Dare Babalola
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has commended Nigerian nurses for their resilience and commitment to saving lives despite the harsh realities they face in the country’s healthcare sector.
In a statement issued on Tuesday to mark this year’s World Nurses Day, Obi praised nurses and midwives across Nigeria for continuing to serve with dignity and courage amid difficult working conditions.
“On this World Nurses Day, I wish to appreciate all the nurses and midwives in our dear nation, who occupy a very special place and play very critical roles in our health sector,” Obi said.
He noted that many nurses operate under severe pressure, including inadequate medical equipment, poor workplace environments, high patient-to-nurse ratios, and the physical and emotional strain that comes with the profession.
“Nigerian nurses work under some of the toughest conditions with dignity and courage. From physical and mental stress to high patient-to-nurse ratios, lack of equipment and poor working environments, your resilience keeps our health sector going,” he stated.
Obi described nurses as the heartbeat of Nigeria’s healthcare system, stressing that their compassion, sacrifice and dedication remain essential to the survival of the sector.
He also recalled supporting schools and colleges of nursing and midwifery across different parts of the country, saying he has always recognised the crucial role nurses play in national development.
“I have always maintained that our nurses are the heart of the health sector. Their compassion, sacrifice and resilience keep our nation alive,” he added.
The former Anambra State governor further celebrated Nigerian nurses making remarkable contributions abroad, noting that many have distinguished themselves globally through leadership, research and clinical excellence.
“Beyond the shores of our nation, our nurses have continued to make exploits on the global stage and have lifted our national banner high,” Obi said.
He pledged that under a better Nigeria, health workers would receive improved recognition, welfare and investment in professional development.
“We will build a New Nigeria where your hard work and sacrifices will never go unnoticed. We will invest in your education and training to ensure that you remain competitive globally,” he said.
