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  • Innovating Healthcare: Nigerian Nurses As Changemakers And Solution Providers BY JOE OBI BISONG

    Innovating Healthcare: Nigerian Nurses As Changemakers And Solution Providers BY JOE OBI BISONG

     

    Being a Paper presented On the 20th May, 2025 at College of Health Technology, Calabar

    Protocol

    Innovating Healthcare: Nigerian Nurses as Change Makers and Solution Providers

    1, Introduction
    At the heart of Nigeria’s health care delivery system are Nurses, who are the most populous group of health professionals uniquely positioned to drive transformative changes in the health sector,

    Traditionally seen as caregivers working with other professionals,but the trend has changed, The Nigerian nurses are increasingly assuming leadership roles as innovators, advocates, educators, researchers, and policymakers. In this , discussion, we shall explore the evolving role of Nigerian nurses as change makers and solution providers, examining how they are spearheading innovation in health-care, overcoming systemic challenges, and redefining patient care in a rapidly changing world.

    Today, Nigerian nurses work in diverse settings: hospitals, clinics, schools, industries, and communities. They form the backbone of primary health-care delivery, particularly in rural areas where physicians are scarce.

    However, for decades, the potential of nurses has been undermined by;
    systemic challenges, including limited professional autonomy,
    inadequate training infrastructure,
    poor remuneration,
    and a lack of representation in decision-making processes.

    Despite these challenges, Nigerian nurses have continued to rise to the occasion, driving innovations that directly impact patient care, healthcare delivery, and public health outcomes.

    Nigerian Nurses as Innovators in Healthcare Delivery

    Innovation in healthcare goes beyond technology; it encompasses new models of care, creative problem-solving, and system improvements that enhance quality and access. Nigerian nurses are leading innovation in community health outreach programs, especially in rural and underserved areas. They designing mobile clinics, immunization campaigns, and home-based care programs and reach populations that might otherwise be neglected. For example, during polio eradication campaigns, community health nurses led door-to-door immunization drives, coordinated local logistics, and built trust among hesitant populations.

    b. Task Shifting and Expanded Roles

    Due to the shortage of physicians, especially in rural areas, task shifting has become a pragmatic solution. Nigerian nurses have embraced expanded roles, providing services traditionally reserved for doctors—such as antiretroviral therapy (ART) management, maternal and neonatal care, and chronic disease monitoring. Nurse-led clinics have emerged as efficient models for delivering HIV care and antenatal services, reducing waiting times and improving treatment adherence.

    c. Use of Mobile Technology and e-Health Tools

    In response to Nigeria’s growing mobile connectivity, nurses are leveraging digital health tools to monitor patient outcomes, schedule follow-ups, and deliver health education. Projects such as mHealth Nigeria have involved nurses in the dissemination of maternal health information through SMS, improving prenatal and postnatal care uptake. Digital innovations are also empowering nurses to collect data for surveillance and research.

    3. Nurses as Leaders in Health System Reform

    Beyond clinical care, Nigerian nurses are increasingly engaged in health system reforms and policy advocacy. Their proximity to patients and communities gives them firsthand insight into systemic failures and opportunities for improvement. Key areas of leadership include:

    a. Policy Advocacy

    Nurse-led organizations like the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) advocate for better working conditions, regulatory reforms, and increased health sector funding. Nurses have been at the forefront of campaigns for universal health coverage, family planning access, and maternal health legislation.

    b. Educational Reforms and Professional Development

    Nigerian nurses are pioneering efforts to raise the standards of nursing education and practice. With the upgrading of nursing schools into degree-awarding institutions, nurses are pushing for competency-based curricula that emphasize leadership, research, and inter-professional collaboration. Programs like the Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) and postgraduate specialties are producing a new cadre of highly skilled nurse leaders.

