By Cecilia Ologunagba, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

When the Federal Executive Council approved the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration, it was welcomed with excitement by many Nigerians.

The new policy, which was unveiled by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, aims to address the japa syndrome among healthcare professionals and build a spirited and well-incentivised healthcare system.

“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 and 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,” Pate said.

Worthy of note, 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 the best practice guidelines of the profession.

With the tag, “Best Practice Spotlight Organisation (BPSO)”, the “training the trainers” programme is 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, said that with the training, nurses would be equipped to deliver evidence-based, culturally sensitive and patient-centered care.

Kachollom said that the approach would undoubtedly contribute to the realisation of the minister’s four-point health agenda and global sustainable goals.

“Nigeria is the first country in Africa to identify with RNAO, becoming the first BPSO designated host.

“This, for us, is remarkable as we recognise the place of nurses to achieve the mandate of the Nigeria healthcare system.

“As the ministry emphasises on improving the population health outcomes and unlocking healthcare value chains, the Nigerian BPSO initiative is a step forward in fostering a healthcare system that prioritises the highest standards of care,” Kachollom said.

She added that the training was a critical component of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to enhance the skills and expertise of nurses and other healthcare workers, equipping them with the tools needed to meet the evolving challenges in healthcare delivery.

Policy analysts hold that the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration, which will be cascaded to the grassroots, should give premium to the celebration of retiring medical professionals who had left exceptional footprints.

They say those, who in spite of brighter prospects in other climes, stayed back and contributed their quota to the growth of Nigeria’s healthcare sector, should be celebrated.

The tone was set recently in Lagos State.

Hundreds of nurses, family members, and friends recently gathered at the General Hospital Ifako Ijaiye, Lagos State, to celebrate the retirement of Chief Nursing Officer Mrs Folasade Okare, marking her 35 years of dedicated service and her 60th birthday.

Okare’s retirement was celebrated not only for her years of service but for the indelible mark she left on her colleagues and the nursing profession.

Over the years, Okare has become a role model for young nurses, and her passion and commitment to the profession have been widely recognised.

The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) presented her with a Retirement Award on February 11, acknowledging her dedication to the nursing field.

This recognition added to other accolades she has received, including the Best Worker Merit Award (Senior Category) in 2024 from the Chief Executive Officer of General Hospital Ifako Ijaiye, Dr Bamidele Mustapha, and the Long Service Merit Award from the Lagos State Government in 2021.

At a reception organised in Okare’s honour, Mrs Olufumilayo Ojo, the Apex Nurse of GHII, encouraged other nurses to emulate Okare’s exemplary work ethic.

“The battle is on you; you need to do it as she has left it for you to continue the good job she has done,” Ojo said.

Dr Wemimo Hally, a Principal Medical Officer at the hospital, described Okare as a dedicated, firm, and meticulous professional, noting her calm demeanour in spite of her unwavering commitment to excellence.

The event was graced by several dignitaries, including the Executive Chairman of Ifako Ijaiye Local Government, Mr Usman Hamzat and the Vice Chairman, Mrs Oluwatoyin Akererele.

Family members also lauded Okare for her dedication, emphasising the lasting impact she has had on the healthcare system and on the lives of those around her.

“Aunty Sade is indeed very motherly to all of us. She is a role model to every single one of us,” said Gboyega Adejuwon, a cousin to Okare.

Okare, visibly moved by the celebration, expressed her gratitude to her colleagues, family and friends.

“Nursing has not just been a job for me, I’ve gained a family along the way, and I couldn’t have asked for better people to share this journey with.”

Her children, Damilola and Ayo, shared their pride and admiration for their mother’s dedication.

“I am just so proud of my mum; you can tell by the hundreds of people gathered here today that she is loved,” said Damilola.

Her daughter Ayo, who was especially touched by the celebration, added, “The way her colleagues have praised her, danced with her, and even cried today really shows how much of an impact she made in people’s lives.”

Okare’ passion for nursing began her early life.

After completing her basic nursing education at Ondo State School of Nursing in Akure, she pursued a specialisation in midwifery at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, where she trained from 1988 to 1989.

Upon becoming a Registered Nurse and Midwife, she began her professional career at General Hospital Ikere Ekiti in 1990.

Over the next decades, Okare worked across various healthcare institutions in Lagos, including Onikan Health Centre, Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, Orile Agege General Hospital, and Gbagada General Hospital.

In 2017, she joined General Hospital Ifako Ijaiye, where she worked until her retirement.

Throughout her career, Okare rose to the position of Chief Nursing Officer, driven by her deep passion for patient care and her unwavering commitment to the nursing profession.

“If there’s one thing about Sade, she is committed; she is reliable,” said her husband, Mr Fidelis Okare.

In spite of the challenges in the healthcare system, Okare remained dedicated to her work and persevered.

As she retires at the age of 60 after a remarkable 35-year career, Okare leaves behind a legacy of excellence, compassion, and a commitment to mentoring the next generation of nurses.

“I see my achievements and challenges as resources to mentor younger professionals,” Okare said.

She pledged to continue offering volunteer nursing care to the elderly and sick in her retirement.

By many accounts, Okare’s legacy will inspire future nurses and her contributions to the healthcare system will not be forgotten. (NANFeatures)

***If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria.