The federal government has assured retired health workers that their wealth of experience will continue to be tapped even in retirement, pledging greater attention to their welfare in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of inclusive governance.
Speaking at a retirement ceremony organised by the Department of Hospital Services (DHS) of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in Abuja, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, said retirees remain vital to the ministry and the nation.
“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, adding that President Tinubu has emphasised that retirees must be treated with dignity and respect.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, also commended the retirees, describing them as “pillars of the health family” who laid the foundation for reforms and improvements in hospital services across the country.
Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Daju Kachollom, described the event as historic, noting it was the first time the DHS organised a dedicated retirement ceremony for its staff. She stressed that the initiative, championed by the Director of Hospital Services, Dr. Salaudeen Jimoh, reflects the ministry’s renewed commitment to celebrating and engaging retirees.
Dr. Jimoh said the honourees’ legacy will continue to shape health policies and mentor future leaders in the sector. “True service transcends official tenure,” he noted.
Sixteen retirees were honoured at the event, with stakeholders including directors of agencies and chief medical directors of federal hospitals in attendance.
The Ministry reaffirmed that as it drives reforms to achieve universal health coverage, it will continue to build on the contributions of its retirees while safeguarding their welfare.