     

    c. Research and Evidence-Based Practice

    The integration of evidence-based practice (EBP) into nursing care is gaining ground. Nigerian nurses are conducting research on local health challenges—from maternal mortality to mental health and infectious disease control. Their findings inform clinical guidelines and community interventions, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

    5. Challenges Facing Nigerian Nurses in Their Role as Change Agents

    Despite these achievements, several challenges hinder Nigerian nurses from reaching their full potential as innovators and leaders:

    a. Brain Drain and Workforce Shortages

    Thousands of Nigerian nurses emigrate annually in search of better working conditions, remuneration, and professional respect. This “brain drain” has depleted the health system of experienced personnel and increased the workload for those who remain.

    b. Gender Bias and Professional Hierarchy

    Nursing, traditionally perceived as a female-dominated profession, often suffers from gendered stereotypes. In many institutions, nurses are excluded from decision-making roles, relegated to subordinate positions despite their competence. Infighting among the various nursing practitioners.

    c. Infrastructure and Funding Deficits

    Innovations require enabling environments. Many nurses work in facilities with poor infrastructure, inadequate medical supplies, and limited access to training or research funding. These limitations stifle creativity and affect care delivery.

    d. Limited Autonomy and Recognition

    Although nurses play pivotal roles in patient care, they often lack the autonomy to make clinical decisions or implement new care models without physician approval. This undermines their capacity to act as true change agents.

    6. The Way Forward: Empowering Nigerian Nurses for the Future
    The nursing and midwifery council of nigeria MUST revise the curriculum of pupil nurses and retraining of the older nurses to reflect comtemporary global health care practices.
    This will fully harness the potential of Nigerian nurses as change makers and solution providers.:

    a. Policy and Legislative Support

    The Nigerian government and health regulatory bodies must enact policies that recognize and protect the expanded roles of nurses. The implementation of the Nurses and Midwives (Establishment) Act, coupled with supportive labor laws, can ensure fair treatment, better working conditions, and professional autonomy.

    b. Strengthening Nursing Education and Research

    Upgrading nursing schools to full-fledged colleges and universities, introducing doctoral-level nursing programs, and promoting interdisciplinary research will equip nurses with the knowledge and tools to innovate. Continued professional development should be encouraged through scholarships, fellowships, and international exchange programs.

    c. Promoting Leadership and Representation

    Nurses should be represented at all levels of healthcare planning and policymaking—from hospital management boards to national health councils. Leadership training should be embedded in nursing curricula to prepare nurses for executive roles.

    d. Investing in Technology and Infrastructure

    Healthcare facilities must be equipped with the necessary tools and technologies to support innovation. Nurses should be involved in the design and implementation of health tech solutions, ensuring that digital tools align with frontline realities.

    e. Public Awareness and Professional Image Building

    Changing societal perceptions of nursing is essential.student nurses should be treated with dignity. Media campaigns, school outreach programs, and public health education can highlight the impact of nurses as leaders and innovators. Encouraging male participation and diversity in nursing will also challenge outdated stereotypes.

    Conclusion

    In the journey toward a resilient and equitable healthcare system in Nigeria, nurses stand as indispensable pillars of change. Far from being passive caregivers, they are emerging as innovators, leaders, and strategic thinkers who craft solutions to the most pressing health challenges. Whether by designing community-based interventions, leading policy reforms, or leveraging digital tools, Nigerian nurses are reshaping the healthcare landscape from the inside out.

    To fully realize this transformative potential, there must be deliberate efforts by government, institutions, and society to invest in nursing, elevate the profession’s status. Nurses are not just part of the system, but the driving force behind its progress.
    Nursing is more than a profession. It is calling grounded in purpose, compassion, and leading transformative changer across the healthcare system.

    Thank you

    Joe Obi Bisong RN, RPN, RNT, BSc(Hons), MSC
    e-mail: [email protected]
    08066670557

    Chief Joe Obi Bisong is a male, a retired Nurse, Educator, Scholar, Farmer and Politician.
    Former Leader, Boki Legislature, One time Cross River State PDP Publicity Secretary.
    He was Senior Special Assistant to CRS Governor, and also Special Adviser Environment CRS Governor.
    He served as Director General Caterpillar Movement, and Deputy DG of the PDP Governorship Governorship campaigns ,2023.
    He is an Environmental Resource management researcher. He is married with children.
    Holder of several honorary awards and chieftency titles. His hobbies include: Arbitration, Driving, table tennis and intellectual discuss.

