system has been stressed.

Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Ministry of Health, Dr. Adeniran Ikuomola stated this while delivering his address during the commemoration of the 2025 International Nurses Week by the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) unit of the Ministry in Akure on Monday in Akure.

According to him, it is important to have a strong nursing profession that will strengthen the system and makes it efficient ,saying “Nurses are very important in every part of the health system.”

He noted that the success of the sector determine the health of the people which according to him translate to the economic prosperity of the nation.

He said; “We should have a nursing profession that will strengthen the system in order to make the system efficient. All should work towards ensuring that nurses deliver the best in terms of academic pursuit, character and service delivery.”

He appealled to them to be united in doing the best things and ensure a brighter future for the system, adding that they take good care of themselves in order to care for others.

Director, Pharmaceutical Services , Pharm. Olugbenga Lasekan, while felicitating with them, called for collaboration among medical professionals in order to advance the vision of the sector.

Director, Nursing Services, Mrs Iyabo Aliu said that the week aimed at honouring the tiredless, compassion and expertise of nurses in the world ,describing nursing as part of the indispensable profession in the world.

She explained that it is crucial to recognise the contribution of nursing to the nation, adding that nurses must embrace continuous learning for improvement in service delivery.

“The pivotal role nurses play in health care especially in the area of advancing health care system, promoting health equity etc cannot be overemphasised.”

She called on them to be deligent in exceptional care, noting that their dedication expertise makes a difference in patients’ lives.

She admonished them to continue to shape the future of health care and make lasting impact in people’s lives.

Earlier, the Ministry’s NANNM unit Chairman, Mrs Yemisi Isijola while expressing appreciation for the large turn out of nurses, described the theme as; “Our nurses, Our Future, Caring for Nurses Strengthening Health system and Economy”

While noting that nurses play a crucial role in Nigeria’s economic system, she called for massive investment in Nurse’s growth to increase the nation’s health care.

According to her, investment in Nurses encourages economic growth, reduces poverty, increases productivity through nurses support and empowerment, job creation, boost tourism and facilitates public confidence which according to him attracts foreign investment as well as boost economic confidence.

The Nurses week is celebrated annually between May 6 and 12.