Thirty-one retired staff of the Plateau State Specialist Hospital, Jos, have been honoured with gifts and awards in recognition of their years of dedicated service to the institution.
The end-of-year get-together and retirees’ celebration was held at the Zumji Event Centre in Jos and brought together government officials, hospital management, staff and guests from sister health institutions.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Prof. Christopher Sabo Yilgwan, paid glowing tribute to the retirees, describing them as men and women who devoted their productive years to the growth, stability and progress of the hospital.
Prof. Yilgwan explained that the retirees’ celebration, introduced the previous year, was aimed at appreciating the sacrifices, commitment and diligence of staff who had served the institution faithfully. He expressed satisfaction that the initiative had been sustained and assured that future editions would be expanded.
According to him, the retirees laid a solid foundation for the hospital’s development, adding that their contributions remain an integral part of the institution’s legacy. He stressed the importance of continued respect and recognition for retired staff within the hospital community.
The Chief Medical Director further assured the retirees that the hospital’s management values their service and would continue to celebrate them as a mark of gratitude for their lasting impact on healthcare delivery in Plateau State.
Some of those honoured at the ceremony included Dr. Sabina Joseph, Dr. Grace Dapiya, Dr. Simon Dachollom Audu, Dr. Dablet Nanyil Ezra, Dr. Kamalu Makut and Dr. Suleiman Adamu Garba, alongside several other retirees who served the hospital in various capacities.
In his remarks, Dr. Solomon Shikang encouraged the retirees to see retirement as a natural transition rather than an end, urging serving staff to prepare early and embrace the stage with a positive mindset. Drawing from his personal experience since retiring in 2000, he congratulated the honourees and commended the hospital management for recognising their years of service.
Responding on behalf of the retirees, Dr. Simon Dachollom Audu expressed appreciation to the Plateau State Commissioner for Health, hospital management, colleagues and the Chief Medical Director for the honour bestowed on them. He described the recognition as a privilege and thanked God for the grace to complete their service, acknowledging the support of colleagues over the years.
In a goodwill message, the Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Ba’amlong, praised the retirees for their dedication, noting that their contributions would always be remembered. He urged staff to continue supporting the hospital’s growth, particularly as it works towards becoming a teaching institution.
Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of Pankshin Local Government Area, Felix Gonung, commended the retirees for their service and applauded the hospital’s leadership for recognising their contributions, wishing them good health and continued success.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of gifts to the retirees, the award of a trophy to the Laboratory team, winners of the inter-departmental tournament, presented by the Plateau State Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Cletus Bako Shurkuk.
Two security personnel, Mr. Benjamin Dayol and Mrs. Rachael Yari, were also honoured for their vigilance and dedication to the safety of the hospital.
The ceremony ended on a celebratory note, underscoring the hospital’s commitment to honouring service, fostering unity and promoting excellence in healthcare delivery.
