The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Staff Clinic brought its 2026 Nurses Week celebration to a memorable close with a grand finale marking International Nurses Day, as health professionals, management staff, and dignitaries gathered to honor the dedication and sacrifices of nurses.
The week-long celebration, themed “Our Nurses, Our Future: Empowered Nurses Save Lives,” highlighted the critical role nurses play in healthcare delivery, patient safety, and national development.
In her welcome address, Head of Nursing Unit, Nurse Mercy Ogunleye, described nurses as the backbone of compassionate healthcare delivery at the INEC Clinic.
“Despite the inadequacies, we witness the power in our nurses’ clinical expertise, compassion for staff and their families, and dedication,” she said.
She noted that the Nurses Week celebration, which commenced on May 6 with a road walk and enlightenment campaign, was designed to recognize the diverse and indispensable roles nurses play in society.
“Because of you, INEC Staff Clinic is more than a facility; it is a safe haven,” Ogunleye told the nurses, while appreciating the support of INEC management and the Health Services Department.
Chairman of the Health and Welfare Committee and National Commissioner, Prof. Rhoda Gumus, in her opening remarks, praised nurses for their unwavering commitment to humanity and healthcare delivery.
“Nursing is a work of heart,” she declared. “You are serving humanity and serving God. Nurses and doctors are chosen by God to serve humanity.”
Prof. Gumus emphasized that International Nurses Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the contributions of nurses in patient care, disease prevention, and health promotion. She also referenced the symbolic significance of the oil lamp associated with Florence Nightingale, founder of modern nursing.
Delivering the keynote address, Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Ndagi Alhassan, RN, PhD, FWAPCNM, reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to strengthening the nursing profession through strategic reforms and professional empowerment.
“As the sole regulatory body of Nursing and Midwifery education and practice in Nigeria, the Council has taken deliberate strategic actions to strengthen and advance the nursing profession,” he stated.
He added that every nursing intervention represents “acts of courage, competence, and compassion,” stressing that the future of healthcare in Nigeria depends heavily on the strength of its nursing workforce.
Representing the Secretary to the Commission, Mrs. Rose Orianran Anthony, Director of Secretariat, Mrs. Okuonghae Olayide, commended nurses for making healthcare humane through their resilience and dedication.
“This week, the Commission celebrates you not just for what you do, but for who you are,” she said. “May you know how deeply your service matters.”
One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of awards to the INEC Chairman, represented by Prof. Rhoda Gumus, Hon. Secretary to the Commission Mrs. Rose Omoa Oriaran-Anthony represented by Director secretariat as well as retired nurses recognized for their years of meritorious service.
In his remarks, the INEC Chairman Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) expressed appreciation to nurses for their immense contributions to staff welfare and national service, acknowledging the difficult conditions under which they often work.
“You are indeed the bedrock of healthcare delivery,” he said. “Your professionalism, dedication, and compassion continue to make a difference despite the constraints.”
The Chairman also announced plans by the Commission to improve healthcare infrastructure for staff, revealing that renovation processes had already commenced for the clinic ,alongside efforts to equip the facility.
He further disclosed that INEC had resolved to acquire a bigger facility for the Area 10 clinic to ensure more effective and efficient healthcare delivery to staff.
“If you want a productive workforce, you must think about their health,” he stated, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to staff welfare.
