By Joy Salami
Mr. Albert Alabi, a nurse and public health administrator from Kogi Central District, has been honoured by his colleagues following his appointment as Permanent Secretary in the Kogi State Civil Service.
The colourful reception, organised by the Kogi State Central Nurses Forum under the umbrella of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), drew facility heads, retired nurses, management staff of health institutions and other stakeholders from across the district.
The event, described as a unity reception, was aimed at celebrating one of their own who has risen through the ranks of the nursing profession to attain a top administrative position in the state.
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In his opening remarks, the Provost of Kogi State College of Nursing, Dr. James Anaza Joseph, represented by the deputy provost, Mrs. Bilikis Momoh, said the occasion was not only to celebrate Mr. Alabi but also to reflect the oneness and unity within the nursing profession.
He noted that the reception provided an opportunity for nurses to set aside sentiments and show love to one another, stressing that the profession thrives on unity and collective support.
The Provost described Mr. Alabi as a dedicated, committed and professional nurse who served the college diligently as a lecturer with zeal and utmost professionalism, and prayed for God’s wisdom and guidance upon him as he discharges his responsibilities.
Also speaking, the former Provost, Alhaji S.A Yahaya, described the celebrant as a man known for diligence and hard work, adding that his elevation was divinely ordained.
Speaking during the event, Mr. Alabi expressed profound gratitude to God for the opportunity to serve and thanked his colleagues for organising the reception in his honour.
In his words, “this appointment marks a historic milestone, to become the first nurse from Kogi Central to attain the position of Permanent Secretary in Kogi State. I am deeply grateful to God and to His Excellency for considering me worthy of this responsibility,” he said.
He described the reception as a show of appreciation to the Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for appointing one of their members into such a strategic position on merit.
Mr. Alabi also appreciated the Commissioner for Education, Wemi Jones, for providing an enabling environment and support since his assumption of office.
Highlighting his professional background, he stated that he is not only a nurse but also a health educator, public health consultant and administrator. He recalled his previous service in the Ministry of Health, where he served as Programme Manager and State Coordinator for Neglected Tropical Diseases, noting that his experience in public health administration has prepared him for greater responsibilities in governance.
He further encouraged nurses across the state to remain dedicated to their service to humanity, stressing that a healthy nation is built on healthy individuals.
A healthy individual makes a healthy nation. I urge my colleagues to be up and doing in their service to patients and clients. Let us support the government and give our best in extending life expectancy and improving healthcare delivery, he charged.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Chairman of Retired Nurses and the leadership of NANNM acknowledged Mr. Alabi’s steadfastness and unwavering commitment to duty over the years, expressing confidence that he would bring his wealth of experience to bear in his new role.
The reception brought together nurses and facility heads from General Hospital Nagazi, General Hospital Obangede, General Hospital Okene, General Hospital Adavi, General Hospital Ajaokuta, as well as representatives from the Mother and Child Hospital and other health facilities within Okehi, Okene, Adavi, Ajaokuta and surrounding local government areas in Kogi Central.
For many attendees, the reception was more than a celebration of personal achievement; it was a symbol of hope and recognition for the nursing profession in Kogi Central and the state at large.
