NUNSA NATIONAL PRESIDENT SPEECH AT NUNSA UNIMAID NIGHTINGALE AWARDS

SPEECH BY THE NUNSA NATIONAL PRESIDENT, NR. REUBEN ZIRAHGI MARKUS AT THE PRESENTATION OF NUNSA UNIMAID FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE AWARDS FOR NURSING/NON NURSING PERSONNEL

8th April, 2021

Standing on the existing protocol I remain my humble self Comrade Nr. Reuben Zirahgi Markus, the National President of the Nigerian Universities Nursing Students’ Association (NUNSA). It is indeed a happy occasion for me to confer the NUNSA Unimaid Nightingale Awards for the year 2021 to the deserving nursing/non-nursing personnel of our state. At the outset, let me extend my warm greetings to the entire nursing fraternity on this occasion. Most especially the HOD Nursing UMTH Nr. Innocent Andrew Mamza, Cmr. Nr. Adam (NANNM Chairman UMTH) and his cabinet, Nr. Babaji Maigari (HOD Nursing Dept. University of Maiduguri) for their effort towards actualization of Nursing Internship at UMTH.

I’ll not hesitate to also extend my profound gratitude to the State NANNM Chairman Cmr. Nr. Umar Shettima and his cabinet, Nr. Fati (HOD Nursing SSHM), Nr. Maryam (DNS HMB) and DNS SMoH Nr. Zainab Ibrahim and their subordinates for their immense support to Nursing Students’ union most especially NUNSA National and effort towards actualization of Nursing Internship at State Hospital. We look forward for the transformation of State School of Nursing Department of Nursing under the Borno State University and many more developments in nursing as nurses are the key to sustainable healthcare.

Today through the medium of these Awards, we have recognized men and women of timba and caliba who have distinguished themselves by their extraordinary services in the field of nursing. The NUNSA Unimaid Florence Nightingale Awards is a fitting tribute to the iconic Lady with the Lamp who continues to symbolize the dedication of nurses and inspire the nursing community worldwide. Florence Nightingale viewed nursing as an independent profession, which shares a unique relationship with the medical profession. Nursing professionals are the backbone of the healthcare system. Through education and innovation, this profession has undergone considerable professionalization over the last few decades.

Ladies and Gentlemen
Nurses play a vital role in all aspects of healthcare likewise Nursing Students’, be it national health campaigns like covid-19 control measures, polio eradication, mid-wife services and community education. Their level of commitment and care are much valued in both urban and rural areas, including remote areas of the country. Their contribution is critical in the achievement of the nations healthcare goals. Their inputs into health sector policies are equally important for they help in creating the necessary supportive work environment for their practice. Going through the news few days back I came across an international scholarship, granted by the Jere Federal House of Representative in person of Hon. Engr. Satomi Alhaji Ahmed which Nursing was missing, I am through the party chairman Mallam Kachalla Maifata extending my request to honorable on behalf of the entire Nursing Students in Nigeria to consider Nursing students in all sort of scholarship as Nurses are the Frontline of healthcare and need an advanced training in sustaining the healthcare.

I am urging the good Government of Borno State under the leadership of H.E Gov. Babagana Umara Zulum to develop global standards for professional nursing and midwifery education. Which are aimed at raising the quality of nursing education and creating paths for professional advancement in line with national, regional and global health needs. New technologies are now available for monitoring progress in all aspects of training and capacity building. I am confident that these new measures will go a long way in achieving the desired results in Borno State and Nigeria at large.

With these words, I conclude. I wish the meritorious nursing professionals, Nursing Students’ and Nursing Supporters like Hon. Adamu Lawan Zaufanjinba, Hon. Inna Galadima, Hon. Engr. Satomi Ahmed, Hon. Alhaji Kachalla Maifata, Hon. Nuhu Clerk and many more of our state, who have been honoured today, all success in their careers.

Thank you.

Signed
SSA To the NUNSA President

For:
Nr. Reuben Zirahgi Markus
NUNSA NATIONAL PRESIDENT

Leave a Reply