The 11th Annual Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Awards (NHEA) concluded with a spectacular ceremony on June 27, 2025, at Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, celebrating the backbone of Africa’s healthcare—nurses and midwives. Among the night’s highlights, Mrs. Olusola Aketi, Director of Nursing Services at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, was honored with the coveted Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Award of the Year, inspiring nurses across the continent. Presented by NHEA in collaboration with Global ANADACH, Aketi’s award recognizes her exceptional leadership, expertise, and dedication to advancing nursing and midwifery in Nigeria.
Aketi was joined by other distinguished awardees, including Dr. Dikko Umar Radda, Governor of Katsina State, for transformative healthcare reforms, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, First Lady of Lagos State, for her Jumejilo Multi-Birth Assistance Programme, Dr. Ebere Okereke, honored with the Diaspora Excellence Award for global public health leadership, and Afrimedical Manufacturing and Supplies Limited, recognized for local syringe production. The event, headlined by Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Minister of State for Health Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, was supported by PharmAccess Foundation and DCL Laboratory Products Ltd. Wale Alabi, NHEA Project Director, emphasized, “These awards celebrate a movement toward excellence, honoring leaders who redefine healthcare delivery.”
The certificate, signed by the NHEA Advisory Board Chairman, praised her visionary role in West African nursing and her outstanding contributions to high-quality patient care. Accompanied by a ceremonial trophy, this recognition cements her status as a trailblazer in Lagos State’s healthcare system and a role model for African nurses.
The event, held at 5 PM on June 27, 2025, brought together healthcare leaders, policymakers, and professionals under the theme “Collaborating for Impact: Strengthening Health Systems through the SWAp Approach.” With over 100 nominees across 29 categories and public voting concluded on June 15, 2025, the ceremony highlighted excellence in nursing leadership, healthcare innovation, and patient care. Speaking exclusively to Fellow Nurses Africa correspondence, Mrs. Aketi shared an uplifting message: “To every nurse across Africa, your hard work and compassion are the heartbeat of our healthcare systems. Believe in your potential, stay resilient, and together, we can transform lives—let’s keep pushing the boundaries of excellence!” Her words resonate as a call to action, especially amid challenges like the recent strike threats by Ghana’s GRNMA over poor working conditions.
For Fellow Nurses Africa, Aketi’s achievement is a proud moment, reflecting the strength and dedication of nurses continent-wide. As advocates for better working conditions and recognition—issues echoing in Nigeria and beyond—her success inspires a collective push forward.
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