Employees of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia, have been advised to begin planning for life after retirement while still in active service. The counsel was given on Wednesday, 4 December, by the Medical Director of FMC Umuahia, Prof. Azubuike Onyebuchi, during a send-off ceremony for retirees, held alongside the end-of-year celebration organised by the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria, FMC Umuahia Branch.
Prof. Onyebuchi underscored the importance of early retirement planning as essential to staff welfare. “It is all about planning and recognising that there will be life after retirement. Planning starts while you are still in service so that you can look after yourself when you leave,” he said.
He urged retirees to explore opportunities beyond the hospital environment, noting that, “You can do bigger things outside the hospital environment.” He also commended the union for organising the ceremony and disclosed that management was developing a strategic framework for honouring future retirees of the hospital.
The Chairperson of the union, Mrs. Commy Okonkwo, said the event celebrated 40 members who retired between 2022 and 2024, acknowledging their years of dedication and service. She advised the retirees to remain calm and Christ-like, assuring them that “God is with them.”
A retiree, Mr. Festus Nwosu, expressed appreciation to the union’s executive committee for organising what he described as a “laudable” initiative.
