Lagos Nurse Leaders Forum 2025: Honoring Nurse Leaders Transforming Healthcare

Lagos, Nigeria – August 16, 2025 – Yesterday, Lagos shone as a beacon of nursing excellence during the 13th Edition of the Nurse Leaders Forum, held at the prestigious Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) in Alausa-Ikeja. Organized by the Office of the Director of Nursing Services in collaboration with Healthy Living Communications and the Nursing and Midwifery Committee of Lagos State, this landmark event celebrated retired nurse leaders who, as Directors, Provosts, and Heads of Departments (HODs), have transformed Nigeria’s healthcare landscape through visionary leadership and unwavering dedication.

Nurse leaders are the cornerstone of Nigeria’s healthcare system, guiding nurses with compassion, innovation, and strategic foresight. The 2025 Nurse Leaders Forum united nurses from across Lagos to honor these trailblazers, whose legacies continue to inspire excellence in patient care and strengthen the nursing profession for future generations.

Honoring Visionary Nurse Leaders

The forum paid tribute to an illustrious group of retired nurse leaders whose exemplary service has left a lasting impact on Lagos’ healthcare system. The honorees included:

• Dr. Bola Ofi, former Board Chairman of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, celebrated for her transformative policies that elevated national nursing standards.
• Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser on Health Matters to the Governor of Lagos State, recognized for her strategic leadership in advancing health reforms and nurse welfare.
• Dr. Segun Ogboye, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, lauded for integrating innovative tools like the Video Training (VTR) mobile application, which has empowered over 800 nurses since 2021.
• Dr. Bolakale Ajani, Head of Nursing at Chevron Clinic, honored for her dedication to patient-centered care and clinical leadership.
• Mrs. Razak-Oyetola and Mrs. Olusola Somade Idowu, both retired Directors of the National Orthopedic Hospital, Lagos, acknowledged for their decades of mentorship and advancements in orthopedic nursing.

These leaders have championed critical initiatives, from combating healthcare worker migration through Nigeria’s National Policy on Health Workforce Migration to implementing the Advanced Life Saving Skills training, which has equipped 131 nurses since 2018 to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality in Lagos.

A Legacy of Compassion and Innovation

Great nurse leaders balance clinical expertise with strategic vision, fostering environments where nurses feel valued and empowered. Their efforts have driven programs like the Ilera-Eko health insurance scheme, enrolling 923,000 Lagosians, and the establishment of six primary care districts to enhance healthcare access. By advocating for technologies like the VTR app and resilience training, these leaders have ensured nurses are equipped to tackle modern challenges, from epidemics to maternal health crises, despite Lagos’ shortage of 33,000 nurses.

Their influence extends beyond hospitals, shaping national policies and community health outcomes. Their mentorship has inspired a new generation of nurses to pursue excellence, ensuring a robust pipeline of skilled professionals in Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Event Highlights: Unity and Inspiration

The 13th Nurse Leaders Forum was a vibrant celebration of unity and vision, with key figures delivering powerful messages:

• Nr. Olusola Aketi, Director of Nursing Services at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, opened the event with an inspiring call to embrace leadership and technology to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
• Chief Emmanuel Oriakhi, CEO of Healthy Living Communications, highlighted the power of community partnerships in amplifying nursing advocacy.
• Dr. Olawale Oladapo, Secretary of the Nursing and Midwifery Committee and Chairman of the Association of Private Nurse Practitioners, flawlessly coordinated the event, ensuring a memorable tribute.
• Dr. Yemi Banjoko, the keynote speaker, captivated attendees with a compelling address on leveraging innovation and resilience to elevate nursing practice, citing the Nurse Leaders Forum, established in 2015, as a beacon of mentorship.

Discussions focused on addressing workforce challenges, including the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) and strategies to curb nurse migration, aligning with global goals to retain healthcare talent.

Why the Nurse Leaders Forum Matters

The 13th Nurse Leaders Forum underscores Lagos’ commitment to nurturing nurse leadership and addressing Nigeria’s healthcare challenges, including a projected shortage of 4.5 million nurses by 2030. By honoring retirees like Dr. Bola Ofi and Mrs. Razak-Oyetola, the event inspires younger nurses to carry forward their legacy of compassion, innovation, and advocacy. Platforms like this strengthen mentorship and policy reform, critical for building a resilient healthcare workforce.

Join the Largest African Nursing Community

The Nurse Leaders Forum is a testament to the power of community and collaboration in nursing. Nurses across Africa are invited to join the Fellow Nurses Africa Community, the continent’s largest network for nurses, offering unparalleled support, networking, and career opportunities. Connect with peers, access professional development resources, and contribute to shaping the future of healthcare. Join now at Fellow Nurses Africa Community and be part of a thriving network driving nursing excellence.

A Call to Action for Nigeria’s Nurses

The 13th Nurse Leaders Forum concluded with a resounding call to action: invest in nurse leadership to secure Nigeria’s healthcare future. Nurses are urged to pursue continuous learning, advocate for better working conditions, and support initiatives like the Nurse Leaders Forum to build a stronger workforce. As Dr. Ogunyemi eloquently stated, “Nursing is a calling that demands courage, compassion, and visionary leadership.” By celebrating these leaders, Lagos sets a standard for honoring excellence and inspiring the next generation of nurses.

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