Celebrating a Legacy of Service: Mr. Emmanuel Bunmi Fajuko Bows Out in Grand Style
Celebrating a Legacy of Service: Mr. Emmanuel Bunmi Fajuko Bows Out in Grand Style
The retirement ceremony of Mr. Emmanuel Bunmi Fajuko, a highly esteemed Community Health Practitioner and Administrator, was marked by fanfare and heartfelt tributes on 10th June, 2025, as colleagues, friends, and dignitaries from across the South West gathered to honour a man whose life has been defined by dedication, humility, and excellence.
Held in grand style, the programme featured a rich lineup of activities including cultural displays, goodwill messages, celebrant dance, cutting of the cake, and presentation of gifts, among others. The event was chaired by Mrs. Adetutu I. Adewole, with Evang. Paul Ilegbusi serving as secretary of the planning committee.
The retirement programme began with the arrival of guests, followed by an introduction of special guests and an opening prayer. The celebrant made a dignified entry as the National and Community Health Anthem was sung. Opening remarks were delivered by Dr. Francis Balogun, NVP SWZ, highlighting Mr. Fajuko’s exceptional service and his invaluable contributions to public health administration in Nigeria.
In a moving biography presentation, Mr. Fajuko’s career journey was recounted. Born on 30th July 1965 in Ilara Mokin, Ifedore LGA of Ondo State, he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Health Education from Ekiti State University and a Master of Public Health in Reproductive Health from Ladoke Akintola University, Ogbomoso.
Mr. Fajuko began his professional journey as a Community Health Officer with the Ondo State Local Government Service in 1990. In 2004, he joined the Federal Government Service as the pioneer Zonal Technical Officer in the Community Health Practitioners Registration Board of Nigeria (CHPRBN), an MDA under the Federal Ministry of Health. He faithfully served in this capacity until his retirement in March 2025.
Throughout his career, he worked closely with several Registrars/CEOs and Board Chairmen of CHPRBN, gaining deep insight into policy development and implementation. He was renowned for his humility, responsiveness, and humane approach to official matters, which endeared him to colleagues, institutions, and Community Health Practitioners nationwide.
A role model to many, Mr. Fajuko rose to the position of Director, Education Development and Standard, where he provided timely and qualitative support to leadership. He was instrumental in laying the foundation of CHPRBN and mentoring numerous officers and managers. His administrative prowess was further sharpened by his participation in numerous national and international workshops, conferences, and committees.
The ceremony was graced by Heads of Department from major institutions across the South West, including Millennium College of Health Technology (Akure), School of Health Technology (Akure), Oyo State College of Health Technology (Eleyele), UCH (Ibadan), and Royal College of Health (Ogun State), among others.
Gifts poured in from various dignitaries and institutions. In a particularly touching gesture, the Association of PHC Tutors South West presented Mr. Fajuko with a ₦1 million cash gift in recognition of his unwavering dedication to the profession.
In his response, the celebrant expressed deep gratitude to God, his family, and all who supported his journey. He was full of appreciation for the honour bestowed upon him and pledged to continue supporting the growth of community health in Nigeria in his post-retirement years.
As the curtains closed with a “Dancing Galore” session, it was evident that Mr. Emmanuel Bunmi Fajuko’s legacy is not just one of service, but of inspiration, mentorship, and transformative impact. He leaves behind not just a career, but a footprint of excellence and integrity in the sands of Nigeria’s health sector.
