So Far So Good: Ogun NANNM Chairperson, Comrade Solarin Gives Highlight of Achievement In Office

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In her effort to promote transparency in office Comrade (Nurse) Roseline Solarin, the Ogun State Chairperson of the Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), has given highlights of her administration’s scorecard since she assumed office from 19th October 2019 to 12th October 2023.

Solarin gave this during ceremony of the NANNM State Delegate conference, held at the Nurses’s House, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Thursday.

Comrade Solarin, disclosed that her administration promised dedication and selfless service to the nurses, revealed that the promises have started manifesting with visible results in many areas.

Solarin further said that her administration has successfully facilitated promotions across the various health tiers.

She said, “In the area of promotions, we successfully facilitated promotions across the various tiers, including the federal health institutions, Hospitals Management Board, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, and also the
Local Government Nurses”.

“In many of these Health Institutions where there has been stagnation for about 13 years, were finally promoted to the post of Directors of Nursing Services, Deputy Directors of Nursing Services, Assistant Directors of Nursing Services”.

“Thanks to Prince Dapo Abiodun’s Administration, a very listening and Compassionate Governor”.

In the area of employment, “we facilitated the employment of more nurses, across the aforementioned Health Institutions”.

“The most significant increase was witnessed at the Local Government Service Commission, where the number of Nurses rose from 165 to349, Before our intervention, the last employment of the nurses in this capacity occurred in 2006”.

“This accomplishment stands as a testament to our commitment to improving the workforce and providing more opportunities for our members”.

In the area of infrastructural development, the Chairperson stated:

“We undertook various infrastructural development projects, including the re-conversion of the Nurse’s house bungalow into a Guest House, flooring of the Nurse’s house, reconstruction of the fence and gate”.

“Additionally, we procured a new Generator 3500kva to ensure uninterrupted power supply, regular maintenance of the Nurses House has also been carried out to provide a comfortable and conducive environment for our members”.

In the area of education advancement, Comrade Solarin stated that her administration, Ogun State School of Nursing has been transformed into a College of
Nursing with the appointment of a Substantive Provost to lead the Institution”.

In the same development, she stressed that the School of Psychiatric Nursing Aro has also been
transformed into the College of Psychiatric Nursing also with a
Substantive Provost to lead the College.

The Chairperson however said this development signifies the association’s commitment to the growth and elevation of Nursing Education
in the State.

Speaking on collaboration and engagements, Comrade Solarin said, “We have successfully coordinated Nurses working at mission Hospitals, but like Babcock Teaching Hospital, Christ Land University, Javad College of Nursing, and Sacred Heart hospitals, they are yet to be unionized but we attend some of these programmes like School accreditation and graduation of students”.

“We also engaged with Private Nurse Practitioners in Ogun State, by fostering collaboration and unity, we have strengthened the Nursing Community in Ogun State”.

On advocacy at the labour front, “Our involvement with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC} has been significant, with a Nurse my humble self serving as the current Secretary of the NLC on Appointment. Several of our members hold reputable positions at the Local Executive Council of NLC and they also head some committees inaugurated by NLC”.

“We also hold the position of Treasurer of the Public Joint Negotiating Council NPJNC, the tenure will end by November. Challenges Faced by Our Union and the Way Forward”.

Comrade Solarin further added that the administration under her leadership has also championed a cause to ensure the resolution of the challenges witnessed through the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) by engaging with the relevant government authorities responsible for its implementation.

“Another pressing issue is the non-payment of all our Federal Health
Institutions, in Ogun state through the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS)”.

“This problem adversely affects the developmental projects of the association and undermines the motivation and commitments of our
members”.

“To tackle this challenge, we must engage with the relevant government authorities responsible for the implementation of IPPIS”.

“We should advocate for a streamlined and efficient payment system that ensures prompt and accurate remittance of COD from our members to the Association through the National Secretariat”, she added.

In conclusion, she commended the support of the past leaders, the Nursing fora, the team players, the Nigeria Medical Association, the PJNC, the Nigeria Labour Congress, and the leadership of NANNM in Nigeria.

“Your collective efforts and collaboration have had a profound impact on me, and I am grateful for all that you have imparted”.