....Soludo Honoured As Nurses Friendly Governor
By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu
The Chairman of National Association Of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Anambra State Council, Comrade Onwuka Edith, JP, on Thursday, 20th June 2024 made history as a well built and furnished Nurses House was unveiled under her leadership.
In her address of welcome, Comrade Onwuka said that National association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives is a professional organization cum trade union registered under the trade union act of 1978 and has the mandate to unionize and enforce strict professionalism to all nurses registered with nursing and midwifery council of Nigeria (NMCN) who are practising in federal, state, local government and private sector.
'Today we have gathered to witness the opening ceremony of the Nurses house, which notably was one of my mandate promise to the Nurses of Anambra State when we came on board,' She said.
The NANNM Boss stated that the house was built through prudent management of the Check off dues ie Union dues, deducted from the salaries of their members working at various establishments within the state, noting that her administration didn’t levy any Nurse from the beginning of this edifice to the successful completion and we return all glory to God.
'We sacrificed our allowances and demonstrated high level of diligence and transparency in the management of the 30% of our check off dues as it accrue to the State share of our Union to get this project done.
'We also wish to appreciate the past governor His excellency Willie Obiano for giving us financial support when the project was ongoing. National headquarters of our association also gave support when they saw the zeal and commitment we demonstrated to ensure that the project is actualized.
'Unit council of our association also gave us waiver to use their 20% rebate check off dues for 18 months without refund. We highly appreciate them for their kind sacrificial gesture and pray for God to reward them bountifully in folds.
'Mr Governor, may we remind the State government that it has been in our tradition to support the state government by diligently executing our duties at our various places of assignment.
'We want to use this opportunity to officially congratulate you as a body for emerging as the executive Governor of our dear State, Anambra. It is also an opportunity for us to express our appreciation to you for your unassuming outstanding performances within this short period in the office as the Executive Governor of our State, despite the limited resources available to you in the face of very high inflation in the country.
'Our appreciation is unlimited and our joy knew no bound beacuse amidst your tight schedules, you spared out time to honour our invitation for this official unveiling of Anambra State Nurses house. Mr Governor, your presence speaks volume and also shows how passionate you are about Nurses and workers of Anambra State,' Onwuka said.
Comrade Onwuka who doubles as Anambra State Immunization Officer (SIO) said it was a well-known fact that Nurses constituted not less than 65% of the total workforce in the healthcare industry, saying that it was their numerical strength that they have been using positively and professionally to ensure high quality healthcare services to the people of Anambra state and to the support of healthcare policies of the state government.
'To mention but a few; in 2011 when Anambra state encountered its worst flooding disaster, Nurses did not shrink back, but devoted their time to care and alleviate the sufferings of the flood victims by rendering professional services and material support to those in the IDP Camps. In the same vein, during the Ebola and Corona virus pandemics, Nurses were there, supporting the state government in the controlling and fighting the dreaded viruses. Nurses also donated infection prevention and control commodities to fight the viruses. Mr Governor, we believe so much in your administration and will use this opportunity thank you for the following achievements in the health sector.
'Approval for building of world class college of Nursing Sciences in Ekwulobia for training of highly skilled Nurses Establishment of Nursing and Midwifery Council office in Anambra State Employment of 500 Nurses and midwives into General hospitals and primary health care centers.Outstanding performances of our student Nurses across all the departments of Nursing and colleges in their final exam.eg a. College of Nursing Nkpor, Nov. 2022 = 99.7% b. College of Nursing Adazi, Nov. 2022 = 100% c. College of Nursing Amichi Nov 2023 = 100%D. Department of nursing NAUTH Nnewi Nov 2023 100%10% increase in salary of workers,' She emphasized.
Speaking on the challenges, Onwuka mentioned stagnation of single qualified Nurses/Midwives in CONHESS 7, an act she noted had no back up rationale, non Implementation of National approved, gazetted and harmonized scheme of service for Nurses and University graduate Nurses, non Implementation of 25% increase in CONHESS by National income, salary and wages commission and Non Implementation of 2016 unified scheme of service for Nurses as the challenges holding them down.
'Mr Governor may we use this opportunity to present passionate appeal for your consideration which will curb the incessant migration of highly and experienced nurses outside the state otherwise known as JAKPA syndrome leading to brain drain.
'Most of the issue borders on carer progression issuesPromotion of single qualified Nurses to Conhess 10 as done in other statesAdoption of harmonized scheme for nusses and university graduate nurses which was gazetted by Office of head of service of federation in 2021Implementation of 25% increase in consolidated health salary structure (Conhess) gazetted in 2022 by national salaries, income and wages commission Placement and recognition of the officer “nomenclature to all categories/grades in nursing Yearly uniform allowance of #20,000 for Nurses for sowing of uniform as was captured in public service ruleAppointment of nurses and midwives into political position in the state
'Finally donation vehicle/bus for day to day running of the association Mr Governor, we once again welcome you to our house, THE NURSES HOUSE IN ANAMBRA STAT and also congratulate for becoming a great ambassador of Nursing. We promise to continue to partner with you and to make Anambra State proud of us always. We wish you a happy stay with us. Nnoo Mr Governor! Nnno our own Governor! Nnoo solution!Comrade Edith Onwuka concluded.
Addressing the Nurses who trooped out en masse to witnessed the epoch-making event, the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo commended the Leadership of NANNM in the state led by Comrade Onwuka Edith for their dexterity, perseverance, prudent management of their meagre resources.
Governor Soludo acknowledged the positive impacts of the nurses in the state, saying that their importance in the healthcare system cannot be overstated, charging the nurses to continue to support the leadership of NANNM in Anambra State, adding that they have performed and deserved to be supported and encouragement.
The State's Number One Citizen who was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Anambra State, Dr Afam Obidike said he was overwhelmed with the quality of nurses he met on ground, even as he promised to look into challenges and find a way to solve them.
Earlier, the National President of NANNM, Comrade Nrs. Michael E. Nnachi showered encomiums on the leadership for their vision and unwavering commitment to the betterment of our profession. He also commended the members for working tirelessly to bring the project to fruition and urged them to maintain the tempo.
In their separate speeches, the Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) , Anambra State Council, Comrade (Sir) Humphrey Emeka Nwafor; the President of NULGE, Anambra State, Comrade Chikwelu Adigwe Samson; the Chief Medical Director of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku, Awka, Dr Joe Akabuike; the Matron in-charge of Dialysis Unit COOUTH, Amaku, Awka, Comrade Ilodibe Assumpta Obianuju appreciated the NANNM executive led by Comrade Onwuka Edith Nkechi for what they have been able to achieved and for the way and manner they are going about their activities.
Unveiling of the Nurses House, honouring of Governor Chukwuma Soludo as Nurses Friendly Governor, speeches from invited guests, presentations from the student -nurses, acknowledgement of the Ozo titled men from Awka, refreshment formed the highpoints of event.
