By: Dim Chinwendu & Owo-Chinedu Nneka
UNTH News online

The Nursing Services Division of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, celebrated its 2025 Nurses Week with the theme “Our Nurses, Our Future: Caring for Nurses Strengthens the Economy.” The event, which also commemorated the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, which is observed annually on May 12, took place today, Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

The celebration, as usual, commenced with a symbolic lamp parade, setting a vibrant tone for a day filled with meaningful activities and tributes to the nursing profession.

The representative of the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Obinna Onodugo, Dr. Nkiru Nwachukwu, DCMAC Theatre and Inpatient, delivered a heartfelt welcome address. She commended the nurses for their unwavering dedication to improving patient care and encouraged them to remain committed to their noble calling.

In her speech, Lady Joy Unigwe, Director of Nursing Services, described nursing as more than just a profession—it is a true calling. She emphasized the need for better working environments, durable equipment, improved conditions of service, and access to sponsored clinical training programs to enhance nurse productivity and overall healthcare outcomes.

A major highlight of the event was a thought-provoking keynote lecture delivered by Professor Clementina Nwankwo from the Department of Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. She spoke extensively on the holistic well-being of nurses, stressing that the health of caregivers is critical to the effectiveness of the healthcare system. “A healthy nurse is essential for quality patient care,” she noted. Prof. Nwankwo also outlined the broader benefits of supporting nurses, including improved patient outcomes, a more reliable healthcare workforce, and enhanced economic stability.

Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Obioha Episteme, encouraged nurses to build strong professional careers while appreciating the opportunities they have within the country. He urged them to remain proud of their contributions to human health care.

The celebration featured several captivating performances, including a powerful poem recitation by student midwife Benedicta C. Okworka, a war-themed playlet, and a pantomime dance presented by the nurse interns. Other activities included the ceremonial cutting of the Nightingale Cake.

The event was well attended by dignitaries including the Director of Administration, Mrs. Uche Obi; Dr. Ukemenan Wilfred, DCMAC, Emergency Medicine and Outpatient, DCMAC Theatre and Inpatient, and Dr. Nkiru Nwachukwu; Associate Prof. Salome Ezeofor, DCMAC Radiological and Laboratory Service; Deputy Directors and Assistant Directors of Nursing Services; and a host of other distinguished nurses and guests.