The Governing Board of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria was inaugurated by the Honourable Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire on 16th November 2020 at Statement Hotel, Central Business District, Abuja. The minister in his remarks told the board that “procurement and award of contracts are not part of Board functions: they are strictly guided by provisions of the procurement Act, 2007, as provided by the Bureau of Public Procurement.”
He tasked them to strengthen the Council’s resource base, increase internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and improve the effectiveness and efficiency of resource utilization, in line with Government Financial Regulations.
In line with President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR Next Level Agenda, transparency and accountability in the affairs of Health Institutions is paramount, Dr. Ehanire noted. He commissioned them to imbibe the highest standards of quality control, discipline and reposition the profession for greater heights. He also noted that the primary vision of President Muhammadu Buhari, as it involves nurses in achieving the Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The tenure of the inaugurated Governing Board of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria is from 2020 to 2023. The board members are Dr. (Mrs) Bola Ofi as Chairman, Mrs Veronica Okolo, Comrade Abdrafiu A. Adeniji, Comrade T. A. Shettima, Mr. Aminu Bello Abdullahi, Mrs. Ajayi Olubukunola, Mrs. Agbo Stella Onyeamaka, Safiya Yusuf Idris, Mrs. Maymunat A. Abubakar, and Dr. Obute Pauline Binang.
Others are: Mr. Idris Zubairu, Mrs. Enunwaonye Chimdi H., Mr. Danladi Adamu, Prof. Ajibade Bayo Lawal, Dr. Abdurrahman Muhammad Sani, Mr. Maigari Babaji, Mrs. Akpoyovwere Obataze J., Dr. Joy O. Agbara, Mrs. Florence Okafor, Mr. Umar Fodio and Mr. Sunday Idubor.
Mr. Abdulaziz Mashi Abdullahi, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, who was represented by the Director, Hospital Services, Dr. Adebimpe Adebiyi mni remarked that “the rapidly changing health care system requires highly competent leaders to advance their capabilities and knowledge in order to improve the quality of the Nigeria populace.” The Permanent Secretary said that the year 2020 which came with the COVID-19 Pandemic and the notable role played by the Nurses in the management and control of the disease makes it apt to see the year as designated by the World Health Assembly as the year of Nurses and Midwives. In the fight against the pandemic and other health challenges all over the world, he described the Nurses and Midwives as “incredible warriors.”
The Governing Board, Chairman, Dr. (Mrs) Bola Ofiin who was reappointed for a Second Term, commended the Registrar and the Governing Council for their innovative and proactive ways of running the Council to achieve the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and other national policies of health. She extended same recognition and gratitude to the Honourable Minister for prompt action and approval of those enormous works of Council which needed his endorsement despite the tight schedules at leading the Ministry of Health in the battle against COVID-19. She pledged on behalf of her new team not to disappoint.
