The Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Delta State chapter, and the National Executive Council of the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria (OSN) have congratulated Dr. Gloria Patrick-Ferife on her appointment as Permanent Secretary in the Delta State Ministry of Health, describing the development as a well-deserved recognition of her professional competence, administrative excellence and dedication to public service.
Patrick-Ferife was recently redeployed from the Ministry of Technical Education to the Ministry of Health following the approval of a fresh posting of Permanent Secretaries by Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori.
A consultant ophthalmologist and former President of the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria, she is widely respected within medical and public service circles for her contributions to healthcare administration, eye care advocacy and policy implementation.
In a congratulatory message jointly signed by MWAN Delta President, Dr. Onyi Owa-Nwabuzo, and the association’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. Harriet Akpughe, the group described Patrick-Ferife as one of its distinguished members whose career trajectory continues to inspire women in medicine.
“From Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Technical Education to Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, from transforming technical education to now steering our health sector, truly a woman of excellence and many parts,” the association stated.
MWAN Delta further expressed confidence in her ability to drive positive changes in the health sector, praying that her new office would provide “more grace, more impact, and greater opportunities to improve healthcare for all Deltans.”
Similarly, the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria celebrated the appointment, describing Patrick-Ferife as a highly productive public servant whose successful stewardship of the Ministry of Technical Education demonstrated her versatility and leadership capacity.
In a statement signed by the National Public Relations Officer of OSN, Dr. Sewuese Bitto, the society said Patrick-Ferife’s redeployment to the Ministry of Health reflected her standing as “a top professional, excellent administrator and consultant ophthalmologist (specialist surgeon).”
The society added that her appointment was a source of pride for ophthalmologists across the country and expressed optimism that her wealth of experience would contribute significantly to healthcare delivery in Delta State.
“We are extremely proud of you and wish you God’s guidance and wisdom in carrying out this new task for high impact and the greater good of all Deltans,” the statement read.
Observers say the endorsements from two major professional health bodies underscore the confidence the medical community has in Patrick-Ferife’s capacity to provide administrative leadership at a time when healthcare delivery remains a priority for the Delta State Government.
With decades of experience spanning clinical practice, public health advocacy, medical leadership and public administration, Patrick-Ferife is expected to play a pivotal role in supporting policies and programmes aimed at strengthening healthcare services across the state.
