Lagos: Celebrating excellence in nursing, the Federal Executive Council’s approval of the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration was met with enthusiasm across Nigeria. The policy, introduced by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, is designed to counter the japa syndrome among healthcare professionals and build a motivated and well-compensated healthcare workforce.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration is a comprehensive strategy to manage and reverse the migration of healthcare professionals. It aims to create a robust healthcare system where workers are well-supported, adequately rewarded, and optimally utilised to meet the healthcare needs of all Nigerians. Central to this vision is the Nigeria Human Health Resource Program, which sets a framework for regular reviews of working conditions, ensuring that health workers, especially in rural areas, receive the recognition and rewards they deserve.
The Federal Government has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO), Canada, to train Nigerian nurses on best practice guidelines in the profession. The ‘Best Practice Spotlight Organisation (BPSO)’ initiative is a ‘training the trainers’ programme aimed at providing a structured pathway to adopt and implement best practice guidelines. Ms Daju Kachollom, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, stated that the training equips nurses to deliver evidence-based, culturally sensitive, and patient-centered care, contributing to the minister’s health agenda and global sustainable goals.
Policy analysts suggest that the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration should also celebrate retiring medical professionals who have made significant contributions to Nigeria’s healthcare sector, despite more lucrative opportunities abroad. This sentiment was recently echoed in Lagos, where hundreds gathered to honor Chief Nursing Officer Mrs. Folasade Okare at the General Hospital Ifako Ijaiye. The event celebrated her 35 years of dedicated service and her 60th birthday, recognizing her as a role model for young nurses and her commitment to the profession.
The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) awarded Okare a Retirement Award on February 11, acknowledging her dedication to nursing. This accolade adds to her previous honors, including the Best Worker Merit Award (Senior Category) in 2024 from Dr. Bamidele Mustapha, CEO of General Hospital Ifako Ijaiye, and the Long Service Merit Award from the Lagos State Government in 2021. Mrs. Olufumilayo Ojo, Apex Nurse of GHII, encouraged nurses to emulate Okare’s exemplary work ethic.
Dr. Wemimo Hally, a Principal Medical Officer at the hospital, praised Okare’s dedication and professionalism. The event was attended by dignitaries, including Ifako Ijaiye Local Government’s Executive Chairman Mr. Usman Hamzat and Vice Chairman Mrs. Oluwatoyin Akererele. Family members, including her cousin Gboyega Adejuwon, lauded her impact on healthcare and the community.
Folasade Okare expressed her gratitude during the celebration, emphasizing the familial bonds she formed throughout her career. Her children, Damilola and Ayo, shared their pride in her dedication and the love she received from colleagues and friends. Okare’s career began at Ondo State School of Nursing and continued through various institutions in Lagos, culminating in her role as Chief Nursing Officer at General Hospital Ifako Ijaiye.
Despite challenges in the healthcare system, Okare remained committed to her work. As she retires, she leaves a legacy of excellence and compassion, pledging to continue mentoring younger professionals and offering volunteer nursing care in her retirement. Her contributions to the healthcare system will inspire future generations of nurses.