     

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Chief Joe Obi Bisong, and does not represent TheLumineNews, it’s agents or the organization the author works for.

  • C’River Tribunal Judgement: DG Caterpillar Movement Calls On Supporters To Remain Calm

    C’River Tribunal Judgement: DG Caterpillar Movement Calls On Supporters To Remain Calm

    The Director General of the Caterpillar Movement, Chief Hon Joe Obi Bisong has called on supporters to remain even after the governorship tribunal upheld the election of Gov Bassey Otu.

    Bisong made the call while reacting the judgement of the tribunal today in Calabar.

    In his words “The Governorship Election Tribunal just delivered her judgement in our petition.

    “We appeal to our teaming supporters to remain calm.

    “There is still plenty of hope. We shall seek further legal opinion in the way forward and revert to you soon”

     

  • Caterpillar Movement Celebrates PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate, Lady Emana Amawhe As She Marks Her Birthday

    Caterpillar Movement Celebrates PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate, Lady Emana Amawhe As She Marks Her Birthday

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO A DOUBLE-BARRELED DEPUTY-GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATE

    An excellent wife of a noble and humble character; unique in all ramification, far more precious than jewels
    A proud mother of four; loving, tender and caring
    Exquisite in her heart; genuine, generous, kind, compassionate and perfectly designed to be a mouthpiece of God and servant to man and humanity.
    Double-barreled because she’s a woman in her youthful age
    Her kind is rare.

    Your emergence as the Deputy-Governorship Candidate of our great party has added colour, beauty, elegance and style in our collective bid to reclaim Cross River State. It has also served as a watershed in fulfilment of our promises for affirmative action and women inclusion in the politics and governance of our state.

    On behalf of our principal, Distinguished Senator Prof. Sandy Ojang Onor, the Caterpillar Movement and the very good people of Cross River Central Senatorial District we wish you a blissful and meritorious birthday celebration, Amen.
    Happy Birthday Lady Emana-Duke Ambrose Amawhe
    Double-barreled Deputy-Governorship Candidate (CRS).

    Signed,

    Joe Obi Bisong,
    DG Caterpillar Movement

  • Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba and the Burden of Selective Amnesia – DG Caterpillar Movement

    Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba and the Burden of Selective Amnesia – DG Caterpillar Movement

     

    Let me reiterate that the Caterpillar Movement is determined to run an issue-based campaign, but in doing so, we are not oblivious of the many antics and shenanigans of those who are obviously terrified by the towering acceptability and goodwill that our Principal, Distinguished Senator Prof. Sandy Ojang Onor and the Peoples Democratic Party are enjoying among Cross Riverians. Therefore, while we are devoted to pursuing a campaign devoid of mudslinging and bickering, we would not fail to tackle heads-on, any attempt by anybody to cast unnecessary aspersions on our Principal and the Peoples Democratic Party, no matter how highly placed.

    In view of the above, we condemn in strong terms the vitriolic and scathing comments made by Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, who but for the purpose of scoring cheap political point, ought to concern himself more with the mission of redeeming his battered political timeline. For emphasis, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba had during one of their many poorly attended APC tours, attempted to cast aspersions on the personality of Distinguished Senator Prof Sandy Ojang Onor, by speaking disparagingly about the gubernatorial aspiration of our Principal. He is quoted to have made the following comment, to wit; “I served the Central Senatorial District for 12years as a Senator and I was focused, but some people have not even finished their first term in the Senate where we sent them, they want to be Governor. We in the Central Senatorial District believe in Justice and fairness. We are not greedy people”

    The above comment from Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba can best be described as a manifestation of selective amnesia. It is on record that Victor Ndoma-Egba, out of greed had a strangulating grip on the Senatorial seat of Central for 12years and greedily wanted a 4th term, but for the divine intervention of Stakeholders from Central Senatorial District that overwhelmingly rejected him and replaced him with a younger Senator John Owan-Enoh. Despite the humiliation and defeat, Victor Ndoma-Egba refused to see the hand writing on the wall. He refused to accept the fact that the glory has finally departed from him and the people were tired of his self-centeredness and greed. Yet again, he went on bended knees and begged for a federal appointment and was appointed Chairman of NDDC out of sheer pity. Not satisfied, he tried for the 5th time to go to the senate and got the rudest shock of his life. He ran against Senator Prof Sandy Ojang Onor and was roundly defeated. In fact, he lost in 60 wards out of the 66wards in the Senatorial District.

