Mrs. Ekong Omosioni Folashade encourages nurses to embrace a shared professional identity and strengthen collaboration across Lagos State 

Duchess International Hospital recently had the honour of welcoming the newly appointed Director of Nursing Services, Lagos State, Mrs. Ekong Omosioni Folashade, alongside members of her team, for an engaging visit with the Duchess nursing workforce.

The visit provided an opportunity for meaningful dialogue around professional identity, unity, leadership, collaboration and the continued advancement of nursing practice across Lagos State.

Mrs. Folashade was welcomed by members of the Duchess leadership team, including Dr. Akinwande Fadipe, Chief Clinical Officer; Mrs. Funlola Sorunke, Chief Nursing Officer; Mr. Adebanji Adekanle, Chief Financial Officer; Mrs. Omobukola Ladipo, Head of Human Resources; and Nrs. Esedafe Grace, Head of the Nursing Department, alongside other members of the Duchess team.

“I Am a Nurse in Lagos State”

One of the central messages from Mrs. Folashade’s address was the importance of oneness and a shared sense of belonging among nurses. Recognising that nurses work across different institutions and sectors, she encouraged members of the profession to see beyond the organisation where they work and embrace their identity as part of the wider nursing community in Lagos State.

She encouraged nurses to proudly introduce themselves first by saying:

“I am a nurse in Lagos State. I work with Duchess.”

Whether working in a private hospital, a public institution or under the Federal Government, she emphasised that every nurse remains part of one larger professional community.

According to Mrs. Folashade, embracing this identity creates a sense of belonging, professional pride and esteem. The message was a powerful reminder that while healthcare institutions may differ, the profession, responsibility and commitment to patient care unite nurses across the state.

Building a Stronger Nursing Community

The emphasis on oneness also extended to professional collaboration.

Mrs. Folashade encouraged nurses to recognise the strength that comes from working together, learning from one another and supporting the growth of the profession as a whole. For a profession that spans hospitals, healthcare centres and different levels of government, this spirit of collaboration is essential to building a stronger and more connected nursing workforce.

At Duchess International Hospital, the message resonated strongly with our nursing team, reinforcing the importance of creating an environment where nurses feel valued not only for the role they play within Duchess, but also as members of the wider healthcare community.

A Conversation on Growth and Excellence

Beyond professional identity, the engagement also provided an opportunity to discuss professional growth and excellence in nursing practice.

Nurses remain central to the patient experience, providing continuous care, clinical support, education and reassurance throughout a patient’s healthcare journey. As healthcare continues to evolve, empowering nurses through professional development, strong leadership and collaboration is critical to maintaining high standards of patient care.

The visit therefore served not simply as a courtesy engagement, but as an important conversation about the future of the profession and the collective responsibility of healthcare institutions and nursing leaders to support its continued growth.

Strengthening Connections Across Healthcare

The presence of Mrs. Folashade and her associates also provided an opportunity for Duchess to strengthen its relationship with nursing leadership in Lagos State and reaffirm its commitment to collaboration within the wider healthcare community.

At Duchess, we believe that exceptional patient care begins with exceptional people. Our nurses are an integral part of delivering the compassionate, personalised and clinically excellent care that defines the Duchess experience. Supporting their growth, recognising their contribution and creating opportunities for meaningful professional engagement remain important parts of our commitment to our people.

Looking Ahead

Mrs. Folashade’s visit left the Duchess nursing team with a renewed appreciation of the strength that comes from belonging to something bigger than an individual institution.

We sincerely appreciate the Director of Nursing Services, Lagos State, Mrs. Ekong Omosioni Folashade, and her associates for visiting Duchess International Hospital and sharing her insights, encouragement and vision with our nursing team.

We look forward to continuing to build stronger professional relationships and contributing to a more united, empowered and excellent nursing community across Lagos State.