Dr Patrick Korie, Managing Director, SUNU Health Maintenance Organisation on Saturday bowed out of service after 22 years’ of meritorious service.
Colleagues showered encomium on Korie during the send-off organised by the SUNU HMO in Lagos.
Korie was described by friends and colleagues as a man of integrity, friendly, calm and a humble man to the core.
Dr Olomola Moyosore, MD/CEO SUNU Health described Korie as a calm and humble man whose dedication to duty was top notch.
Moyosore said that Korie leadership, dedication and unwavering spirit defined the essence of SUNU Health for more than two decades.
He said that the retirement party was not marking the end of a career but celebrating the story of Korie whose stewardship has shaped the organisation.
The MD said they gathered to say thank you, expressed admiration and deep gratitude.
Corroborating the MD views, Dr Faith Nwachi, Chief Operating Officer said Korie joined SUNU Health in October 2023 as Assistant General Manager and rose to become MD through hard work and dedication.
Nwachi said that his leadership was uniquely informed by career defined by strategic healthcare management, global public health experience, fellow institute of healthcare finance, past V C health and managed care, Nigeria among others.
She said that Korie has eyes for education and believes there’s something everyone could attained.
A representative of the Board of Directors, Mr Gabriel Idahosa said that 22 years of service to SUNU Health was not a joke.
Idahosa said that those years were long but Korie survived those years and he was always as calm as if nothing was happening.
He said that Korie believed that he had to chaired the industry to be successful noting that he was one of the people among the early Health Maintenance Organisation that made it to be successful.
Speaking, Mr Godwin Ekanem, member of staff, SUNU Health said that Korie was not just a boss but a great leader.
Ekanem said that Korie knows how to stay calm in serious chaos and helped shaped a lot of lives.
On his own part, Mr Eugene Ibeawuchi while wishing Korie a happy retirement said that he carried everybody along.
Ibeawuchi said that Korie don’t discriminate noting that he was a very good man.
Commenting, Mrs Chinyere Nwaohiri, State Coordinator, National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) said that she had known Korie when HMO was still evolving.
Nwaohiri who was standing on behalf of Dr Kelechi Ohiri, NHIA DG said that Korie was part of the transformation of SUNU Health.
He wished a happy wonderful and long retirement.
Responding, Korie said that it was all joy when he looked back.
“If I was not giving a job opportunity, I would not be here, if the board didn’t support me, I wouldn’t be successful.
“The leadership style in medicine is not democratic, it was one of the things that have helped us survived.
“For the staff, the truth is that without members of staffs , nothing could have happened.
“Life is in phases, for me, this is my own phase, when you stay somewhere and you mentor someone, you step aside, the young must grow and the elders must step aside” Korie said.
The highlight of the retirement party was a presentation by Cute Kids Haven Foundation Non Governmental Organisation.
The NGO said that they came to appreciate a boss and mentor who had supported them from day one.
“Philanthropy is more than just giving money — it’s about building bridges, empowering people, and fostering a spirit of kindness and unity. your visionary spirit has done all of this and more. You have been a beacon of light, reminding us of our collective power to make a difference.
“As you step into retirement, please know that the seeds you have sown will continue to flourish and grow. Your legacy is not only measured by the impact of your contributions but by the lives you’ve uplifted and the generosity you’ve inspired in all of us.
“On behalf of everyone here and countless others beyond these walls, thank you for your boundless generosity, your leadership, and your heart. May this new chapter bring you as much joy and fulfillment as you have brought to others” the NGO said.
