Blog

In fostering an excellent work culture and staff performance, the Executive Management of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has initiated the “Employee Recognition Awards” to recognise “Employees of the Month” and “Employee of the Year.”

According to the IHVN Director of Finance and Administration, Mr. Olu Alabi, this recognition covers overall employee performance in dressing, innovation, teamwork, productivity, efficiency, leadership & interpersonal skills, punctuality and adherence to company values and principles amongst others.

For October 2024, IHVN Celebrates, Temitayo Raimi, Clare Ohunayo, Sunday Ekere, Lem Kwem Imasuen, Ayomide Olumefun, Elizabeth Ejura Ali, Charles Imogie, Abubakar Iliyasu Bichi, Pascal Lojah Nyam, Adekunle Adebisi Deborah, Ifeanyi-Ukeagbu Ify Genevieve, Adebimpe Manuwa, Idowu Owoeye and Samuel Akingbesote whose performance stood out in their teams.

Three hearty cheers to our October star performers!

The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) deeply mourns the passing of its esteemed Board Director, Ms. Josephine Tapgun, who departed on November 3, 2024.

Hon. Tapgun was appointed to the IHVN Board in 2012, where she made invaluable contributions to the Institute’s growth and success. With her extensive experience as the former Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, alongside over 20 years of service in the public sector, Hon. Tapgun played a pivotal role in the strategic management and governance of the Institute.

IHVN Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Patrick Dakum said that “her unwavering commitment to public health has left a lasting impact on IHVN, and she will be profoundly missed by the board and all who had the privilege of working with her. The Institute extends its deepest condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time,” he said.

Before her passing at 64 years, Josephine Tapgun made a tremendous impact through her exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to nation-building. She served in various key capacities, including as an Assistant Director in both the Ministries of Power and Youth Development. Additionally, Ms. Tapgun was an Assistant Chief Consulting Officer for the National Council on Inter-Governmental Relations (NCIR), where she was responsible for monitoring activities and resolving conflicts between different tiers of government.

Ms. Tapgun was a highly respected expert in her field of psychology.  She earned a Master of Science degree in Organizational Psychology from the University of Jos in 1989, following her earlier achievement of a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Psychology. Her extensive academic background and professional experience positively influenced the various institutions she served.

It was an evening of glitz, glamour, and merriment when the Board of Directors, management, staff, family members, friends, and beneficiaries of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) gathered in Abuja to celebrate two decades of excellence in public health implementation, capacity building, and research. 

During the dinner, there were inspiring speeches, staff testimonials, award presentations to long-serving staff, games, and dancing. At the event, IHVN Chief Executive Officer,  Dr. Patrick Dakum recounted the Institute’s progress from its establishment in 2004 till date. 

“Over the years, we have provided HIV medications to more than 600,000 individuals, supported orphans and vulnerable children across the country, and restored hope for many living with HIV, including children. Some children who were born with HIV when we were established and at the point of death are now getting ready to be married.”

He said that IHVN has expanded its services to non-communicable diseases and has grown to host two centers, the Center for Public Health Implementation and the International Research Center of Excellence (IRCE).

IRCE Executive Director, Prof. Alash’le Abimiku stressed the importance of research and small beginnings and urged young researchers to keep dreaming. 

IHVN Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director, Dr Charles Olalekan Mensah also took guests down memory lane to trace the Institute’s achievements. 

IHVN is a leading non-governmental organization established in 2004 to address the HIV/AIDS crisis in Nigeria by developing infrastructure for treatment, care, prevention, and support for people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. The Institute has expanded its services to other infectious diseases like tuberculosis, malaria, and non-infectious diseases, including cancers. As a local organization, the Institute is structured to collaboratively develop and maintain linkages within and outside the country that support the Government of Nigeria’s health sector strategic plans.