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Strike: Embrace dialogue, Ondo nurses urged

By Kemi Olatunde

Nurses in Ondo State have been urged to engage in dialogue with the government to avoid further disruption of healthcare services in the state.

The Chairman of the Ondo State Hospitals’ Management Board (HMB), Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, made the appeal while reacting to the ongoing strike by the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) across state-owned health facilities.

Fasoranti said the administration of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa had prioritised workers’ welfare, stressing the need for dialogue rather than industrial action.

He decried the impact of the strike on the healthcare sector and patients in government hospitals, and assured that efforts were being made to restore normalcy.

“It is a pity that they are on strike despite ongoing negotiations. The state Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip, has been meeting with them to ensure their demands are met.

“The board believes that they should consider the effect on the state and the numerous patients on admission. This will disrupt healthcare delivery to residents.

“We, at the board plead with the union to embrace dialogue as we are working to resolve the issue. They should return to work in the interest of the people, especially as Governor Aiyedatiwa is a listening leader who always prioritises their welfare.

“Negotiations will continue in order to meet their demands,” he said.

The industrial action, which commenced on Friday, January 31, 2025, was declared by NANNM, following a directive that its members should embark on an indefinite strike in all state government health facilities.

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In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Comr. Nurse Felix A. Orobode, and Acting Secretary, Comr. Lucky Okikiola Aremu, the association said it was demanding the full payment of the January 2025 salary as agreed under the 100% new salary structure.

Other grievances include; the correction of the 2022 Conversion Exercise, which allegedly led to the demotion of some members, point-to-point conversion in future exercises, as well as payment of promotion arrears and outstanding hazard allowances.

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