Miss. Emmanuella Omosivwe Aforkoghene who represented South-South Zone & came second nationally
By Godwin-Maria Utuedoye
The St. Francis Catholic College of Nursing Sciences, Okpara Inland, Delta State, an Institution run by the Catholic Diocese of Warri, has produced one of the standout performers at the 2026 Florence Nightingale Speech Contest, with its student Miss Emmanuella Aforkoghene Omosivwe, winning at both the School, State, Zonal levels and finishing Second at the National finals held in Abuja.
The annual Florence Nightingale Speech Contest, organized to promote excellence in nursing education, research and practice, tests student nurses on their ability to communicate complex healthcare ideas, apply evidence-based thinking, and demonstrate leadership. Miss Emmanuella Aforkoghene Omosivwe, journey began at St. Francis Catholic College of Nursing Sciences, where she won the institution’s written competition after impressing judges with clarity, depth of knowledge and articulate delivery. Her victory at the School level qualified her to represent the College at the Delta State level written competition with the theme: “Evidence-Based Nursing Practice,” and participants tackled the topic “Advancing Nursing Excellence through Evidence-Based Practices and Compassionate Leadership.”Miss. Emmanuella Omosivwe Aforkoghene who represented South-South Zone & came second nationally
Again, Miss Emmanuella Omosivwe’s write up earned St. Francis First place, with the Delta State College of Nursing, Warri named runner-up and both institutions advanced to the South-South Zonal Speech Contest.
History was again made on February 25, 2026, at the College of Medical Sciences Auditorium, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, as Miss Omosivwe, faced eleven contestants drawn from the Six South-South States. She delivered an exceptional presentation that won the Zonal Crown and secured her place as the South-South representative at the National competition.
The National finals were staged during the 18th Biennial Nursing Leaders Conference held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, One Memorial Drive, Central Business District in Abuja on April 17, 2026, under the conference theme “Nursing Education, Research and Practice For Excellent Healthcare Delivery In Nigeria: The Position of Nursing Leaders.” Contestants addressed topics aligned with nursing leadership and research; Miss Omosivwe national presentation, titled “Data-Driven Nursing: Using Research Evidence to Improve Patient Safety and Outcomes,” emphasized integrating data analytics and research evidence into bedside practice to boost care quality and safety.
Contestants from all the geopolitical zones in Nigeria backing panels of judges & facing the audience
Competing against top finalists from all geopolitical zones, Miss Omosivwe, again delivered a commanding presentation and finished as OVERALL SECOND nationally, an achievement that brought distinction to St. Francis Catholic College and Delta State in particular.
The College hailed the result as proof of its rigorous training and the rising prominence of evidence-based practice in nursing education. Proprietor of the Institution and Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Warri, Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, including the the College Provost, Mrs. Elizabeth Oghoteru Oyibocha, praised Miss Omosivwe, dedication and the support structures that enabled her to achieve the feat and success.
The Management of the Institution in a statement, acknowledged the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and its CEO/Registrar, Dr. Alhassan Ndagi, for organizing a platform that nurtures nursing excellence.Miss. Emmanuella Omosivwe Aforkoghene & CEO/Registrar of(NMCN) , Dr. Alhassan Ndagi
The College leaders said the contest results highlight three major significance for Nursing and Midwifery education, noting that St. Francis Catholic College of Nursing Sciences maintains high academic standards; and that Delta State can compete strongly in national nursing scholarships; as well as the critical role of investing in nursing education and research for stronger healthcare delivery.
St. Francis Catholic College of Nursing Sciences (SFCCNS), Okpara Inland, Ethiope East LGA, Delta State, was approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) in October, 2024. The College which is barely one year and six months old, officially commenced operations in November 24,2024. Presently, it has a total population of 288 students in both Departments of Nursing and Midwifery with seasoned lecturers in different Nursing specialties, Basic sciences, Ethics, English Language and other related disciplines.
The authorities are calling on the Delta State Government, as well as meaning individuals and stakeholders in the health sector for funding and resources support for student development, stronger institutional partnerships with healthcare agencies, and formal recognition for outstanding students and institutions, measures aimed at sustaining momentum and translating contest success into improved clinical practice and patient outcomes.
