From Ifeodan in Osun State to the global stage of nursing, Amoo Yetunde Ololade embodies the power of resilience, faith, and determination. Today, she is celebrated not only for her clinical expertise but also for her tireless advocacy in public health and nursing leadership. Her story proves that with persistence, no barrier is insurmountable.
A Journey Defined by Resilience
Yetunde’s path into nursing was anything but easy. Considered an unlikely candidate for success in her early years, she struggled through multiple attempts at her secondary school exams. But against the odds, she held onto a vision that many doubted: to become a nurse. Supported by her parents and guided by faith, she secured admission into the School of Nursing, University College Hospital, Ibadan, where her dream began to take shape.
Championing Public Health and Advocacy
Her career has evolved beyond bedside care. Inspired by the health challenges in her community, Yetunde gravitated toward public health nursing and advocacy, driven by the belief that education and access are key to healthier outcomes. For over a decade, she has combined clinical practice with health education, ensuring patients and communities alike gain the knowledge to make informed decisions.
Recognition on a Global Stage
In 2025, Yetunde’s work reached new heights when she received the prestigious DAISY Award for Nurses Advancing Health Equity. The recognition was a moment of pride not just for her, but for Nigerian nurses everywhere. It validated the dedication of nurses whose impact often goes unnoticed. For Yetunde, it was a reminder that the compassion and commitment of African nurses are valued globally.
Her profile has since grown through international platforms: from being a Sigma Scholar to a DEAL Fellow and an ICN Congress presenter in Helsinki, Finland. Each milestone has deepened her voice in global health conversations and underscored the relevance of Nigerian nurses in shaping healthcare beyond borders.
Overcoming Challenges
Yetunde’s journey has not been without hardship. From months without pay to limited training opportunities, she has endured the systemic frustrations many Nigerian nurses face. Instead of giving in, she chose to invest in self-development, seek mentorship, and remain steadfast in her goals. These challenges have fueled her passion for mentoring the next generation, ensuring they see possibilities where she once saw obstacles.
Giving Back and Looking Forward
Honored by her alma mater, UCH Ibadan, Yetunde continues to inspire both at home and abroad. Her vision stretches beyond clinical care into research, health policy, and global advocacy. She sees herself contributing to decision-making tables at organizations like the WHO and UN, amplifying nursing voices where they matter most.
Her immediate goals include furthering her education in nursing and public health, mentoring younger nurses, and advocating for equity in healthcare delivery. Long-term, she aims to leave a legacy of policy influence, equitable care, and global leadership in nursing.
A Message to Young Nurses
Yetunde’s story is a testament to perseverance and vision. Her advice to young nurses and students is clear: “Invest in yourself, seek opportunities locally and globally, and never allow the system to define your limits. Nursing is not a cage — it is a platform for impact.”
Her journey from Osun State to the global stage is proof that nurses can transform not just patient care but entire health systems when they embrace their full potential.
