The Plateau State Specialist Hospital, Jos, hosted its 2025 End-of-Year Get-Together/Retirement/Award Night on Thursday, 18 December 2025, at the Zumji Event Centre, Jos. The colourful ceremony brought together government officials, hospital management, staff, retirees, partners, and invited guests in an evening filled with appreciation, entertainment, goodwill messages, and reflections on the hospital’s growth. The event highlighted the institution’s commitment to strengthening staff welfare, encouraging unity, and recognising decades of dedicated service.
In his welcome address, the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Christopher Sabo Yilgwan, warmly welcomed guests and appreciated the large turnout despite the programme’s slight delay. He expressed delight at the colourful décor and the togetherness displayed by staff and stakeholders, noting that the gathering offered an opportunity to unwind and strengthen interpersonal relationships beyond official duties.
Prof. Yilgwan especially appreciated dignitaries present, including the Plateau State Commissioner of Health, top government officials, sister health institutions, and friends of the hospital for gracing the ceremony. He honoured retiring staff for their years of service, describing the retirement celebration as a culture the hospital would continue to uphold annually. He encouraged staff to interact freely, enjoy the moment, and build social bonds that would promote teamwork and harmony within the institution.
He concluded by thanking everyone for their contributions toward the hospital’s progress, assuring that next year’s celebration would be even bigger, and wishing the gathering a memorable evening filled with joy and entertainment.
Delivering his remarks, the Plateau State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Cletus Ba’amlong, described the evening as significant, praising the hospital’s leadership for honouring retiring workers and creating an atmosphere of unity. He said the recognition of retirees showed that the hospital valued the contributions of its employees even beyond active service.
Dr. Ba’amlong highlighted government commitment to strengthening the Plateau State Specialist Hospital through clinical upgrades, infrastructure development, improved investigations, and staff training. He also reminded staff of the hospital’s evolving identity as the designated teaching hospital for the Plateau State University medical programme, urging workers to prepare for the academic and administrative implications ahead. He encouraged prayers for staff lost within the year and wished the hospital continued growth.
The Executive Chairman of Pankshin Local Government Council, Hon. Felix Amos Gonung, commended the hospital for creating a relaxed atmosphere where health workers could dine and celebrate together outside clinical settings. He expressed pride in Prof. Yilgwan, describing him as a worthy ambassador of Pankshin.
He praised the hospital for honouring its retirees, noting that such a gesture strengthens service morale and motivates those still working. According to him, the hospital has changed its narrative through improved services and increasing public trust. He prayed for continued success and greater recognition for the institution.
Speaking on behalf of the honoured retirees, Simon Dachollom Audu expressed deep appreciation to the CMD, management, and colleagues for celebrating them. He reflected on their years of service to the state, acknowledging those who supported and guided them. Audu remembered colleagues who passed away before retirement, describing the ceremony as a privilege none of them took for granted. He thanked the government, the management team, and the hospital community for honouring their contributions.
The event featured presentation of of 5aside football competition trophy and presentation of awards and gifts to retiring staff, recognising decades of loyal service to the Plateau State Specialist Hospital. Guests participated in special prayers and a ceremonial toast for retirees, the hospital, and future progress.
With music, laughter, and social bonding, the night ended on a joyful note as attendees celebrated dedication, unity, and a renewed vision for excellence at the Plateau State Specialist Hospital, Jos.
