By Frank Ulom
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) Nursing Services department has held its maiden workshop themed “Strengthening Public Trust through Strategic Communication: Advancing Nursing Leadership and Professional Credibility in a Complex Healthcare Landscape.”
The event, which brought together nurses, academicians and healthcare stakeholders, provided a platform for deliberations on key issues affecting the nursing profession. It concluded with a dinner and award ceremony recognising outstanding contributions to healthcare and humanitarian services.
Among the dignitaries present was the First Lady and Wife of the Cross River State Governor, Eyoanwan Otu, represented by Vivian Otu, Director General of the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency. She was honoured with the Distinguished Humanitarian Services Award for her efforts in providing free healthcare to the vulnerable.
Other awardees included Ofonmbuk Archibong, recognised for his spiritual and material support to patients, and Her Royal Majesty, Queen Ansa Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu, for her humanitarian services within the hospital.
In his opening remarks, the Chief Medical Director and Chairman of the workshop, Prof. Ikpeme Ikpeme, who also received the Award for Excellence in Performance, commended the Nursing Services department for initiating the forum.
He highlighted the hospital’s achievements under his leadership, including infrastructural upgrades, construction of housing for house officers, establishment of a Neurosurgical and Stroke Centre, near 24-hour electricity, and provision of potable water.
“I am proud of the progress we have made, and I believe that this workshop will further enhance the quality of care we provide to our patients,” Prof. Ikpeme stated.
The Director of Nursing Services, UCTH, Dr Faith Nlumanze, stressed the importance of the workshop, pointing out lapses in nursing practice such as breakdowns in communication, breaches of professional ethics, and patient confidentiality issues. She said the programme would allow for self-assessment, professional retooling and recommitment to the values that underpin nursing.
Delivering her goodwill message, Uduak Efem, Special Adviser on Nursing Education to the Governor, commended the department’s initiative and lauded the state government’s support for nursing development. She also called for attitudinal change and stressed the importance of nursing independence, urging nurses to uphold professionalism at all times.
Similarly, Coco-Bassey Esu, Special Assistant to the Governor on Nursing, acknowledged the critical role of nurses in shaping healthcare in the state.
READ ALSO: The Future of Healthcare in a Crowded World
He assured participants of government’s commitment to the profession, adding, “This workshop is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the intricacies of communication in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.”
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Olaide Edet, Chairman of the Lagos State Governing Council, College of Nursing, who provided insights on communication strategies, leadership, and professional credibility.
Other awardees at the event included Dr Ideba Enya, Dr Comfort Ekanem, and Felix Idem, Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, who were honoured for their humanitarian contributions.
The workshop featured panel discussions, interactive sessions and hands-on training, equipping nurses with tools for professional advancement. It was attended by representatives of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), and other dignitaries.
The maiden workshop was described as a landmark for the nursing profession in UCTH, offering a platform to strengthen public trust, advance nursing leadership, and enhance professional credibility.
