By Bashir Hassan Abubakar
A two day State Delegate Conference of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) Bauchi State Council has opened in the State Capital, Bauchi.
Declaring the conference opened, Bauchi State head of service Yahuza Adamu Haruna described the delegates as thorough professionals in their field of humanitarian services.
Represented by the permanent secretary special services in the office of the HoS, Barr. Umar Sani Shira, the head of service applauded the outgoing state leadership of NANNM for their professional conduct and doggedness in improving the welfare of their members.
The head of service then wished them a successful conference that would further strengthen the Association and also assured that the state civil service is always ready to partner with NANNM for a better health outcomes in Bauchi State.
He informed the gathering that the State Government has maintained a cordial relationship with organized labour and all it’s affiliates and expressed his hope that such relationships would be sustained.
In an address by the National President of NANNM, Comrade Nnachi Micheal said the conference marks the end of current leadership which will pave the way for the coming of new state executives that will manned the affairs of the Association for the next four years.
Comrade Micheal, who was represented by Comrade David Nanushi , National Auditor 1 of the Association, appreciated the outgoing leadership for their various roles and contributions for the growth of the Association, adding that their effort will not be taken for granted.
The National President also urged delegates to acquaint themselves with relevant provisions of NANNM constitution, stressing that “adherence to constitutional guidelines will no doubt lead to a peaceful, fair and credible elections”.
While calling for a rancor-free election, Comrade Micheal said that in every election, winners and run ups will always emerge and that winners must be magnanimous in carrying everyone along, including those who conceded during the election process.
The NANNM President then called on the Association’s leaders at all levels to always ensure free flow of communication and information dissemination in order to reduce inherent internal conflicts resulting from lack of knowledge and awareness in the operations of the Association.
While giving an account of his stewardship at the State Council, the outgoing State Chairman of NANNM Comrade Nurse Ibrahim Maikudi said that the modest achievements recorded during his tenure was as a result of God enablement and the collective commitment and support from all stakeholders and members.
Comrade Maikudi said that though his four year tenure had been quite challenging in the course of recording its achievements, he appreciated Bauchi State Government for being a labour friendly State and for strengthening the health sector through building and rehabilitating health facilities across the state.
While highlighting some of his successes, the outgoing chairman said NANNM relationship with all Government MDAs and other affiliates of organized labour at the State level had been cordial.
On the general nurses welfare during tenure, Comrade Maikudi said they were able to facilitate promotions, Inservice training and improved remuneration.
Other achievements according to the outgoing going chairman were in the areas of capacity building, fast tracking full accreditation of colleges, brokering of peace in some of the unit branch and creation of new branches.
Comrade Maikudi revealed that Bauchi NANNM played a modest role in the employment of nurses and midwives by the state government under the pre-service scheme and the construction of new secretariat of the Association.
He also mentioned the support NANNM is providing to colleges of nursing within the state and the establishment of the Bauchi State nurses saving scheme as some of their achievements during his tenure.
There were fraternal messages from the NLC, TUC, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and the State ministry of health.
Our correspondent reports that at the end of the two days delegate conference, new leadership of the Association will emerge after an elections.