The Federal Capital Territory Administration, on Wednesday, held a send-forth in honour of the pioneer Permanent Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Babagana Adam, who retired after years of meritorious service.
The event which brought together senior officials of the FCTA, medical practitioners, the media, families and friends of the celebrant, provided an opportunity to reflect on Dr Adams’ role in shaping the administrative culture within the Secretariat.
At the event, the Acting Head of Service, Nancy Sabanti Nathan, said Adam’s retirement stood out because “not many people have this rare opportunity to be celebrated at exit. Some leave quietly, some do not even have the opportunity to exit, but today we are celebrating your life and service.”
Nathan, who described him as a “brother” from the North-East, recalled policy meetings where Adam’s interventions shifted discussions. “You may not hear him speak early in meetings, but when he does, his contributions add real value. That is who he is, thorough, disciplined and intellectually grounded,” she said.
Also, the Mandate Secretary of HSES, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, noted that Adam’s insistence on standards shaped how the Secretariat functioned.
In her words, “To know him is to understand discipline. Yes, he could be tough, but deep down he is a good man who supported many of us through difficult times.”
Representing the Body of Permanent Secretaries, Olubunmi Olowookere described him as “a man of many parts” whose influence extended beyond the health sector.
Chief Medical Director of Asokoro District Hospital, Dr. Oluseyi Ashaolu, said Adam’s tenure brought structural reforms. “He came with a clear purpose, restructured systems and mapped out care pathways that strengthened healthcare delivery in the FCT,” he said.
From Maitama District Hospital, its Medical Director, Dr. Rita Idemudia, described him as a strategic leader whose ideas pushed the system forward. “We will truly miss him. He brought fresh ideas and meaningful reforms to the system,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of staff of the Secretariat, Comrade Ghali Kazeem described Adam as an “icon and anchor” of the public service. “He is courageous, firm, decisive and unbiased, with a passion to move the system to greater heights,” he said.
On behalf of friends and associates, Mohammed Tata described Adam as a principled and dependable individual whose integrity defined his career. He said his retirement marks a transition rather than an end, expressing confidence that his experience would continue to benefit society.
Responding, Adam thanked colleagues and acknowledged the role of national leadership in strengthening the civil service. He credited the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for reforms that opened opportunities for career progression.
“Any decision we took was for the betterment of the system. Nobody is untouchable when it comes to doing what is right,” he said.
The event was attended by permanent secretaries, health professionals, senior civil servants, family members and the FCT Minister’s Press Corps led by Comrade Hudu Yakubu.
