The Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB), through its Directorate of Nursing, has convened the 2025 Nurses Assembly under the resonant theme: “Our Nurses, Our Future:Caring for Nurses Strengthens Economies.”
Held recently at the NANNM House, Amaraolu Street, Ikeja, the event brought together nursing professionals from all six health districts of the state, alongside government representatives and key healthcare stakeholders. The gathering underscored the vital role nurses play in both healthcare delivery and broader socio economic development.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Ibrahim Akinwunmi Mustafa, mni, Permanent Secretary of the LSPHCB, represented by the Director, Nursing Services, Nurse Anne Olasumbo Oyesanya, reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to advancing the professional development of nurses, particularly at the primary health care level.
“We hold our nurses in the highest regard. Their dedication at the grassroots level makes them not only a critical agent of healthcare delivery but also vital agents of national resilience”, Dr. Mustafa stated. “Let this assembly renew your passion, strengthen your voice, and empower your hands to continue delivering excellent care at all levels.”
In her welcome address, Nurse Anne Oyesanya highlighted the timeliness of this year’s theme, noting its relevance to current healthcare and economic realities. “This year’s theme is a powerful reminder of the indispensable role nurses play not just in healthcare delivery but in shaping the socioeconomic fabric of our communities,” she said.
Oyesanya emphasised that nurses remain the first point of contact for individuals and families across Lagos, delivering skilled, compassionate, and often life-saving care.
She also informed that this year’s assembly has been expanded to feature three interactive, nurse-led stations focusing on key areas of practice including Respectful Maternity Care, Breastfeeding Support, Immunisation Best Practices among others.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. (Mrs.) Mary Lateef-Yusuf, retired Deputy Director, Nursing, LSPHCB, spoke on the theme “Our Nurses, Our Future: Caring for Nurses Strengthens Economies.”
She urged the government to prioritise the welfare of nurses and encouraged practitioners to commit to ongoing self-development and professional empathy.
Also addressing attendees, Nurse Olaniyi-Agboola of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, led a session titled: “Mental Health and Wellbeing of Nurses: A Pillar of Economic Stability.”
She stressed the importance of mental wellness among nurses, citing its direct impact on the effectiveness of the healthcare system and overall national productivity.
Participants also benefited from a vital orientation on the “Lagos State Public Service Rules and Schemes of Service: What Every Nurse Must Know”, delivered by Mr. Moshood Kazeem, Deputy Director Admin & HR at the Lagos State Public Service Office.
He emphasised the need for nurses to understand these frameworks to ensure compliance, accountability, and enhanced service delivery.