Seventeen staff members of The Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Benin-City, the Edo State capital, has honoured 17 staff members who retired after decades of service, bringing to an end careers that collectively spanned several hundred years in the institution.
According to Tuesday’s release, the retirees were formally honoured during the hospital’s 2025 end-of-year celebration, which attracted members of the management team, heads of departments, and staff from various units.
Speaking at the event, the Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Imafidon Agbonile, described the retirees as “pillars of the institution”, whose dedication and resilience helped to sustain and grow the hospital over the years.
“These are men and women who gave their best years to the service of humanity, often working under challenging conditions, yet remaining committed to the hospital’s mission of compassionate mental healthcare,” he said.
Agbonile noted that many of the retirees had spent over three decades in service, adding that their contributions laid a strong foundation for the hospital’s current achievements.
The retirees, drawn from clinical, administrative, and support departments, were presented with cash gifts, food items, and certificates of service as a mark of appreciation for their meritorious service.
One of the retirees, retired Deputy Director and Head of the Nursing Services Department, Mrs Gloria Obaseki, who served for 31 years, described her career as “sweet, blessed, and fulfilling”, saying the honour accorded them was a reflection of management’s recognition of their sacrifices.
“We worked with passion, even when the work was difficult. To be celebrated like this at the end of our service means a lot to us,” said Gloria, who expressed gratitude to God and the hospital management for the opportunity to serve, noting that the institution had shaped them professionally and personally.
Generally, the retirees also encouraged younger staff members to remain dedicated, disciplined, and compassionate in the discharge of their duties, particularly in the sensitive area of mental healthcare.
The event, which was marked by an atmosphere of celebration and reflection, provided the retirees an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and reminisce on years of service, challenges, and achievements.
Management assured the retirees of the hospital’s continued commitment to staff welfare while also outlining plans to strengthen operations, embrace digital innovations, and improve service delivery in the coming year.
The retirement of the 17 staff members marked the end of an era for the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Benin-City, and served as a reminder of the vital role long-serving workers play in sustaining public health institutions.
