The Minister of the Nigerian Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, has acknowledged and commended the contributions and achievements of the nursing professionals in the FCT, saying they have been demonstrating hard work and good leadership.
The Minister who gave the commendation in Abuja on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, when a delegation from the National Association of the Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), FCT Chapter, led by the Chairman, Comrade Deborah Yusufu paid him a courtesy visit in his office, said the FCT Administration will continue to cherish the efforts of the association as partners in the FCT project.
Malam Bello, in particular, praised the sacrifices and contributions made by the nurses in the FCT during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic where the FCT was one of the epicentres, saying the entire city will be eternally grateful to them.
He said: “I personally have really worked very closely with you and I’ve seen what you’ve been able to do. I think in Abuja, all of us will be very grateful to you for your role during the COVID-19 pandemic. We all went through it here in the city and Abuja being the second epicentre, we know the sacrifices you went through and I saw the leadership also that was really demonstrated by your Chairman and also by your entire EXCO. For that, I think the entire city and the FCT Administration will be eternally grateful to you.”
The Minister also appreciated the constant dialogue and communication between the FCTA and the Nursing Association, saying it has helped to promote industrial harmony in the FCT.
He said, “You’ve also been a pillar of support to us, particularly in terms of our efforts to really improve on Industrial relations within the FCT and I’ve had a lot of feedback. When we are going wrong, instead of the normal system of writing a lengthy letter and copying so many people, the Chairman will just find a way of communicating to me and tell me that this and this is wrong and it’s very important to do this and this. I’m sure whenever she speaks and communicates with me, she does that with the support of all of you. That to a very large extent has helped us as an administration to be able to really do what is right.”
The Minister therefore appealed to the association to continue on its worthy path of making a difference in the FCT in its activities as a union and the provision of services to residents of the FCT by its members.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman, FCT Chapter, National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM). Comrade Deborah Yusufu had commended the Minister for the support enjoyed by the association, which, she said, had created the enabling environment for nurses in the FCT to work efficiently and effectively.
She stressed that the harmonious relationship between the FCTA and the union has a lot to do with the support and commitment of the Minister to the welfare of members of the association.
Comrade Yusufu said; “Sir, we are happy to be a part of your success story today in the FCT because of the cordial and harmonious working relationship we established, sustained and uphold up to this moment. It is not unconnected with the fact that you have always given us audience, identify with us and of course attend to our issues expeditiously to the best of your ability.”
The Chairman who commended the FCT Administration for being the first in the implementation of government policies such as the implementation and payment of arrears of CONHESS to health workers, skipping, relativity allowances and arrears, consequential adjustment of minimum wage and arrears as well as the implementation of the nurses’ scheme of service, also expressed the appreciation of members for the prompt payment of salaries to workers and the promotion of workers when due.
Present at the meeting were the FCT Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusade Adesola, Chief of Staff to the Minister, Malam Bashir Mai-Bornu, Secretaries, Legal and Health and Human Services, Barr. Muhammad Babangida Umar and Dr. Abubakar Tafida, Director, Treasury, Alhaji Zanna A. Hamza, Director, Land Administration, Tpl. Adamu Jibrin Hussaini and other officials of the FCTA and executives of the NANNW.
Lateefah Ibrahim
