Posted on: Wed 18-10-2023

The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Bayelsa State Chapter has successfully held her 10th Quadrennial State Delegates Conference. The State Delegate Conference which is the highest decision-making conference for Nurses and Midwives in Bayelsa State took place from October 12th to 13th, 2023.

The Opening ceremony was held at the Nurses' House, Ruthmour Street, Yenagoa attracted many dignitaries including the Head of Service, Bayelsa State, Mrs. Biobelemoye Charles-Onyeama, Mni, who was represented by the Director, Industrial Relations, Office of the Head of Service, Dr. Hamilton Okeke, the National President, NANNM represented by the National Financial Secretary, Comr. Ojong Ofut Ogar, Chairman of NLC Bayelsa, Comr. Simon Barnabas, the Chairman of TUC Bayelsa, Comr. Ilaye Julius, the Chairman JPSNC, Comr. Olomo Dinipre, the Representative of the State Director, Federal Ministry of Labour, Mr. Botu, NLC SAC and SEC members, Immediate past NANNM Chairman of NANNM, Comr. Erebi Gloria, The Director, Department of Nursing Services, Ministry of Health, DNS, Addy Onajome, DNS, NDUTH, Okolobiri and others.

The opening ceremony offered the State Chairman, Comrade Andabai Mbeleokpo Sonia an opportunity to present the report of her stewardship and to also present the challenges facing nurses in the state including the non-implementation of the new hazard allowance 2021, non-implementation of the 2014 revised call duty allowance and the shortage of Nurses and midwives.

The goodwill messages from the guests highlighted the important roles nurses play in society and the need for the Government of Bayelsa state to do more to ensure their welfare.

The other events of the first day were presided over by the Returning officer and Ag. HOD, Organization and Professional Services, DGS. Ofere Oluwatoyin and Assistant Returning Officer, SAGS Ayenioye Olabisi include the accreditation of delegates, as well as the presentation of important reports, including the Secretariat report presented by the State Secretary, AGS Fii Tornubari Samuel, a financial report presented by the State Financial Secretary, Comr. Yese-Ibo Maria for the past four years, and an audit report presented by the State Auditors, Comr. Ikioumoton Pasisei and Comr. Ombe Ebilayefa.

The highlight of day two of the event was the e-voting election where the Nurses of the State spoke in one voice and made a statement of their overwhelming support for the Comrade Andabai Mbeleokpo Sonia-led leadership of the association. The State Chairman emerged victorious and was reelected with over 80 percent of the total votes cast. 

Other elected members of the State Administrative Council (SAC) include: 

1. Zibe Daniel O. - State Vice Chairman

2. Yese-Ibo Maria - State Treasurer

3. Ombe Ebilayefa - State Financial Secretary  

4. Whyte Diepreye - State PRO

5. Ikioumoton Pasisei - Auditor I

6. Ineye Becky Etunge - Auditor II

The new executives were sworn in immediately after the announcement of the election results. In her acceptance speech, Chairperson Comr. Andabai appreciated the State delegates for their overwhelmingly voting for her and her team. She promised to continue the struggle for better welfare of nurses in Bayelsa State. She also expressed her appreciation for the NANNM leadership for the successful conduct of a free and fair election.

The 10th Quadrennial State Delegates Conference came to a close with congratulatory messages from NLC Bayelsa State Council Chairman, Comr. Simon Barnabas and the representative of the Director, Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Bayelsa State, Mr. Botu. 

We congratulate the newly elected State Administrative Council members and wish them a fruitful tenure ahead.

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