FG commends nurses’ efforts to reposition profession

The Federal Government has commended the efforts of Nigerian nurses both in the diaspora and at home to reposition nursing profession for greater heights.

Specifically, the government applauded the Nigerian Nurses Charitable Association-United Kingdom (NNCA-UK) for their contributions to impart knowledge and foster cooperation between Nigerian nurses in diaspora and those at home.

The Minister of State for Health, Dr Olorunnimbe Mamora and the Chairperson, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission; Abike Dabiri Erewa, gave the commendation at the Flag-off ceremony with capacity building programme for nurses and midwifery leaders, in Abuja recently.

The programme, titled “Nigerian Nurses and Midwives: Time for turn-around” was organised by the Nigerian Nurses Charitable Association-United Kingdom (NNCA-UK); in collaboration with Nigerians in Diaspora Commission; the Federal Ministry of Health and the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital.

“We must congratulate you Nurses and Midwives all over the World and particularly, Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, home and abroad for this notable development.

“The effort of Florence Nightingale and other Nurses and Midwives of repute, many of whom paid the supreme price in their effort to bring succour to the society can never be wished away. Such remarkable memories will always remain with us as reference points.

“It is very commendable that the World Health Assembly, the governing body of the World Health Organisation (WHO), designated year 2020 as the Year of the Nurses and the Midwives; which also coincides with the 200th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth.

“This development I believe will fulfill the yearning of millions of members of this profession to have a global platform to reposition the profession for greater heights.”

Dabiri acknowledged the contribution of the Nigerian Nurses Charitable Association-United Kingdom and commended them for bringing the training to Nigeria.

She called for further collaboration between them and their counterparts in Nigeria, adding that their contribution cannot be over-emphasised.

She pointed out that the government cannot do it alone, hence, the need for them to come home, establish health facilities and contribute to the development of nursing profession in the country.