A Life of Purpose: Celebrating the Retirement and 60th Birthday of Mrs. Dalhatu Hamman
By Hilary John
The Living Spring Christian Assembly in Jalingo was filled with gratitude, joy, and reflection as friends, family, and well-wishers gathered to celebrate the retirement and 60th birthday of Mrs. Dalhatu Hamman — a woman widely respected for her dedication, humility, and unwavering service to humanity.
Mrs. Dalhatu Hamman
The thanksgiving service was marked by a powerful sermon from the Resident Pastor, Rev. Dr. David S. Malgwi, who delivered a message titled “Finishing Well in Life.”
He reminded the congregation that life is not just a journey to be traveled, but one to be completed with purpose and grace.
“Every journey has a destination,” Rev. Malgwi said. “Our prayer should be, ‘God, help me to finish well.’” Drawing the from Scripture, he cited examples such as Daniel, Esther, Deborah, and Joseph — individuals who remained faithful and purposeful, refusing to give up despite challenges. Above all, he pointed to Jesus as the ultimate example of someone who both began and finished well.
Quoting the book of Ecclesiastes — “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity” — the pastor emphasized that any life lived apart from God is ultimately meaningless. He praised Mrs. Hamman for a life steeped in purpose and faith, celebrating her milestone not just as a birthday or a retirement, but as a testimony of a life lived intentionally with God at the center.
Throughout the event, tributes poured in from those whose lives have been touched by the celebrant’s dedication and service.
Mr. Hussain Audu Zuppai, a long-time associate, expressed profound gratitude to God for keeping Mrs. Hamman through the years and guiding her to a successful retirement after decades of active service.
Hussain Audu Zuppai
“She is a shining example of what resilience, hard work, and selfless service look like,” Zuppai said.
He urged those still in active service to begin planning for retirement early, learning from Mrs. Hamman’s wisdom and foresight.
“Don’t wait until the end is near,” he warned. “Start preparing while you still have the strength.”
Her brother, Mr. Sabo Abdul Hamid, also took the stage to thank God for his sister’s life of integrity and faith.
“She served diligently and faithfully, and today she returns to give thanks. I pray her children follow in her footsteps,” he added.
In an emotional vote of thanks, Mrs. Dalhatu Hamman was full of gratitude.
She reflected on her journey, noting that many who started with her along the path of life and service were no longer here. “But God, in His mercy, has kept me,” she said, her voice tinged with emotion.
She expressed heartfelt appreciation to all who came to celebrate with her, praying that God would reward their kindness and grant them safe travels. “May the Lord replenish you according to His riches in glory,” she concluded.
As the ceremony came to a close, it was evident that Mrs. Hamman’s life had left a deep impression — not just as a civil servant, but as a woman of faith, strength, and enduring legacy.