    In his characteristic manner, Victor Ndoma-Egba had in the just concluded APC National Convention lobbied for the position of a National Secretary, until Betta Edu through the intervention of Governor Ben Ayade took the carpet off his feet. For a man like Victor Ndoma-Egba who wanted to remain forever in the Senate, it smacks of arrogance and outright insult on the sensibility of Cross Riverians for him to speak about justice and fairness. Where was justice and fairness, when Victor Ndoma-Egba supported a central Candidate for Governor in 2019? Where was justice and fairness when Victor Ndoma-Egba greedily attempted going back to the Senate in 2019, instead of giving way for the younger generation? Where was fairness and justice when Victor Ndoma-Egba, for the 12years in the Senate, even as the Senate Leader and later Chairman of NDDC threw mentorship overboard by refusing to consider any young person fit for him to groom to run for the National Secretary that he lobbied for?

    It is apparently laughable for Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba who was mercilessly defeated by our Principal, to use the word “WE” in referring to our Central Senatorial Constituents that voted for Senator Sandy Onor . He is obviously not part of those that sent our Principal to the Senate, hence he lacks the moral standing to use the word “We sent him”.

    As an Elder Statesman, we would do him the honor of applying restraint but should he
    continue in the ignoble path of casting aspersions on our Principal, we would be forced to travel down memory lane and remind him of his many sins against the people of Cross River State. We urge him to remember that those who live in a glass house, ought not throw Stones.

     

    Chief Joe Obi Bisong

    DG, Caterpillar Movement

  • Caterpillar Movement Mourns Ibiaye Accident Victims

    Caterpillar Movement Mourns Ibiaye Accident Victims

    The Director General of the Caterpillar Movement, Chief Joe Obi Bisong has decribed the news of the ghastly motor accident that took the lives of eight of his constituents as unfortunate and a hurtful tragedy particularly to the immediate families, Ekori community, Yakurr Local Government Area, Central Senatorial District and Cross River State in general.

    The release reads in full: We received with great sadness, the unfortunate News of the ghastly motor accident at Ibiaye, Biase Local Government Area in the early hours of today, Tuesday, August 2nd, 2022 involving a truck conveying Cement and a Sienna Vehicle with Eight yet to be identified passengers from Ekori in Yakurr Local government area of Cross River State.

    “As we admonish all to submit to the will of the Almighty God, we make bold to state that is a hurtful tragedy particularly to the families of the victims, the Ekori community and to all of us, the people of Central Senatorial district and Cross River State at large.

    “On behalf of Senator Sandy Ojang Onor, the Senator representing Cross River Central Senatorial district, we commiserate with the families of the deceased, the Ekori community and Yakurr local government area even as we await proper identification of these constituents whose lives were menacingly snatched by death and hope that the cause of accident is investigated and forestalled to ensure safer roads for commuters”.

    May their Souls rest in Peace.

    Joe Obi Bisong,
    Hon Chief
    DG, Caterpillar Movement

  • Cross River State Today Series: There Are No Activities To Boost CRS Economy – Joe Obi Bisong

    Cross River State Today Series: There Are No Activities To Boost CRS Economy – Joe Obi Bisong

    By Dominic Kidzu

    A frontline politician and Director General of the Caterpillar Movement, Chief Joe Obi Bisong has identified the lack of creative ideas and innovation as the reasons for the paralysed socio – economic atmosphere in the state.

    Chief Obi Bisong who spoke with
    CROSS RIVER STATE TODAY SERIES explained that “there are no activities to keep the economy booming, rather the entire economy from the state to the federal level is characterized by inflation,
    Insecurity of lives and property and unemployment. We have reached a near total collapse in all sectors of our lives while physical infrastructure are at very deplorable levels in our state “.

