By ebosele@hotmail.com –
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has celebrated the 60th birthday and retirement of the Chief Medical Director of the Karu Customs Hospital, Abuja, Comptroller Dr Namang Namdang, with a colourful retirement ceremony and ceremonial pulling-out parade.
The event, held on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, brought together Customs officers, medical personnel, family members, friends and well-wishers to honour Namdang’s years of dedicated service and his contributions to the development of the Karu Customs Hospital.
Namdang, one of the pioneers of the hospital, was celebrated for his professionalism, leadership and commitment to healthcare delivery within the Service.
The ceremony featured tributes, prayers, goodwill messages, presentation of gifts and birthday celebrations as colleagues and associates reflected on his career and the impact of his service on officers and patients.
Speaking on behalf of the hospital staff, Comptroller Habiba Abdulmalik, Head of the Nursing Unit, described Namdang as an exceptional leader and medical practitioner whose passion for duty, compassion and commitment to patients earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues.
She said his selfless service and dedication would continue to inspire those who worked with him.
“We are deeply grateful for your sacrifices and commitment. As you forge ahead into retirement, we wish you long life, good health, and the very best. You will be greatly missed, but your legacy will remain with us,” she said.
Other colleagues and associates also paid glowing tributes to the retiring Chief Medical Director, recalling his remarkable work ethic and dedication to saving lives.
They described him as a highly committed medical practitioner who was often found in the operating theatre performing surgeries in the early hours of the morning.
A drama presentation depicting his passion for work, devotion to patients and memorable experiences during his years of service added humour and emotion to the celebration.
Responding, Namdang expressed appreciation for the honour, describing the ceremony as an overwhelming demonstration of love and support from colleagues, friends and family members.
He thanked everyone who had contributed to his professional journey and appealed for forgiveness from anyone he might have offended in the course of carrying out his responsibilities.
According to him, his actions and decisions were driven by the demands of duty and his commitment to the Service.
“I have never seen anything like this. I am overwhelmed and will never forget today. If I offended anyone during the course of our work, it was never intentional; it was because the work had to continue. I will miss all of you, and I believe we shall meet again, either here on earth or in the bosom of our Lord,” he said.
The celebration climaxed with a ceremonial pulling-out parade, as officers, colleagues, family members and friends lined up to bid farewell to the retiring pioneer Chief Medical Director and honour his years of service to the Nigeria Customs Service.
