09/05/2026
FUHSTHO MARKS INTERNATIONAL NURSES WEEK 2026 WITH OUTREACH, LECTURES AND RENEWED COMMITMENT TO NURSING EXCELLENCE.
As part of its annual celebration, the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital Otukpo (FUHSTHO) held its International Nurses Week celebration on Friday, 8 May, 2026. Held under the theme _“Our Nurses, Our Future: Empowered Nurses Save Lives,”_ the week-long event showcased a marked improvement in the range of programmes presented by the nursing staff, under the distinguished leadership of the Chief Medical Director, Professor Teddy Eyaofun, and the dedicated efforts of all members of the planning and organizing committee.
The celebration featured a free medical outreach programme offering blood pressure and blood sugar level checks, alongside other essential health vitals, provided at no cost to both staff members and the general public.
During the outreach, the Head of Department of Nursing, Nr. Gladys Oche, presented a branded face cap and T-shirt souvenir to the Chief Medical Director.
The gesture was intended to acknowledge his contributions and support to the nursing profession within the past year of his tenure.
The historic event commenced with a welcome address delivered by the HOD Nursing Services, Nr. Oche Gladys.
She underscored the benefits of investing in nurses, stating that a hospital setting without nurses is akin to “a building with equipment but without its lifeblood.”
The programme also included a documentary on Florence Nightingale, the mother of modern nursing, aptly titled _“The Woman with the Lamp,”_ a designation long used by journalists to describe her legacy.
The guest speaker, Dr. Innocent Elaigwu Ekoja, PhD, who holds an impeccable academic record and is currently lecturing at Birmingham University, Nasarawa State, delivered a well-researched and thought-provoking lecture on nursing.
He described nursing as a calling that must be guided by staff welfare, recognition, and respect.
He further emphasized that nurses are often the first and last healthcare professionals to attend to patients, playing a pivotal role in ensuring productive healthcare delivery within the hospital.
He cautioned against burnout and excessive working hours, stressing that optimal care can only be achieved when nurses are adequately supported.
In his remarks, Professor Teddy Eyaofun Agida, Chief Medical Director of FUHSTHO, commended the guest speaker for honouring the invitation.
The CMD reaffirmed his unwavering support for nurses at FUHSTHO in promoting excellence in healthcare.
He called for enhanced managerial and work-related understanding between his office and the nursing staff to further strengthen service delivery at the hospital.
The Vice Chairman of NANNM Benue State Council, Comrade Nr. Atani Daniel Okpeh, expressed admiration for the transformation he observed at the hospital.
He praised the CMD for sustaining the momentum despite limited resources and stated that FUHSTHO nurses are on track to inscribe their names in gold, potentially surpassing institutions that commenced operations earlier.
The event was attended by notable dignitaries, including the CMAC Dr. Augustine Ogwuche; HOD Audit, Ebenizer Ajiboye; HOD Accounts, Mrs. Grace Ondoma; HOD Works, Arch. Sunny Ishalu; and several other guests.
At the close of the programme, Nr. Emmanuel Abah delivered the vote of thanks, extending appreciation to all attendees, including students from Nana College of Midwifery who were present at the event.
This development underscores FUHSTHO nurses’ readiness to promote effective nursing services and uphold high standards of patient care within the hospital.
Source:
Protocol/Information /Public Relations Department FUHSTHO.
8/5/2026.