    He identified poor leadership and wrong – headed policies by the APC government at the centre and the appointment of unqualified personnel into very sensitive areas of governance in the state as the reasons for the poorstate of affairs. “The lack of cognate experience and appropriate skills by these square pegs in round holes has killed the entire civil and public service sectors in the state “.

    He warned Cross Riverians not to stand by and watch the government as it attempts to succeed itself in office and continue with business as usual. ” What we need is free and fair elections to bring in a rescue team that shall return our dear state to its glory days “.

    Chief Joe Obi Bisong has been a Supervisor, Leader of Council, state publicly secretary of the PDP and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment.

     

  • We Must Reclaim Cross River State – Barr Ekpo Ada, Gershom Bassey DG

    We Must Reclaim Cross River State – Barr Ekpo Ada, Gershom Bassey DG

     

    The Director General of the Senator Gershom Bassey Campaign Organization (Team-Gersh), Barr Ekpo Asuquo Ada has reteriated the need to reclaim and restore Cross River State.

    Barr. Ada made this known on July 21st, 2022 during a welcome rally in his honour at the Caterpillar Movement Campaign Secretariat, #143 Ndidem Usang Iso Road, Calabar Cross River State.

    Welcoming Barr Ekpo Asuquo, the DG Caterpillar Movement, Chief Joe Obi Bisong the leader of Team Gersh on behalf of his principal drew the attention of the supporters to the supremacy of the party as he said, “As party men and women we ‘re conversant with the tone that the party is supreme. The political journey is a journey that you start alone and as you grow you continue to gather more people to join you. If you’re not well behaved, those around you will continue to leave until you get to your destination alone”.

    Chief Joe Obi further explored the harmonious relationship that existed between Barr Ekpo and himself and maintain that “We started this journey for the search of the governor of our state together with my brother and bossom friend, Barr Ekpo Ada. Chief Gershom Bassey appointed him DG, while Senator Onor appointed me DG. All through the period of campaigns, we never had disagreement because we believe politics is the people and politics is interest. At the end of the primaries we made frantic efforts as brothers and friends and as colleagues which brought us to this position. We spoke extensively with Senator Gershom Bassey and his team, we had several meetings. Let me state on record that Senator Gershom Bassey gave us a deputy governor and today, the big fish has arrived”.

    He assured Barr Ekpo Ada of equal stake as DG in the quest to reclaim Cross River State. “On behalf of our principal and candidate of our great party, Dist Senator Prof Sandy Ojang Onor, I welcome you and be rest assured you have equal stake and equal stand as DG because you’re a good DG”.

    Responding, Barr Ada charged his supporters to work for the success of the PDP in order to be relevant and likened politics to the game of soccer when he said: “In this business it is like a football Match. If you’re not in the field to play constantly you would loose your form. We must take the scene. We must support Prof. Sandy Onor and Lady Emana Duke. We must reclaim Cross River State.”

    The legal luminary further outlined his expectations when he said: “All we ask from our candidate is good governance. A government that is all inclusive, a government that would not have refuse all over the streets, government that would not be full of lies, government that would not deceive our people that we have projects that are nowhere to be found. A government that won’t be geo-ethnically nepotic”.

    He concluded by saying, “I ‘ve been working very closely with the DG Caterpillar Movement. He’s my brother, he’s my friend, he’s my colleague, we were councillors together. And let me tell all of you, I had the course to sit with Senator Prof. Sandy Onor, I told him clearly that my people of the south we’re still watching to see what he would do. The fact that he has called me, as small as I am and he picked up his phone and called me and said let us have a chat and I sat with him, there’s a lot that I ‘ve seen. It’s not about your brother. Sometimes your brother can be on the street. All of us are from the south and we know what we have passed through in the south. Let’s stand up and work. PDP must win!”

