Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Banquet Hall of the Merit House, Maitama, Abuja, was agog on Thursday 14th August 2025, being the venue of the celebration of staff of the Federal Ministry of Health who recently retired from service in the Department of Hospital Services after meritorious service.
The epoch making event attracted colleagues, friends, and well-wishers, and also has in attendance, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziak Salako, the Permanent Secretary, Kachollom S. Daju, and the Director, Hospital Services Department, Dr. Jimoh Saluadeen.
Other dignitaries include the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Police Affairs, Dr. Anuma Ogbonnaya, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Steel Development, Dr. Chris Isokpunwu, Chief Medical Directors, and Staffs of Hospital Services Department.
In his address at the event. Dr. Ali Pate stated:
“We appreciate you. You are part of the family of the Federal Ministry of Health. We all will retire from it one day as well”.
In his part, Dr. Salako stressed the invaluable experience and contributions of retired health workers, which he noted money can not buy.
According to him, the Ministry under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to treating retirees with dignity.
While making reference to a recent Federal Executive Council meeting where the president stressed the importance of ensuring retirees are treated well, Dr. Salako said the expert opinions of retirees are needed to move Nigeria forward.
The Permanent Secretary, Kachollom S. Daju, who spoke on behalf of the Ministry, thanked the retirees for their years of sacrifices to the health and well-being of Nigeria.
She stated that retirement is not the end of the world but the beginning of a well ended journey of rest, joy, and new adventure.
Her words: “We want to say thank you for the years of commitment, sacrifice, and impact on the health and well-being of our nation
“Your career has been marked by professionalism, integrity, and a deep sense of duty. Through challenges and changes, whether responding to public health crises, shapening policies, or strengthening the healthcare system, you all stood at the forefront of it.
“So, on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Health, I want to say thank you to each and everyone of you for your dedication, sacrifice and for the examples you set for those coming behind you”.
The highlight of the occasion was the presentation of awards of excellence and gifts to the retirees by the Minister of State, which was followed by cutting of cake.
The retired staff being celebrated are Dr. Noah Andrew, Dr. Bitrus Deborah, Dr. Aderemi Azeez, Dr. Kingsley Odiabara, Mrs. Zainab Edun, Mrs. Lawal Elizabeth, Mr. Ayinla Kazeem, Mrs Adeyemi Alajede, Mr. Balogun Justina Ugiagbe, Mrs. Idowu Daranijo, Mrs. Didel John, Mrs. Jegede Lola, Mr. Austin Ayeni, Mr. Alade Aderibigbe and Dr. Bibilari.
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