News
Lagos Nurses Raise Alarm Over Imposed Fee To Celebrate Retiring Officers
Nurses under the Lagos State Health Service Commission (HSC) have raised concerns over alleged compulsory financial contributions imposed on them for the retirement celebrations of senior nursing officers.
The controversy followed an internal notice informing nurses that they must contribute money according to their grade levels, towards the retirement of Nurse Cole Adebukola, Director of Nursing Services at Lagos State Health Service, and Nurse Awobajo Oluranti of the Directorate of Nursing.
According to the notice, Nurse Cole is scheduled to retire on December 18, 2026, while Nurse Awobajo is expected to retire on December 11, 2026.
The notice directed nurses to contribute according to their grade levels, with those on Grade Levels 15 to 17 asked to contribute N25,000, while nurses on Grade Levels 12 to 14 were assigned N15,000 contribution.
Nurses on Grade Levels 8 to 10 were mandated to contribute N10,000, while those on Grade Level 7 were asked to pay N5,000.
According to report, the notice instructed nurses to make the payments to their respective ward managers for onward collation to the HSC.
“Payment should be made to your ward managers, for onward collation to HSC,” the notice stated.
Report says the directive has triggered anger among some nurses who questioned why workers should be required to finance celebrations for their superiors at a time of economic hardship.
The development has provoked reactions from The Elegant Nurses Forum. issued a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Nurse Thomas Abiodun Olamide, declaring that nurses were workers and should not be treated as personal sources of funding for retirement ceremonies, weddings or other private celebrations.
The ENF condemned the practice as exploitation, accusing the HSC of turning nurses into “ATM machines” for bosses’ parties.
The group demanded an immediate end to compulsory contributions for retirement ceremonies, weddings, birthdays and other private celebrations involving senior officers or their family members.
“The Elegant Nurses Forum considers this development unacceptable and strongly condemns any attempt to force or intimidate Nurses into making financial contributions for a celebration they may not be willing or financially able to support,” the ENF said.
The group said the alleged practice was particularly troubling because nurses were already dealing with economic hardship, poor welfare, inadequate remuneration and rising living costs.
It also alleged that nurses had previously been pressured to contribute towards the wedding of a senior officer’s child.
“We find it extremely disturbing that Nurses, who are already struggling to survive, could be subjected to repeated financial demands for private celebrations involving their superiors or members of their families,” ENF said.
The group argued that while colleagues should be free to voluntarily support one another, official positions should not be used to transform voluntary contributions into compulsory payments.
“Nobody should be punished, intimidated, threatened or victimised for refusing to contribute money to a private celebration,” the group said.
According to the group, retirement should be treated as an institutional milestone rather than a financial burden imposed on already struggling workers.
It called on the HSC to take responsibility for retirement ceremonies it chooses to organise rather than shifting the financial burden to individual nurses.
The ENF said nurses were already spending significant portions of their income on professional development and additional qualifications, sometimes taking loans or borrowing money to advance their careers.
The group argued that nurses who acquire additional qualifications and meet relevant requirements should receive appropriate career progression and financial recognition.
It further linked nurses’ welfare to patient care, warning that workplace financial pressure and intimidation could affect the psychological wellbeing of healthcare workers.
“The welfare of Nurses is a patient-safety issue,” the ENF said, demanding an immediate end to compulsory or coercive contributions towards Cole’s retirement celebration and similar events involving other officers.
The group also called on the Lagos State Government and HSC to investigate complaints of compulsory financial contributions and determine whether official authority had been used to pressure nurses for money.
It urged relevant anti-corruption agencies to investigate credible allegations of financial coercion involving public servants and establish whether any financial, administrative or anti-corruption rules had been breached.
The ENF further demanded a confidential and independent mechanism through which nurses could report alleged financial coercion and workplace intimidation without fear of retaliation.
The group said all contributions from workers towards social events should be genuinely voluntary, with no threats, intimidation, victimisation or career consequences attached to refusal.
Entertainment
NIBAD 2026: Abike Dabiri To Take Centre Stage As Bunmi Ebony, DJ X-One Host Baltimore Event
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa ( OON) has been scheduled for honour, among other awardees, at the 2026 and the 6th edition of the annual Nigerian Independence Ball, Awards, and Dinner (NIBAD),billed to hold in Baltimore, Maryland, on the 18th of October .
