By Raphael Igber, Keffi

Twenty-five years of dedication, sacrifice, professional excellence and service to humanity took centre stage as the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, celebrated its Silver Jubilee with a grand celebration and fundraising dinner.

The event, held on Friday, October 30, 2026, at Hall A, Al-Vari Hotel, GRA, Keffi, attracted government representatives, traditional rulers, healthcare professionals, institutional leaders, partners and other distinguished guests.

With the theme, “Honouring Our Past, Celebrating Our Present and Investing in Our Future,” the celebration provided an opportunity to reflect on the association’s 25-year journey, appreciate past contributions, celebrate present achievements and strengthen its vision for the future.

In his goodwill message, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, who also served as Chairman of the fundraising initiative, congratulated the association on attaining the remarkable milestone.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Adamu Alhassan Ibrahim, who also represented the Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, the Governor described the anniversary as a testament to years of dedication, institutional growth and commitment to healthcare delivery.

He acknowledged the vital contributions of resident doctors to emergency services, surgical interventions, medical research and specialist training, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery across the state.

He further urged the doctors to remain committed to their professional calling, emphasizing that their greatest achievement lies in the lives they have touched and the patients they have helped to heal.

The Emir of Keffi, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Dr. Shehu Chindo Yanusa III, represented by the District Head of Keffi, Prince Ahmed Ahmed, also extended royal blessings to the association. He particularly commended its President, Dr. Timothy Msughter Ashimon, for his resilience and dedication to leadership, while offering prayers for the continued success of the resident doctors.

In her welcome address, the Chairperson of the occasion, the Vice Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, represented by Dr. Umar Suleiman, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to sustaining its partnership with the Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, particularly in human resource development and institutional collaboration. She also called for unity among members as a foundation for greater achievements.

The immediate past leadership of the association, led by Dr. Paul Wanje, commended the current executive for its dedication, hard work and maturity, while encouraging members to continue supporting the leadership towards achieving greater progress.

Earlier, the President of ARD, FMC Keffi, Dr. Timothy Msughter Ashimon, welcomed guests and appreciated their presence and support.

He described the Silver Jubilee as a celebration of 25 years of resilience, professional solidarity, purposeful leadership and commitment to improving healthcare delivery.

Established in 2001, the association has continued to strengthen its role in professional advocacy, development and institutional progress.

Highlighting some of the achievements of his administration, Dr. Ashimon mentioned the payment of outstanding promotion and salary arrears, renovation of a medical laboratory, establishment of a business centre, and employment of additional resident doctors.

He also disclosed that, as part of the anniversary activities, the association donated medical equipment, including stretchers and other essential gadgets, valued at approximately ₦1.5 million.

Additionally, a free medical outreach was organised at the Primary Healthcare Centre, Angwan Woje, where approximately 800 patients benefited.

A major highlight of the celebration was the fundraising initiative towards the purchase of a befitting bus for the association. According to the President, the vehicle would strengthen its administrative operations, facilitate rural medical outreaches and improve service delivery.

The fundraising session was led by Governor Sule, represented by Dr. Ibrahim, who pledged to communicate with the Governor regarding his contribution and expressed commitment towards providing the association with the desired bus. Other dignitaries and well-wishers also made contributions in support of the initiative.

The celebration further featured the cutting of the Silver Jubilee cake, presentation of awards to deserving individuals in recognition of their outstanding contributions, and a colourful cultural performance by the Theatre Arts and Cultural Group of Nasarawa State University, Keffi.

As the association celebrates 25 years of remarkable service, its story remains one of dedication, professional growth, sacrifice and an unwavering commitment to humanity.