| by Favour O. Usiobaifo |
The popular adage that, “honour should be given to whom it is due” has come a long way. There is no disputing the fact that honour should therefore be given to those that honour is due unto, in all aspects of human endeavour. It is in light of the foregoing that the Board of Management of Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Benin City has celebrated one of its members – Mr. Fubara Chuku on his retirement. Prior to his retirement from public service, Mr. Fubara Chuku was a Director in the Federal Ministry of Health and a representative of the Honorable Minister in the Board of Management of the hospital.
The event which took place on Wednesday 14th April, 2021 during the 54th Meeting of the Hospital Board of Management was attended by the Board Chairman, Pharm. Haliru Lawal; and members of the Board including Dr. Imafidon O. Agbonile, Medical Director; Princess Oriri Akenzua, Board’s Secretary; Dr. Ikpeme Offiong, Board Member; and Mrs. Helen Oludare, Board Member. Also in attendance were: Pharm. (Dr.) M. Ibhawoh, Head, Pharmacy department; Mr. L.E. Evboumwan, Head, Accounts department; Mr. S.O. Okolo, Principal, School of Psychiatric Nursing (SOPN); Mrs. R. Igbinnosa, Head, Audit department; Dr. E. Isa, Head of Child and Adolescent unit; and Mr. B.I. Iguodala, representative of the Head of Nursing Services department.
Pharm. H. Lawal in a brief remark described Mr. Fubara as a seasoned public servant and his closest ally in the board, adding that his coming to the board changed the dynamics. He thanked the retiree for his utmost respect and unflinching support while he was in the board.
On his part, Dr. Agbonile said that the period that the retiree was a member of the board was pivotal and quite influential. He described him as a visible dot and a leader who made meaningful contributions in influencing the policy direction of the board in order to achieve a common goal, stating that the farewell ceremony organized in his honour was well deserved. “We wish to encourage you to continue in the same way that you have served this Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to serve your community aside of public service. Now that you are in private service, you need to be an inspiration in terms of integrity, forthrightness and justice to those who are in public service so that they would see how it would be like when they retire. We want to say that, we at FNPH Benin, we are ready to welcome you any time you pass through this part of the country and we will do the needful”, he noted.
Other members of the Board and Heads of department who spoke during the occasion all eulogized Mr. Fubara in warm words as a diligent and a leader with exemplary qualities who always stand for the truth based on the rules and regulation guiding the public service. They all appreciated his contributions in the Board which has consequently engendered the wonderful policies that has brought back peace and tranquility in the hospital.
In reaction, Mr. Fubara thanked the Board Chairman and members of the Board for the honour bestowed on him. He said that he was happy that he has served as a member of the board with them. He however charged Management, members of staff and all those present to always carry out their responsibilities sacrosanctly with fairness and justice. In a vote of thanks, Dr. I. Offiong, on behalf of the Board appreciated the celebrant for honoring their invitation to the occasion, and thanked the Board Chairman and the Medical Director for the opportunity to host the celebrant. The Board Chairman on behalf of the board presented a cash gift to Mr. Fubara, and wished him good health on his retirement