At the instance of Naija Times USA and Raindrop Group led by Olaniyi Thompson Tabi, activities marking the 6th edition of NIBAD commenced on the 3rd of October with Independence carnival in Maryland.
As part of the expanded 6th edition, the Annual Independence stage play titled ‘Your Excellency Sir!’ …The saga of a nation, written and directed by Olaniyi Thompson Tabi, was showcased at a very colorful event on the 9th of October.
Designed to be an unforgettable celebration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence celebration, the grand finale of the celebration is billed for Sunday, the 18th of October, 4.00pm, at Gabriel Community Centre, 6948, Dogwood Road, Windsor Mill, MD 21244.
The evening will not only commemorate Nigeria’s rich history and vibrant culture but will also spotlight the exceptional contributions of Nigerians at home and abroad in various fields such as business, healthcare, education, community service, and more.
The evening will feature a grand awards ceremony to honor those who have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and dedication in their respective industries. Among them, Dr Dabiri- Erewa
Hon. Dr. Abike Kafayat Oluwatoyin Dabiri-Erewa (OON) is a prominent Nigerian politician, public administrator, and former broadcast journalist who has been able to show leadership since her appointment as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
To add colour to the event also, is
Dj X-One, reputed as the best Disc Jockey in the DMV area. Bunmi Ebony, a fast rising Juju Artiste in Atlanta will also be on the bandstand to thrill guests at the event to celebrate Nigeria.
****About NIBAD: The Nigerian Independence Ball, Awards, and Dinner (NIBAD) is an annual event that celebrates Nigeria’s Independence while recognizing the achievements of Nigerians in the diaspora. NIBAD aims to highlight the cultural pride, resilience, and accomplishments of Nigerians globally, bringing together community leaders, professionals, and influencers for an evening of celebration, inspiration, and unity.
The Rivers State Police Command under CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju has condemned the purported renovation of the Abuloma Police Outpost by suspected cultists and ordered a full investigation into the incident.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, ASP Blessing Agabe disclosed this in a Friday statement.
She said the command’s action follows a trending social media report and circulating video alleging that suspected cultists renovated the outpost and visited the facility on Thursday, October 15, to celebrate completion of the renovation.
The command said it “strongly condemns any action or association capable of compromising the integrity, discipline and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force or conferring legitimacy, recognition or acceptance on suspected cult groups or other unlawful organisations.”
It added, “Police facilities are public institutions established for the protection of citizens and the enforcement of law and must not become platforms through which criminal groups seek public validation or influence.”
The command said CP Adepoju maintains zero tolerance for criminality and any conduct that undermines public confidence in the police.
Consequently, he has queried and relieved the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Abuloma Division and the Divisional Officer overseeing the affected outpost of their duties pending investigation.
The CP has also ordered a full investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and the veracity of the allegations, including the identities and backgrounds of the individuals or groups who financed or facilitated the renovation; the police officers who authorised or approved the project; whether due procedures were followed; whether any officer breached professional standards or compromised the integrity of the force; and the extent of any involvement by police personnel.
The command said while it welcomes legitimate community support for improving police facilities, consistent with Section 26(1)(d) of the Nigeria Police Act 2020, which provides for gifts and contributions to the Police General Fund, such support must not compromise police independence, professional standards or security.
“No donation or assistance confers immunity from investigation or prosecution,” the command stated, adding that the investigation will establish whether necessary approvals were obtained and appropriate checks conducted on those who financed the renovation.
It reiterated that it would not condone unprofessional conduct or any form of improper association with criminal elements and that appropriate disciplinary and legal action would be taken against anyone found culpable.
The Police Command in Benue State has confirmed the abduction of Rev. Fr. John Otache, Parish Priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Aondogu Orchia confirmed the incident on Friday in Makurdi.
Orchia said the command had commenced full investigation into the incident and efforts were ongoing to rescue the priest.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, in a statement signed by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Itodo, said the priest was abducted on October 13.
According to Itodo, Otache was returning home from Otukpo when he encountered the abductors along the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe Road in Ohimini Local Government Area.
He expressed sadness over the incident, saying the Bishop of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Apochi, was deeply pained by the development.
He called on priests, religious members, the laity and other well-meaning individuals to pray for the priest’s safe and speedy release.
He also urged prayers for other persons held by kidnappers across the country, expressing hope for their safe return.
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