Sanwo-Olu, Others Receive Nurse-Friendly Governor Award at Commonwealth Nurses Conference

Abuja, Nigeria – 21 April 2026

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has been honoured with the Nurse-Friendly Governor Award at the 2026 Commonwealth Nurses and Midwives Conference held in Abuja.

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, was also recognised with the award alongside governors from Nasarawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Bayelsa, Adamawa, Katsina, Plateau, Anambra and Akwa Ibom states.

The awards recognise political leaders who have demonstrated significant commitment to strengthening nursing and midwifery practice, improving healthcare systems and supporting the welfare of nurses.

Commonwealth Conference Brings Nursing Leaders Together

The conference, organised by the Commonwealth Nurses and Midwives Federation (CNMF) and hosted by the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, NANNM took place at the International Conference Centre Abuja and brought together nursing leaders, educators, policymakers and regulators from across Commonwealth countries.

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The event was held under the theme:

“Towards Excellence: Nurses and Midwives Working Together Towards Excellence in Practice, Education and Regulation.”

Participants discussed strategies to strengthen the nursing workforce, improve professional regulation, and promote collaboration in healthcare delivery across Commonwealth nations.

Recognition for Healthcare Investment

Presenting the awards, CNMF President, Professor Kathleen McCourt, praised Governor Sanwo-Olu for his administration’s investments in healthcare infrastructure and nursing development in Lagos State.

She highlighted initiatives including the expansion of primary healthcare facilities, upgrades to nursing training institutions, improved access to medical equipment and programmes designed to support professional development for nurses and midwives.

According to Professor McCourt, these initiatives have contributed to improving working conditions for healthcare professionals and strengthening healthcare delivery within the state.

She also commended Governor Zulum for his leadership in expanding healthcare services in Borno State, particularly through investments in healthcare facilities and humanitarian support for communities affected by displacement.

Supporting the Nursing Workforce

The Nurse-Friendly Governor Award recognises public leaders who prioritise the welfare and professional advancement of nurses and midwives.

Advocates say such recognition is important as nurses remain central to healthcare delivery across Africa and the wider Commonwealth.

Healthcare experts note that sustained investment in nursing education, workforce development and working conditions is critical to strengthening national health systems and improving patient outcomes.

Representation at the Ceremony

Governor Sanwo-Olu was represented at the event by officials from the Lagos State Ministry of Health, including the Director of Nursing Services, Sola Aketi and other officials from NANNM Lagos State Council.

Governor Zulum was represented by the Chief Medical Director of the Borno State Hospital Management Board, Professor Abubakar Kullima, and the Senior Technical Assistant on Print and Digital Communications to the Governor, Hon. Abdurrahman Ahmed Bundi.

Advocacy for Nursing Excellence

The award reflects growing recognition of the vital role nurses and midwives play in building resilient health systems.

Here at Fellow Nurses Africa, we congratulate the award recipients and emphasise the importance of sustained investment in the nursing workforce.

Empowering nurses through policy support, education and improved working conditions remains essential for improving healthcare outcomes across Nigeria and Africa.

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Fellow Nurses Africa is the independent voice of African nursing, we educate, inform and support nurses across Africa.