Plateau Specialist Hospital Honours Retirees, Staff at End-of-Year Award Night

Thursday, December 18, 2025, will remain a memorable day for retirees and staff of the Plateau State Specialist Hospital, Jos, as the management of the hospital honoured and celebrated them for their selfless service and contributions to healthcare delivery and humanity.

The retirees, elegantly dressed in colourful attires, were commended for their immense impact on public health during their years of active service at the state-owned tertiary health institution.

Also celebrated were serving staff of the hospital, who received a royal treat during the 2025 End-of-Year Get-Together and Retirees Award Night held at Zumji Event Centre, Jos, Plateau State.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the hospital, Professor Christopher Yilgwan, applauded the retirees for their exceptional dedication, professionalism, and value addition to the institution. He noted that their technical expertise and commitment significantly transformed the hospital and enhanced quality service delivery.

Professor Yilgwan prayed for God’s continued protection and sound health for the retirees as they transition into retirement, urging them not to withhold their wealth of experience and wise counsel whenever the need arises. He also commended the hospital staff for their teamwork and unwavering commitment to the growth and development of the hospital, while appreciating Governor Caleb Mutfwang for giving priority attention to the health sector.

In his remarks, the Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Baamlong, lauded the CMD and his management team for the innovative idea of honouring Retirees and Staff in such a unique manner. He revealed that Governor Mutfwang has demonstrated strong commitment towards ensuring the hospital grows exponentially in clinical services, infrastructure development, medical investigations, and human capital development. He therefore charged staff to embrace continuous self-development in line with global health trends.

The Executive Chairman of Pankshin Local Government Council, Hon. Felix Amos Gonung, also commended the initiative, describing it as a worthy gesture of appreciation. He stated that the people of Pankshin Local Government Area are proud of Professor Christopher Yilgwan for his sterling leadership and the visible transformation recorded at the hospital since his assumption of office.

In a brief address, Engr. Solomon Chikan stressed that retirement is an inevitable phase in the life of every worker and should be adequately planned from the very beginning of one’s career. He described retirement as a transition into a new phase of life that requires early and deliberate preparation.

Speaking on behalf of the Retirees, Dr. Simon Dachollom Audu expressed heartfelt appreciation to the CMD, management team, staff, families, and guests for the honour accorded them. He described it as a privilege to have served the hospital and humanity, applauding the spirit of teamwork that characterised their years of service.

Highlight of the event included the special recognition of two staff members of the hospital’s security unit, Benjamin Dayol and Rachael Yari Simon, who were rewarded for their vigilance, tact, and commitment that led to the arrest of vandals within the hospital premises.
A trophy was also presented to Team Lab, Winner of the Five-Aside Football Competition organized by the hospital as part of its end-of-year activities.

The ceremony also featured the presentation of gifts to the retirees and cutting of cake as guests were entertained with live music performances and treated to sumptuous meals.

Dignitaries at the event included the Plateau State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Dr. Cletus Shurkuk; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Mr. Bitrus Hosea; the Acting Director-General of the Plateau State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (PLASCHEMA), Dr. Kwande Dawal; the General Manager of Plateau State Express Services Ltd., Hon. Samuel Gwott; a representative of the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos; as well as other prominent personalities, health sector stakeholders, family members, and well-wishers of the retirees and staff.