The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) FCT Council, organised a cultural carnival to display talents packaged in Nigerian nurses on Wednesday.

Speaking during the celebration, the chairman of NANNM in the FCT, Deborah Yusuf, stated that the celebration was meant to showcase the talents of nurses.

“We are here celebrating ourselves because we survived Covid-19.

We are celebrating because we have put in a lot to the profession,” she said.

The deputy chairman of the council, Talatu Haruna, urged the government at all levels, particularly the federal government, to do everything within the law to encourage health workers.

“The brain drain of nurses and doctors in Nigeria is as a result of lack of welfare package to encourage them to put in their best to work.

“Nigerian nurses and doctors excel abroad based on their competence and effectiveness, as well as the welfare package given to them over there,” Ms Haruna said.

President of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, Biobelemoye Josiah, called on the government to be accountable for all funds allocated to the health sector, adding that some funds were not used judiciously.

He also urged the government to look into the plight of medical health workers to avert incessant strikes, adding that the idea of “no work no pay” cannot settle the issue confronting the health workers.

The carnival featured a novelty football competition between female nurses of federal health institutions and FCT hospitals.

The match which ended goalless in regulation time later saw the FCT hospitals win 3-1 in a penalty shootout.

The event also witnessed a match past by nurses from different government hospitals in Abuja such as Wuse, Garki, Asokoro, Gwarinpa, Bwari, Karshi and Kubwa.

Trophies and awards were presented to the winning teams which participated in the show.