By David Odama
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s health sector on Tuesday paid tribute to the outgoing pioneer Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital (DUFUTH), Uburu, Ebonyi State, Prof. Uzoma Maryrose Agwu, as she concludes her four-year tenure marked by the hospital’s rapid institutional growth.
The tributes came during activities marking the hospital’s fourth anniversary and the Annual General Meeting of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals in Nigeria, held at DUFUTH, where government officials, heads of health institutions, professional bodies and traditional rulers acknowledged Prof. Agwu’s contributions to healthcare delivery, medical education, research and institutional development.
Representing Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, the Deputy Governor, Princess Patricia Onyemachi Obila, congratulated the hospital on its fourth anniversary, describing the institution as a growing centre of excellence that has continued to provide hope and quality healthcare to residents of Ebonyi State and the South-East.
In the governor’s goodwill message, the state government commended the outgoing Chief Medical Director for providing visionary leadership over the past four years, noting that her administration witnessed significant improvements in infrastructure, specialised healthcare services and the training of medical professionals.
The governor also welcomed members of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals to Ebonyi State, expressing confidence that their annual meeting would deepen collaboration among federal health institutions and strengthen healthcare delivery across the country.
He further congratulated Prof. Agwu on the presentation of her commemorative book, Viobona Marea, which chronicles the achievements, experiences and challenges encountered during her stewardship.
A major highlight of the celebration was the public presentation and review of a biographical work titled “Path-Opener: The Extra-Ordinary Journey of Prof. Mrs. Uzoma Maryrose Agwu,” authored by Prof. Ijeoma Georgnia Umahi Ayuba. The book chronicles the life of the outgoing Chief Medical Director from her childhood in Uburu, Ebonyi State, through her remarkable academic and professional accomplishments, to her emergence as Nigeria’s first female Chief Medical Director of a Federal Teaching Hospital.
Reviewing the book, veteran journalist and public affairs commentator, Abia Onyike, described the biography as an inspiring account of resilience, discipline, purposeful leadership and professional excellence. He said the publication demonstrates that Prof. Agwu’s accomplishments were products of hard work, diligence, integrity and unwavering commitment to service rather than mere good fortune.
Onyike praised the author for documenting Prof. Agwu’s educational journey, distinguished medical career and outstanding contributions to healthcare administration, noting that the work offers valuable lessons in leadership, ethics, perseverance and nation-building. He described the biography as more than a life story, saying it serves as a source of inspiration for medical professionals, students, researchers, historians and future leaders. He recommended the book to readers across all professions, describing it as an engaging and highly inspiring publication.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare also paid tribute to the outgoing Chief Medical Director, describing her tenure as one characterised by dedication, professionalism and commitment to advancing quality healthcare services.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Kachollom Daju, who represented the minister, Prof Ali Pate, praised Prof. Agwu for strengthening clinical services, providing effective administrative leadership and supporting the Federal Government’s vision of delivering accessible and quality healthcare to Nigerians.
According to the Permanent Secretary, leading a federal tertiary health institution in today’s challenging healthcare environment demands resilience, strategic coordination and an unwavering sense of duty-qualities she said Prof. Agwu consistently demonstrated throughout her tenure.
Dr. Abisola Adegoke , Director Hospital Services, Federal Ministry Health and Social Welfare in her good will message also congratulated the Hospital on attaining its fourth anniversary, describing DUFUTH as a fast-growing centre of excellence in healthcare delivery, medical training, research and patient-centred services.
She commended the hospital’s management and workforce for their dedication to improving tertiary healthcare services while particularly acknowledging Prof. Agwu’s leadership, resilience and commitment to institutional growth.
Several federal health institutions also joined in celebrating the outgoing hospital chief. The management of the Federal Medical Centre, Okigwe, led by its Medical Director, Dr. (Mrs.) Emily Akuabia Nzeribe, applauded Prof. Agwu’s visionary leadership, saying her administration significantly strengthened clinical services, infrastructure, medical training and research.
Chairman of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals in Nigeria as well as Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, Prof. Saad Ahmed, also congratulated Prof. Agwu on what he described as her outstanding leadership and invaluable contributions to the growth and transformation of DUFUTH.
In a separate message, the Chief Medical Director of the Jos University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Pokop Wushipba Bupwatda, said Prof. Agwu’s tenure would be remembered for visionary leadership, institutional transformation and improved healthcare delivery.
The National Obstetric Fistula Centre, Abakaliki, through its Medical Director, Prof. Johnson Akuma Obuna, noted that the outgoing CMD laid strong institutional foundations that transformed the hospital into one of Nigeria’s rapidly growing federal tertiary health institutions.
The Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Ebonyi State Chapter, equally praised Prof. Agwu’s leadership, describing her as an accomplished administrator, distinguished academic and passionate advocate for quality healthcare whose tenure advanced medical education, healthcare delivery and professional development.
Traditional rulers from the Uburu Ancient Kingdom also expressed appreciation for Prof. Agwu’s service, acknowledging her efforts as the pioneer Chief Medical Director in laying the foundation for the continued growth of the institution while expressing optimism that future administrations would consolidate on the progress already achieved.
The anniversary celebration also featured numerous tributes from colleagues, staff members, associates and family members, who described Prof. Agwu as an inspiring leader whose commitment, compassion and dedication positively impacted the lives of patients, healthcare workers and the wider community.
