Lagos State Bids Farewell to Retiring Director of Nursing Services, Nurse Olusola Bernice Aketi
LAGOS, 21 May 2026 — The Lagos State Ministry of Health, in partnership with the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), held a graceful retirement ceremony yesterday to honour Nurse Olusola Bernice Aketi after more than three decades of dedicated service as Director of Nursing Services.
The event, which took place at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium from noon, drew a distinguished audience of high-calibre professionals and senior officers from the ministry of health, including the special advisor to the Lagos State Governor, Dr Mrs Kemi Ogunyemi, who described Olusola as an astute nurse full of energy.
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The Chairman of NANNM Lagos State Chapter and her executive council were joined by Directors of Nursing Services from across the state, senior healthcare administrators and key figures in the sector.
Academic leaders added further weight to the occasion, including the pioneer Provost of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital College of Nursing, Dr. Mrs. Olawuyi, and the current Provost, Dr. Mrs. Omo-Ojo. Students from the Lagos State College of Nursing (LASCON) and other institutions brought youthful energy, underscoring the lasting legacy Nurse Aketi leaves for the next generation.
Colleagues spoke of her with deep respect and warmth. A formal citation highlighted her “exemplary career, unwavering dedication to duty, and deep compassion for humanity.” Fellow Nurses Africa captured the shared sentiment in a tribute circulated the same day: “Once a nurse, forever true… The heart of nursing lives in you.” Many described her simply as a true nurse leader whose quiet strength had guided the profession at every level — from the wards to state policy rooms.
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Her nursing journey began in 1994 at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH). Over the next two decades she rose through the ranks as Ward Manager, Head of Surgical Nursing, and Chair of the Nurses’ Research Team. She led projects that improved patient care and promoted evidence-based practice, laying a strong foundation for higher responsibility.
She later extended her influence regionally as a Fellow of the West African College of Nursing (FWACN) and served as First Vice President (International) of the West African Postgraduate College of Nurses and Midwives (WAPCNM), contributing to nursing education, policy and professional development across West Africa. These roles prepared her for her appointment as Director of Nursing Services at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, where she championed ethics, standards and support for nurses and midwives statewide.
The afternoon blended quiet formality with genuine emotion. Goodwill messages from colleagues, friends and family reflected the personal impact she had made. In her response, Nurse Aketi spoke with characteristic humility and grace, thanking God, her mentors, colleagues and family for their support throughout her career. Her words moved many in the room, blending gratitude with quiet pride in a life spent in service.
Cultural dance performances, refreshments and shared moments of laughter and nostalgia brought the programme to a close, striking a perfect balance between celebration and the bittersweet reality of farewell.
As Nurse Olusola Bernice Aketi steps into retirement, the nursing community in Lagos carries forward the example she set. Her colleagues put it best: the heart of nursing continues in those she inspired.
A career defined by service, excellence and compassion — well lived and richly deserved.
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Charles Wealth is an accomplished healthcare administrator with decades of hands-on experience across various healthcare organizations in Nigeria and beyond. Known for his strategic leadership, operational excellence, and deep commitment to advancing the nursing profession, Charles brings a wealth of expertise to healthcare management, policy, and professional development.
As a co-founder and Editor at Fellow Nurses Africa, he plays a pivotal role in shaping content that educates, inspires, and unites nurses across the continent. His editorial vision focuses on amplifying the voices of nurses, highlighting best practices, addressing contemporary challenges in healthcare, and promoting professional growth within the nursing community.
With a strong background in healthcare administration, Charles is passionate about bridging the gap between clinical practice and effective leadership. He continues to contribute significantly to the development of robust healthcare systems and the empowerment of nurses through knowledge sharing and advocacy.
