Femi Gbajabiamila, Tunji Alausa, Ali Pate, and Others Named Ambassadors of Nigerian Nursing and Midwifery
Abuja, Nigeria — 9 October 2025 —
In a landmark ceremony, Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOH&SW) unveiled the Nigeria Strategic Directions for Nursing and Midwifery (NSDNM) 2025-2030, a transformative blueprint to elevate the nursing and midwifery professions. The event, held at the NAF Conference Centre, also saw prominent figures and institutions honoured as ambassadors and icons for their outstanding contributions to healthcare. The awards underscored the pivotal role of nurses and midwives in advancing Nigeria’s journey towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The NSDNM, developed in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), focuses on four strategic pillars: education, job creation, leadership, and service delivery. It aims to address critical challenges such as workforce shortages, nurse migration, and quality care delivery, aligning with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII).
Honorees Recognised as Ambassadors and Icons
The Nigerian Strategic Directions for Nursing and Midwifery committee presented awards to a distinguished group of leaders and institutions, celebrating their dedication to advancing the profession. Honorees included:
- Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, recognised for his advocacy in health policy and legislative support for nursing reforms.
- Dr. Tunji Alausa, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, named Ambassador of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives.
- Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, honoured as a key member of the NSDNM committee.
- Dr. Obanigo, FMOH nursing representative and former Deputy Governor of Rivers State, also recognised on the NSDNM committee.
- Alhaji Farouk Umar Abubakar, Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), awarded as Vice Chairman of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors (CMDs).
- Mrs. Mojisola Olanike Okuduga, celebrated as an Icon of Nurses and Midwives.
- Prof. Chika Grace Ugochukwu, a consultant and key contributor, named an Icon of Nurses and Midwives.
- Prof. Kola Oyedepo, recognised as an Icon of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives.
- Prof. Mildred John, honoured as an Icon of Nurses and Midwives.
- Chief Lawrence Awojide, celebrated as an Icon of Nurses and Midwives.
- Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, acknowledged for his support.
- Mrs. Chika Eunice Azuike, recognised as an Icon of Nurses and Midwives.
- Prof. Omolola Irinoye, honoured as an Icon of Nurses and Midwives.
- Prof. Faith Diogu, celebrated as an Icon of Nurses and Midwives.
- Dr. Zainab Chinkafi Bagudu, First Lady of Kebbi State and health advocate, recognised for her contributions.
- Dr. Mrs. Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, honoured as an Icon of Nurses and Midwives.
- Dr. Salma Ibrahim Annas, Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital Abuja, celebrated as an Icon of Nurses and Midwives.
- Dr. Iziab Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for Environment, acknowledged for cross-sectoral support.
- Alhaji Mohamed Maigari Ndiagi, Minister of Labour and Employment, recognised for labour-related contributions to healthcare.
- WHO Country Office in Nigeria, awarded for its pivotal role in global health collaboration.
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Ibadan, honoured for its foundational contributions to nursing education.
These recipients were celebrated for their leadership in policy, education, clinical practice, and community health, embodying the spirit of transformation outlined in the NSDNM.
A Vision for Nursing Excellence
The NSDNM aims to position nurses and midwives as “highly competent professionals” delivering evidence-based care. Prof. Pate highlighted the plan’s commitment to increasing nursing school enrollment from 28,000 to 115,000 annually, addressing Nigeria’s need for an additional 70,000 nurses and midwives by 2030. The strategy tackles nurse migration through ethical recruitment practices and improved working conditions, while promoting competency-based curricula, infrastructure upgrades in over 400 nursing schools, and continuous professional development (CPD).
Dr. Obanigo praised the plan as a “game-changer,” aligning with WHO’s global efforts to address nursing shortages. The UNFPA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the FMOH, emphasizing the urgency of workforce expansion. Hon. Gbajabiamila, represented by Dr. Dike Obalomu, described nurses as the “sole heartbeat of healthcare,” underscoring that supporting them is “non-negotiable” under President Tinubu’s people-centered vision.
A Call for Collaboration
The ceremony, moderated by Mrs. Salome Ekeremor, saw stakeholders commend the NSDNM as a beacon of hope for Nigerian healthcare. Prof. Pate lauded the exemplary service of Lagos State nurses, citing Dr. Ogunyemi’s contributions as a model of excellence. The FMOH&SW called for sustained partnerships with state governments, private sectors, and international organizations to ensure the plan’s success.
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