- Hero’s Farewell: Chief Nursing Officer Folasade Okare retires after 35 years.
- National Recognition: Policy addresses healthcare worker migration.
- Training Boost: Partnership with Canada to enhance nursing skills.
- Legacy of Excellence: Okare’s impact on colleagues and healthcare.
- Inspiration: Okare’s commitment to mentoring future nurses.
Nigeria Tackles Healthcare Worker Migration with New Policy
The Federal Government is taking bold steps to address the ‘japa’ syndrome (brain drain) affecting healthcare professionals. The National Policy on Health Workforce Migration, recently approved, aims to create a supportive and well-incentivized healthcare system.
According to the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, this policy is a comprehensive strategy to manage and reverse the migration of healthcare professionals, ensuring they are well-supported, adequately rewarded, and optimally utilized.
Did you know? Nigeria’s healthcare sector has been facing challenges due to the emigration of skilled workers seeking better opportunities abroad. This policy aims to change that narrative.
Training Nigerian Nurses: A Partnership with Canada
In a significant move to enhance the skills of Nigerian nurses, the Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO), Canada. This partnership focuses on training Nigerian nurses on best practice guidelines.
Ms. Daju Kachollom, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, emphasized that this training will equip nurses to deliver evidence-based, culturally sensitive, and patient-centered care. Nigeria is the first African country to partner with RNAO in this initiative.
Fun Fact: This initiative aligns with the minister’s four-point health agenda and global sustainable goals, prioritizing the highest standards of care.
Celebrating a Nursing Legend: Folasade Okare’s Retirement
Lagos recently witnessed a heartwarming celebration as Chief Nursing Officer Mrs. Folasade Okare retired after 35 years of dedicated service. The event, held at the General Hospital Ifako Ijaiye, was a testament to her indelible mark on the nursing profession.
Okare’s retirement was not just a farewell but a recognition of her years of service, her role as a mentor, and her unwavering commitment to patient care. She received the Retirement Award from the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), among other accolades.
Tributes and Accolades
Colleagues, family, and friends showered Okare with praise and gratitude. Mrs. Olufumilayo Ojo, the Apex Nurse of GHII, encouraged other nurses to emulate Okare’s exemplary work ethic. Dr. Wemimo Hally, a Principal Medical Officer, described her as a dedicated and meticulous professional.
Words from Family
Family members also lauded Okare for her dedication. Gboyega Adejuwon, a cousin, described her as “very motherly to all of us” and a role model. Okare’s children, Damilola and Ayo, expressed their pride and admiration for their mother’s dedication.
Ayo, visibly touched, remarked, “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.”
A Career of Dedication
Okare’s passion for nursing began early in her life. After completing her basic nursing education at Ondo State School of Nursing in Akure, she specialized in midwifery at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex. She started her career at General Hospital Ikere Ekiti in 1990 and worked across various healthcare institutions in Lagos.
Her husband, Mr. Fidelis Okare, noted her unwavering commitment and reliability, despite the challenges in the healthcare system.
A Lasting Legacy
As she retires, Okare leaves behind a legacy of excellence and compassion. She has pledged to continue offering volunteer nursing care to the elderly and sick.
Okare’s story is a reminder of the importance of recognizing and celebrating the contributions of healthcare professionals in Nigeria. Her legacy will undoubtedly inspire future nurses.
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