LAGOS HEALTH MINISTRY CELEBRATES 19 RETIREES

The Lagos State Ministry of Health today sent forth 19 members of staff who retired from public service in 2018 after spending 35 years or attaining the statutory retirement age of 60 years at a ceremony held at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium in Alausa, Ikeja.

The retirees, comprising junior, middle and senior cadre officers who had served the Lagos State government in different capacities, were eulogised by guests and well-wishers at the event for their selfless service and contributions to the development of the State.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris congratulated the retirees, who were accompanied by members of their family, for rendering diligent service to the health sector and the Lagos State Government, saying though they are retired, they are still ambassadors of the health sector.

“I want to say I am happy to see all the retirees, the fact is that whether we are retiring or still in service, we are all working to achieve the laudable goals of the Lagos State government, let us all continue to do the good work that we need to do to move this State forward to greater heights”, he said.

Earlier in her address, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Titilayo Goncalves thanked the retirees for their meritorious service to Lagos State, noting that it takes only the grace of God to start a journey well and end well.

She pointed out that many in the course of the journey have fallen by the wayside.

“My joy knows no bounds today as I celebrate with you and I think we all should be grateful to the Almighty for keeping us alive to witness this day in good health”, she said.

Goncalves, while noting that there is no amount of accolades that can be enough to show appreciation for the contributions of the retirees to the State public service, stated that the send forth ceremony is just one of the little ways the State can express gratitude for the exemplary contributions of the retirees.

“No doubt, you all have been great assets to the Lagos State Public Service and the Public Service will surely miss you very much. The zeal, passion, commitment and loyalty you exhibited in the service of the State have made the Lagos State Health Sector a shining example among other States of the Federation and this will not be forgotten”, she stated.

Responding on behalf of the retirees, Mrs. Ilawole Olubunmi Adetutu, thanked the Lagos State Government for the privilege of contributing their quota to the development of the State.

She affirmed that the rare opportunity accorded the retirees to work in the public service and touch the hearts of Lagosians especially the indigent, poor and downtrodden as well as the experience and memories gathered in the course of the service will linger for a long time to come.

Also present at the event are the representatives of Pension Fund Administrators, Lagos State Pension Commission and the Office of the Head of Service of Lagos State.

The high point of the event was the presentation of gifts and commendation certificates to the retirees.