Ten Nigerian Governors Honored with Prestigious Nurses-Friendly Award at Commonwealth Conference
Ten state governors from Nigeria have been honored with the esteemed Nurses-Friendly Governors’ Award at the 2026 Commonwealth Nurses and Midwives Conference (CNMC) held in Abuja. The recipients include governors from Borno, Nasarawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Bayelsa, Adamawa, Lagos, Katsina, Plateau, Anambra, and Akwa Ibom states.
Conference Theme and Recognition
The conference, themed “Towards Excellence: Nurses and Midwives working together towards excellence in practice, education and regulation,” gathered delegates from various Commonwealth nations. The award presentation highlighted the governors' significant contributions to healthcare and humanitarian services.
Special Recognition for Governor Babagana Zulum
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, received particular commendation during the ceremony. The President of the Commonwealth Nurses and Midwives Federation (CNMF), Prof Kathleen McCourt, praised Zulum for his outstanding service to humanity. She specifically noted his large-scale housing interventions for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and substantial investments in health infrastructure.
Prof McCourt emphasized that Zulum's hands-on approach in restoring dignity to vulnerable populations has established a benchmark for leadership across Commonwealth member countries. Governor Zulum was represented at the event by Prof Abubakar Kullima, the Chief Medical Director of the Borno State Hospital Management Board (BHMB), and Abdurrahman Bundi, the Senior Technical Assistant on Print and Digital Communications to the Governor.
Award Selection Process
Haruna Mamman, President of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), explained that the governors were selected for the award following a rigorous assessment based on criteria approved by the association. The evaluation focused on their commitment to improving healthcare systems and supporting nursing and midwifery professions.
Governor Zulum's Achievements
According to the organizers, Zulum was recognized not only for his investments in the health sector but also for extensive infrastructure delivery across Borno State. Key accomplishments include:
- Establishment of two Colleges of Nursing in the northern and central senatorial zones of the state.
- Execution of 120 projects within his first 100 days in office.
- Completion of 326 capital projects in his first year.
- Over 500 projects in his second year.
- Approximately 800 projects in his third year.
- Around 1,500 capital projects by his seventh year in office.
These efforts have significantly enhanced healthcare access and quality in the region, contributing to his recognition at the international conference.
