Abuja, Nigeria — The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has honored long-serving staff of its Department of Hospital Services (DHS), celebrating their decades of dedicated service while pledging to continue tapping into their expertise even in retirement.
Speaking during the ceremony at the Merit House, Abuja; the Coordinating Minister of Health & Social Welfare Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate commended the Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom mni and, Dr. Salaudeen Jimoh mni, Director Hospital Services Department for honouring the Ministry’s retirees who have served metoriously over the years and left a lasting legacy of impact and excellence in the healthcare sector.
He said: ”It’s really great honouring our retirees, I thanked the Permanent Secretary and Director Hospital Services Department for celebrating them. To the honourees, you have been there in service, performeɗ excellently and conquered with time. So, congratulations, we appreciate you, you are part of the Health Family, which all of us will belong one day as well.”
Also speaking, 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.
He assured them that President Bola Ahmed 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 said.
“The President himself has emphasized that we must treat retirees with respect and care, because one day, we will all be in their shoes,” he added.
Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom mni, described the event as historic, noting it was the first time the Department of Hospital Services organized a dedicated retirement ceremony for its staff.
She 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.
In his remarks, 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.
Additionally, as a mark of appreciating their services, the Hospital Services Department Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare showered the retirees with gift items including fridges and microwave oven.
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.
The ceremony drew Management Staff of the Ministry, Directors of Agencies, Chief Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Health Institutions across the country, and other stakeholders.
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.
Signed:
Alaba R. Balogun
Head, Information & Public Relations
18 August 2025
