Nigeria’s Health and Social Welfare Ministry on Thursday honored its long-serving staff of the Department of Hospital Services (DHS), celebrating their decades of dedicated service while pledging to continuously make use of their expertise,even in retirement.
The Coordinating Health Minister, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate described the recognition of the years of service by the retirees as “a great honour”, while commending the Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom mni and, Dr. Salaudeen Jimoh mni, Director Hospital Services Department for celebrating the Ministry’s retirees for their service and lasting legacies of impact and excellence in the healthcare sector.
“We appreciate you, you are part of the Health Family, which all of us will belong one day as well”, he said.
Also, the Honourable Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, praised the retirees for their professionalism, integrity, and commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system over the years, providing assurance that the President Bola Tinubu’s administration remains committed to ensuring the welfare of all retirees, noting that their contributions to national health development remain invaluable.
“Retirement is not the end of the road, but the beginning of a well-earned journey. Your wisdom and experience are still vital to the ministry and to Nigeria”, Dr. Salako stated.
“The President has emphasized that we must treat retirees with respect and care, because one day, we will all be in their shoes”, he added.
The Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom mni, noted that this was the first time the Department of Hospital Services organized a dedicated retirement ceremony for its staff, and further commended the Director of Hospital Services, Dr. Salaudeen Jimoh mni, for initiating and coordinating the programme.
” I want to thank you for your years of commitment, sacrifice and impact to the health and well being of our nation. Your career has been marked by professionalism, integrity and a deep sense of duty”, she further stated.
Dr. Salaudeen Jimoh mni, Director Hospital Services Department lauded the retirees for laying the foundation for many of the ministry’s achievements, from policy reforms to hospital infrastructure improvements.
“Across this country, your work speaks even in silence. You helped to shape policies, strengthen systems, and mentor younger professionals. True service transcends official tenure,” he said.
The retirees honored, sixteen in number, include:
Dr. Noah Andrew, Dr. Bitrus Deborah Oghoghorie, Dr. Aderemi Najim Azeez, Dr. Kingsley Odiabara, Mrs. Zainab Bolarinwa Edun, Mrs. Lawal Omotayo Elizabeth, Mr. Ayinla Olatunbosun Kazeem, Mrs. Adeyemi Asake Alajede, Mr. Balogun Hassan Kehinde, Mrs. Justina Ugiagbe, Mrs. Idowu Iyabo Daranijo, Mrs. Didel Cecilia John, Mrs. Jegede Florence Lola, Mr. Austin Ayeni, Mr. Alade Aderibigbe, and Dr. Bibilari.
In attendance were Management Staff of the Ministry, Directors of Agencies, Chief Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Health Institutions across the country, and other stakeholders.
According to statement issued on Saturday by the Head of Information and Public Relations of the Ministry, Alaba Balogun, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to advancing universal health coverage in line with the federal government’s agenda, while ensuring that the legacies of its retirees continue to guide current and future healthcare reforms.