The Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku, on Friday held its 2025 Staff Appreciation Day, celebrating outstanding dedication and service across all departments. The annual event, hosted at the hospital’s auditorium, brought together medical and non-medical personnel for a day of recognition, motivation, and renewed commitment to excellence in healthcare delivery. In his keynote address, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) praised staff for their resilience and professionalism over the past year. He emphasized that the hospital’s progress depended on the collective strength of every unit, urging departments to sustain their drive for innovation and improved patient care. “Motivation remains the engine that powers exceptional service,” he said, calling on all personnel to continuously strive for the best and uphold COOUTH’s mission. The CMD’s speech further highlighted the hospital’s evolving legacy, paying tribute to Prof. Ikeakor, who served as the first CMD and laid the foundation for what is today one of the state’s key health institutions. He noted that Prof. Ikeakor’s pioneering leadership and vision for a modern teaching hospital continue to guide COOUTH’s growth. According to him, the institution’s present achievements are built on the strong structural and administrative groundwork set during Ikeakor’s tenure. Awards were presented to staff members who distinguished themselves in service, teamwork, and innovation. Representatives from various departments expressed gratitude for the recognition, describing it as a morale booster as they head into a new year of responsibilities. The 2025 Staff Appreciation Day concluded with a renewed sense of unity and the assurance that COOUTH will continue to strengthen its standards in honour of its founders and in service to the public.