    Caterpillar Movement Media

     

  • Caterpillar Movement Debunks Rumors Of Sandy Onor Picking Senatorial Form, Called On Supporters To Remain Unperturbed

    Caterpillar Movement Debunks Rumors Of Sandy Onor Picking Senatorial Form, Called On Supporters To Remain Unperturbed

    CATERPILLAR MOVEMENT

    PRESS STATEMENT

    We, in the Caterpillar Movement have come across a fictitious newstory by one Citizen Ekanem Essien purporting that our Principal, Sen. Sandy Ojang Onor has ” technically withdrawn ” from the Gubernatorial contest by picking dual forms for both the Gubernatorial and senatorial elections as a contingency in the event of failure.

    We wish to outrightly debunk this malicious rumor by stating that Sen. Sandy Ojang Onor has never been one to shy away from a fight, especially one that is done with the public interest at heart.

    Furthermore, Our principal, Sen. Onor would never venture into a course with double minds or cold feet to the extent of cowering by attempting to contest for two positions at once.

    For the records, we wish to state clearly that only the Gubernatorial Nomination form was purchased by our Principal because he believes strongly in his credentials, competence and capacity to emerge victorious. The unwholesome act of buying two forms at a time is a practice set aside for losers to showcase their cowardice by being unsure about their political aspiration.

    Our Principal is decisive, precise and Lucid enough about his intentions to rescue Cross River state from the shackles of maladministration currently experienced and is therefore reticent to subscribe to political gimmicks.

    Let those who are cowards continue to be indecisive and at a quandary but we in the Caterpillar Movement are solely only interested in the Gubernatorial Position. We are confident that victory is sure.
    Once more, we enjoin our supporters to continue to remain peaceful and unperturbed by this deliberate distraction by the true enemies of our dear State .
    Again they have failed and will continue to fail.

    God bless us all.

    Joe Obi Bisong (Hon. Chief)
    Director General

  • Caterpillar Movement Describes A Non-existent Online Poll By Delegates Of The PDP In C’River For The Gubernatorial Primaries As Misleading And False Graphic Presentation

    Caterpillar Movement Describes A Non-existent Online Poll By Delegates Of The PDP In C’River For The Gubernatorial Primaries As Misleading And False Graphic Presentation

    THE CATERPILLAR MOVEMENT

    Press Release

    Our attention has been drawn to a spurious,
    misleading and false graphic presentation on social media detailing a non-existent online poll by delegates of the PDP in Cross River State for the Gubernatorial Primaries.

    As we all know, elections have never been won from social media postulations and ” online polls” but in the interest of full disclosure, we in the Caterpillar Movement wish to state categorically and emphatically that the circulated graphic is nothing but a figment of the imagination of a particular political interest group skewed heavily to favour their candidate while at the same time attempting to create a psychological mind game on the mind of delegates in the party to think that they have some phantom advantage when in truth, our Principal, Sen. Prof. Sandy Ojang Onor is , by every standard, the leading and preeminent candidate for the position of party flagbearer.

    We believe that this fantasy, packaged as an online poll is nothing but the last kick of an obviously dying horse hell-bent on not only destabilizing our well meaning party delegates but also on being bad losers since it has become obvious that their aspiration shall not see the light of day.

    Accordingly, we urge all our teeming supporters to remain calm and unperturbed by this false development while also urging them to continue to spread the gospel of our Principal and his intentions to liberate the state from this current chokehold.
    It is our belief that come May 21st, we shall emerge victorious at the only real and legitimate polls available to us; The PDP Gubernatorial Primary Election.

    God bless the PDP
    God bless Cross River State
    God bless the Caterpillar Movement.

    Joe Obi Bisong ( Hon. Chief)
    Director-General

  • The Leading Presidential Aspirant In PDP, Nyesom Wike Will Be In Calabar Today – Joe Obi Bisong

    The Leading Presidential Aspirant In PDP, Nyesom Wike Will Be In Calabar Today – Joe Obi Bisong

     

    Dear partners, this is to officially inform you that our own His Excellency Barr Nyesom Wike Governor of Rivers state and leading Presidential Aspirant will be in calabar today by 11am
    We are expected to mobilise in our numbers to the calabar Airport by 10am to recieved and accord our August visitor a resounding welcome to calabar.
    Give this information very wide publicity. Thank you and God bless you all.

    Joe obi Bisong
    DG

    Caterpillar Movement