CMD Uzoma Agwu Hails Retired Health Workers As FG Pledges Continued Support

By; ARCHIBONG ESUENE, Abuja

Chief Medical Director of David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, Uburu, Ebonyi State, Prof. Uzoma Agwu has praised retired health workers of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, describing them as passionate professionals whose contributions have left lasting impact on Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Prof. Agwu, who attended the retirement ceremony of 16 staff of the Department of Hospital Services (DHS) at Merit House, Abuja, said she was moved by the joy and fulfillment radiating from the honourees.

“I came to honour our retirees. I saw their faces and I saw satisfied people. It means they are happy that I rest soon and I’m wishing them a more fruitful life after their service,” she said.

Prof. Agwu noted that she personally knew some of the retirees and attested to their dedication and passion for medicine. “I know some of them, at least two of them, and I know they’re very hard-working people. They are passionate people that love their work, and they have made their contribution to the world of medicine,” she added.

The CMD further prayed for their well-being in retirement. “So I want to bless them and ask God to uplift them even higher. May they find things to make them relax, find things to make them continue to eat without difficulty in Jesus’ name,” she said.

The event, organized by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, honored the retirees for decades of meritorious service. Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, described the ceremony as a great honor to those who “performed excellently and conquered with time,” commending them as part of the ministry’s enduring health family.

The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, lauded the honourees for their professionalism and integrity, assuring that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to their welfare, “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,” he said.

In their comments, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Daju Kachollom, described the occasion as historic, being the first time the DHS organized a dedicated send-off ceremony for its staff, while the Director of Hospital Services, Dr. Salaudeen Jimoh, hailed the retirees for shaping policies, strengthening systems, and mentoring younger professionals.