Today, we celebrate a remarkable individual who has dedicated his life to advancing the nursing profession and healthcare system in Cross River State. Coco-Bassey Esu, a distinguished nurse leader and Special Assistant to the Governor on Nursing, marks another year of life, service, and commitment to improving the lives of others.
Born into the family of Late Etinyin Henry N. Coco-Bassey of Eyamba clan, Calabar South LGA, Cross River State, Coco-Bassey Esu’s educational journey includes FSLC, SSCE, Registered Nurse, Registered Orthopedic Nurse, and currently pursuing an MBBS.
Coco-Bassey Esu has held numerous prestigious offices, including:
– Secretary, National Students Nurses And Midwives Association, CRS
– Student Union President, School of Nursing,Itigidi, now College of Nursing science, Itigidi.
– PRO, National Association of Nigeria Nurses/ Midwives, Uburu, Ebonyi state
– Secretary, National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Uburu, Ebonyi State
– Clinical Instructor, Ebonyi State University. Department of Nursing.
– Secretary, Post basic, National Orthopedic Schools, Enugu
– Parliamentarian, Calabar University Medical Students Association
– President, Calabar Golden Leo club
– Region Director, Region 5, Leo District 404 A2
– Region / District officer, Leo District 404 A2
– Nigeria Leo Advisor, Calabar Lions club
– PRO, National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Headquarters unit, CRS
– Secretary, National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Headquarters unit, CRS
– Secretary, National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives Publicity Committee, CRS
– Special Assistant on International Development Cooperation to the Governor of Cross River State, Gov Ben Ayade
– Media Aid to Senator Gershom Bassey, Senator, Cross River South Senatorial District
– Media Aid/PA to Hon Commissioner for Health, Dr Inyang Asibong now Commissioner for International Development Cooperation/Donor Support
– Member, CRS COVID 19 Steering Committee
– Head, Medical Team, Master Blasta
– Supervisor, Maternal and child health Immunization Exercise
– Supervisor/Enumerator, National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office
– Resource Person/Member, CRS Strategic Health Plan, CRS Pioneer Health Summit, CRS Primary Health Development Plan FHI360 Costed Strategic Plan
– Director General,CRS, New Media, Atiku/Okowa Campaign organization.
– Director General, Coalition of Political parties CRS for BackToSouth.
– Member, CRS Care Taker committee SACA.
– Currently,Special Assistant to CRS Governor on Nursing.
Coco-Bassey Esu has received several awards for his selfless service, including:
– Leo Award of Honor (LAH)
– Member Order of Malabor (MOM)
– University of Calabar Campus Personality Award
– Niger Delta Icon and Dynamic Award as the Most Influential Personality
– Patron Award from the National Association of Nigeria Student Nurses and Midwives (NANSNM) for outstanding contributions to nursing students and the development of the nursing profession and other awards quite numerous to mention.
As Special Assistant to the Governor on Nursing, Coco-Bassey Esu is driven by a vision to ensure nurses are well-supported and play a critical role in delivering high-quality care. His threefold mission includes:
1. Facilitating continuous learning, training, and professional development for nurses
2. Collaborating with healthcare practitioners to provide responsive health services
3. Advocating for policies and programs addressing inclusive healthcare services
Coco-Bassey Esu’s focus areas include:
1. Nursing Education and Training
2. Policy Development and Implementation
3. Strengthening Healthcare Infrastructure
4. Advocacy and Representation
5. Quality Assurance in Nursing Practice
6. Collaboration with Healthcare Stakeholders
7. Public Health Initiatives
8. Workforce Planning and Development
Coco-Bassey Esu’s achievements include under one year in office:
. Visited Over 30 health facilities
– Facilitate the Recent release of buses to nursing colleges
– Advocating Employment of new nurses
– Facilitate Access to budget implementation for health institutions
– Reactivation of hospitals for student nurse training
– Advocacy for Promotions of nurses
– Advocacy for Investment in healthcare infrastructure
– Advocacy for nurses’ welfare and services
As Coco-Bassey Esu celebrates his birthday, we honor his dedication to the nursing profession and healthcare system in Cross River State. His expertise and passion are poised to drive meaningful change, aligning with the His Excellency, Sen Dr Prince Bassey Otu “People First” mantra. Happy birthday, Coco-Bassey Esu! May your legacy continue to inspire and impact generations to come.
