The Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia, Prof. Azubuike Onyebuchi, has advised employees to begin planning for life after retirement while still in active service.
Onyebuchi gave the advice on Wednesday during a retirees’ send-off and end-of-year celebration organized by the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, FMC Umuahia Branch.
He emphasized the importance of early retirement planning and reiterated his administration’s commitment to staff welfare.
“It’s all about planning and knowing that there will be life after retirement. Planning starts while you’re still in service so that you can take care of yourself when you leave,” he said.
The medical director encouraged the retirees to look beyond their former workplace, noting that “there is more to life than where you were working—you can do bigger things outside the hospital environment.”
Onyebuchi commended the union for the initiative, describing the event as the first of its kind, and disclosed that the hospital’s management was developing a strategic plan to celebrate retirees annually.
He said it was important to honor those who had spent the best years of their lives in service, retiring after 35 years or at the age of 60.
The Chairperson of the union, Mrs. Commy Okonkwo, said the branch decided to celebrate its 40 members who retired between 2022 and 2024 in recognition of their dedication and sacrifices.
She noted that it was the first time the union was organizing a central ceremony for retirees, as such events were previously held at the sectional or unit levels.
Okonkwo urged the retirees to remain calm, reflect Christ-like virtues and trust in God’s guidance.
Responding on behalf of the retirees, Mr. Festus Nwosu expressed gratitude to the union’s leadership for the honor.
Highlights of the event included the inauguration of the union’s Senior Citizens Forum and the presentation of awards of excellence to the retirees.
