The Federal Government has honoured sixteen retired staff of the Department of Hospital Services (DHS), Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, recognisef their decades of meritorious service to the nation’s healthcare sector.
The ceremony, held at Merit House, Abuja, was attended by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, who commended the retirees for their dedication and professionalism. He also praised the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, mni, and the Director of Hospital Services, Dr. Salaudeen Jimoh, mni, for initiating the recognition ceremony.
“It’s a great honour to celebrate our retirees. You have performed excellently, conquered with time, and left enduring legacies in the healthcare sector. You remain part of the health family,” Prof. Pate said.
The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, also lauded the honourees for their integrity and commitment to strengthening the healthcare system. He assured them that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration prioritises the welfare of retirees.
“Retirement is not the end of the road but the beginning of a well-earned journey. Your wisdom and experience remain vital to the ministry and the nation,” Dr. Salako said.
Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, mni, described the event as historic, being the first time the DHS organised a dedicated retirement ceremony for its staff. She applauded Dr. Jimoh for coordinating the programme, which she said reflected the ministry’s deep appreciation for the contributions of its staff.
In his remarks, Dr. Salaudeen Jimoh, mni, praised the retirees for laying strong foundations 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 shape policies, strengthen systems, and mentor younger professionals. True service transcends official tenure,” he said.
The sixteen retirees celebrated 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.
The event was attended by management staff of the ministry, directors of agencies, chief medical directors of federal tertiary health institutions, and other stakeholders.
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to advancing universal health coverage in line with the federal government’s health agenda, while ensuring that the legacies of its retirees continue to inspire reforms in the sector.
