From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Management and Staff of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), as well as international and local partners, at the weekend, celebrated the immediate-past Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Agency, Dr. Faisal Shuaib.
The event which was held in Abuja, provided opportunity for postive comments, testimonies and other ways of appreciating the seven years spent by Dr. Faisal as the Executive Director/CEO of NPHCDA.
Dr. Faisal was relieved of his duties as NPHCDA boss by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu few weeks ago, after seven years in office, and was replaced with Dr. Muyi Aina.
Special Adviser to the President on Health, Dr. Salma-Anas Ibrahim, in her remarks, described Dr. Faisal as a dedicated and committed fellow, and a team player who was desirous of a better Primary Health Care (PHC) services in Nigeria and worked hard to achieve significant improvement in PHC services in Nigeria.
She added: “Dr. Faisal obviously defied all odds to make significant impact on healthcare services, particularly PHCs, in Nigeria. Amidst the health crisis that plagued the northeast region that forced many to flee, Dr. Faisal, was willing and committed to face the challenges head-on and he did that relentlessly. His commitment to supporting the community and delivering vaccines to children struck a chord on me.”
Dr. Abdulahi Garba, NPHCDA’s Director of Research and Statistics, who spoke on behalf of serving Directors in the Agency, made reference to the digital innovations that were encouraged by Dr. Faisal, which, he said, helped to increase the efficiency and effectiveness in services.
“In addition to that, he was interest in staff welfare, and that was evident in his push and approval of salary augmentations and several palliatives,” he said.
He wished Dr. Faisal well in his future endeavors and assured him that he will continue to be remembered for good in the history book of the Agency.
He also promised that the support and cooperation he enjoyed from the Directors, Staff and partners of the Agency while he was in charge of affairs will be extended to the new Executive Director so there can be seamless and uninterrupted PHC services to Nigerians.
In his remarks, Dr. Faisal, expressed profound gratitude to colleagues and partners for their support in the last seven years that he piloted the affairs of the Agency. “The successes that was recorded as Agency was because of your collective support and commitment to the cause of improving the health care system of Nigeria.”
He acknowledged the sacrifices of his family, particularly his wife, and thanked schoolmates, friends, and mentors whose contributions coloured his life in a special way.
The event ended with the cutting of cake, presentation of awards, gifts and testimonies from all works of life, as well as a special message from Nigerian children, symbolizing the lasting impact of Dr. Faisal’s dedication to public health and the well-being of Nigerian youths.