Health Minister Celebrates Colleague, Dr Ejeh on 60th Birthday Anniversary

The Nigeria Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate has sent his goodwill messages across to his longtime friend, colleague, and Executive Director of Investment Africa Diaspora Corporation (ADC) North Carolina, USA, Dr Sylvester Ejeh on his 60th birthday, describing him as a passionate and committed ally who has paid his dues in all areas of engagement, especially in the health sector.

Dr. Pate in his message dated 8th August, 2025 and made available to News Corner Media, appraised Dr Ejeh for leading a life of purpose and service to humanity, noting that his 60 years has been marked with curing and restoring people’s health, health and hope without blowing his trumpet.

The Minister while recalling the early days he shared with Dr. Ejeh, even in the tertiary and medical practice, prayed God to continue to guide and bless him abundantly, to soar to greater heights in the medical field.

His message reads in parts:

“60th Birthday Tribute to my dear brother and friend Dr. Sylvester U, Ejeh

“Sixty years is a gift. And yours has been a life of service, skill, and quiet integrity. You have cared for people’s hearts in every sense-caring for hearts, restoring health, giving hope and doing it without seeking the spotlight.

“As the Scripture says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23). You have not only guarded the hearts of everyone God has brought your way, but have a good heart in every sense -one that gives without keeping score, listens without judgement, and serves without seeking reward. It is this combination of professional excellence and personal goodness that has earned you the enduring
respect and affection of colleagues, patients, and friends alike.

“It’s amazing to realise that I have called you friend for half of your life, going back to the demanding but formative days of our residency at Howard University. We learnt medicine shoulder to shoulder, carrying heavy responsibilities and pushing through long nights that
tested both skill and stamina. Along the way, we built the kind of trust that only comes from shared trials. I still remember one night in particular-the long drive back from
Cleveland in the middle of a huricane, determined to make it to Washington by morning.
Looking back, it was risky, even foolish, but it also captured the resilience, commitment, and faith that have marked our friendship ever since.

“It was my plan to be with you and your family on this milestone birthday, but for the exigencies of my current office in Nigeria.

“Still, as always, I am with you all in thought and gratitude, thankful for the privilege of calling you a friend, my colleague, and my brother.

“Our prayer, on behalf of my wife Karimatu and all our children, is simple: may God keep you strong in body, clear in mind, and at peace in your spirit. May the years ahead bring you more joy than the ones behind, and may you continue to find quiet satisfaction in the difference you make every day. They say good doctors never really age or retire: they simply cary their skill, steadiness, and instinct into every season of life. I have no doubt you wil do the same, with the grace and commitment that have defined your journey so far.

“A heartful happy 60th birthday, Dr Sylvester Ejeh!”, Dr Pate concluded.