Dr. (Mrs.) Gloria Patrick-Ferife has been redeployed from the Delta State Ministry of Technical Education to the Ministry of Health following a fresh posting of Permanent Secretaries approved by Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori.
Gloria Patrick-Ferife is a highly accomplished medical professional and public health specialist with a distinguished career in ophthalmology and healthcare administration. She holds an MBBS degree, a Master of Science (MSc), and is a Fellow of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (FNMCO).
Over the years, she has built a reputation as a consultant ophthalmologist, researcher, and public health advocate, contributing to studies on eye health and blindness prevention, including research on cataract blindness in Delta State. She has also been associated with the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) and has participated in national and international initiatives aimed at improving eye care delivery and public health outcomes.
The redeployment was contained in an official circular issued by the Office of the Head of Service and signed by the Delta State Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Mininim Oseji.
According to the circular dated June 4, 2026, Gloria Patrick-Ferife is among 15 Permanent Secretaries affected by the latest administrative postings aimed at strengthening service delivery across key government ministries, departments and agencies.
Her transfer to the Ministry of Health places her at the centre of one of the state’s most critical sectors, where government policies and programmes directly impact healthcare delivery and public welfare.
The move comes as the Oborevwori administration continues efforts to reposition public institutions through strategic deployment of senior civil servants based on administrative needs and government priorities.
In the wider reshuffle, Dr. (Mrs.) Charity Ehimen-Babigha was moved from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Renewal to the Office of the Head of Service, while Mr. Chukwuka Wilson was transferred from the Office of the Head of Service to the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Renewal.
Other postings include Dr. Paul Yinkore to the Delta State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Anthony Okwunze to the Ministry of Technical Education, Dr. Nkenchor Onyeisi to the Office of the Deputy Governor, and Lucky Nkemachor to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.
The circular directed all affected Permanent Secretaries to complete their handing-over processes on or before Monday, June 8, 2026.
Observers within the state civil service view Gloria Patrick-Ferife’s redeployment as a significant assignment, given the strategic importance of the health sector to the state’s development agenda.
As Permanent Secretary, she is expected to provide administrative leadership and support the implementation of government policies designed to improve healthcare services across Delta State.
Before her latest redeployment to the Delta State Ministry of Health, Gloria Patrick-Ferife served in several strategic positions within the health sector, including roles in health planning, research, immunisation, and eye care services.
Her professional journey reflects a blend of clinical expertise and public sector leadership, culminating in her appointment as a Permanent Secretary in the Delta State Civil Service in 2023.
Widely respected within medical and administrative circles, she has consistently championed stronger health systems, improved access to quality healthcare, and sustainable eye health programmes.
