Thirty-one retired staff of the Plateau State Specialist Hospital, Jos, were honoured with gifts of Television and awards during an end-of-year get-together dinner. The ceremony was held at the Zumji Event Centre in Jos.
The event brought together government officials, hospital management, staff, and guests from sister health institutions. It was organised to appreciate the retirees for their years of dedicated service and contributions to the hospital.
Speaking during the event, the Chief Medical Director of Plateau State Specialist Hospital, Prof. Christopher Sabo Yilgwan, paid special tribute to the retirees, describing them as men and women who devoted their productive years to the growth and stability of the hospital.
He noted that the end-of-year get-together and retirees’ celebration, which was introduced the previous year, was designed to appreciate the sacrifices and commitment of staff who had served the institution with diligence. He expressed gratitude that the initiative had been sustained and would be expanded in future editions.
Prof. Yilgwan emphasised that the retirees laid a strong foundation for the hospital’s progress, adding that their contributions remain part of the institution’s legacy. He encouraged continued respect and recognition for retired staff within the hospital community.
He assured the retirees that the management of the hospital values their service and will continue to celebrate them, noting that the honour was a mark of gratitude for their dedication and lasting impact on healthcare delivery in Plateau State.
Among those honoured at the ceremony were Dr. Sabina Joseph, Dr. Grace Dapiya, Dr. Simon Dachollom Audu, Dr. Dablet Nanyil Ezra, Dr. Kamalu Makut, Dr. Suleiman Adamu Garba, and several other dedicated retirees who contributed significantly to the growth and service of the hospital.
Engr. Solomon Chikan encouraged the retirees to view retirement as a natural phase of life and a transition, not an end. He urged those yet to retire to prepare early and embrace this stage with a positive mindset. Drawing from his own experience since retiring in 2000, he congratulated the retirees and commended the hospital management for recognising their years of dedicated service.
On behalf of the retirees, Dr. Simon Dachollom Audu expressed deep gratitude to the Plateau State Commissioner for Health, hospital management, colleagues, and the Chief Medical Director for honouring them. He described the recognition as a privilege, thanked God for seeing them to this day, and acknowledged the support and encouragement of their colleagues throughout their years of service.
In a goodwill message, Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Ba’amlong, praised the retirees for their dedicated service to the hospital, affirming that their contributions will always be remembered and celebrated. He urged staff to continue supporting the hospital’s growth and its transition into a teaching institution.
Hon. Felix Gonung, Executive Chairman of Pankshin Local Government, also commended the retirees for their service and praised the hospital’s leadership for recognising their contributions. He wished them continued success, good health, and God’s blessings.
Aside from presenting gifts to the retirees, the Laboratory team emerged winners of the inter-department tournament and were awarded a trophy by the Plateau State Commissioner for Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Cletus Bako Shurkuk.
Additionally, two security personnel, Mr. Benjamin Dayol and Mrs. Rachael Yari, were honoured for their vigilance and dedication to ensuring the safety of the hospital.
The event concluded with celebrations, highlighting the hospital’s commitment to recognising the retirees’ contributions while promoting unity, excellence, and continued dedication to the growth of Plateau State Specialist Hospital.
