Osun State Nurses Celebrate 2025 Nurses’ Week in Grand Style, Applaud Governor Adeleke’s Support

The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Osun State Council, on Thursday, 20th November 2025, held the grand finale of the 2025 Nurses’ Week celebration with pomp, reflection, and calls for renewed government support.

The event, held in Osogbo, featured a welcome address delivered by the State Chairman of NANNM, Comrade Waheed Olaide Oyeyemi, who expressed delight at the historic gathering and appreciated all dignitaries and stakeholders for gracing the occasion.

The theme for this year’s celebration is:
“Our Nurses, Our Future; Caring for Nurses Strengthens Economies.”
The Chairman noted that the theme was timely, especially at a period when nurses’ contributions to national development and economic growth are not adequately recognised or reciprocated. He stated that the guest speaker, Dr. Adebukunola Olajumoke Afolabi, would address the theme in detail later in the programme, which she did to the admiration of everyone present.

Comrade Oyeyemi revealed that this year’s celebration was a 3-in-1 event, featuring:

** Commemoration of the 2025 Nurses’ Week

** Fundraising for the renovation of the dilapidated Osun State Nurses’ House

** Posthumous honour to one of the founding fathers of nursing practice in Nigeria, late Chief, Senator Raji Ayoola Adeleke

He described the award as a tribute to the selfless service and enduring legacy of the revered patriarch of the Adeleke dynasty, whose descendants, including late Governor Isiaka Adeleke, Dr. Deji Adeleke, Nurse Yeyeluwa Modupeola Adeleke-Sanni, and the current Governor, Senator (Dr.) Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, have continued to impact society positively.

The award was presented to the representative of the Adeleke dynasty, Hon. Lukman Afolabi (Abeere Soose), by the Royal Father of the day, HRM Oba Olayinka Oyetunde Isola Jokotola II, Ilufemiloye I, the Olojudo Alayemore of Ido-Osun. In his response, Hon. Afolabi praised the Osun State Nurses for their key role in sustaining the health sector and, on behalf of the Adeleke dynasty, assured them that the family would respond positively to all their requests.

Other dignitaries at the event equally acknowledged the critical contributions of Nurses to the health sector and congratulated them on this year’s celebration, pledging their support for the proposed renovation project. Among the dignitaries present were: the Chairman of the Day, Hon. Bamidele Salam who was represented by Hon. Oladele Bamiji (HOB); Dr. Akinroye, Board Chairman, HMB; Barrister Niyi Owolade, Board Chairman, UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital; the representative of the Office of the Head of Service, Mr. Atoyebi; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour Matters, Elder Oyebade; as well as Nursing elders and leaders, among others.

While acknowledging the developmental strides of Governor Ademola Adeleke, especially in the health sector, the NANNM Chairman presented key requests on behalf of nurses across the state:

Immediate employment of at least 2,500 Nurses and Midwives across state/local government health facilities and UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital Osogbo

Implementation of CONHESS 10 skipping for Nurses at state and local government levels

Payment of uniform allowance and other deserved entitlements

Inclusion of Nurses in leadership appointments within the health sector

Sponsorship for in-service training, workshops, and conferences

Provision of updated medical equipment

Donation of an 18-seater Toyota Hiace bus for official engagements

He assured the Governor of the unalloyed support and loyalty of Osun State Nurses, affirming their readiness to sustain the current administration’s achievements towards 2030.

Highlighting the poor condition of the Nurses’ House, Comrade Oyeyemi appealed to well-meaning individuals and invited guests to contribute financially to its renovation, noting that every Nurse in the state would also make their own sacrifice.

The NANNM Chairman outlined notable achievements recorded since the last Nurses’ Week celebration:

Proper placement of intern Nurses on CONHESS 8

Successful rollout of NANNM sachet water initiative

Series of leadership trainings and workshops

Promotion of unity and peaceful coexistence among Nurses statewide

He described the administration as “silent achievers” and assured members that efforts to elevate the nursing profession to its rightful place would not relent.

Comrade Oyeyemi expressed deep gratitude to Governor Adeleke, traditional rulers, keynote speakers, Labour leaders, Nursing stakeholders, invited guests, the Adeleke family, and all Nurses across the state for their support and presence at the event.

In her remarks, the NANNM Secretary, Comrade Precious Oloruntobi, expressed deep appreciation to the dignitaries, royal fathers, and all invited guests for honoring the association with their presence. She commended their continued support for the nursing profession and emphasized that such recognition motivates Osun State Nurses and Midwives to remain committed to excellence in healthcare delivery.