By Joy Odor, Abuja
The Ministry of Interior on Thursday rolled out the drums in Abuja to honour its retiring officers, describing them as pillars of public service whose sacrifices and dedication strengthened Nigeria’s governance system.
Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, who led the ceremony, applauded the retirees as “senior citizens and distinguished colleagues who devoted decades to the noble calling of public service.”
Representing the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Ajani said the event was not merely a farewell but “a celebration of lives dedicated to integrity, professionalism, and the stability of the nation’s public administration.”
“Our retirees have carried responsibility with professionalism, mentored younger officers, and left indelible marks on every reform and milestone achieved by the Ministry,” she declared, while presenting tokens of appreciation, including a 65-inch television set to a directorate officer and deep freezers to others.
The Permanent Secretary urged the retirees to embrace rest, family life, and mentorship roles even in retirement, assuring them that “your contributions will not be forgotten.”
She also encouraged serving staff to maximize National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) benefits for themselves and their families.
Director of Human Resources Management, Mrs. Catherine Zosi, and Director of Citizenship and Business, Mrs. Okuboere Mukah, also lauded the retirees, urging them to remain worthy ambassadors of the Ministry while calling on their children to care for them in their new phase of life.
In his remarks, Acting Chairman of the Ministry’s Joint Union, Comrade Mohammed Elabor, commended management for honouring the retirees but urged it to prioritize staff welfare to boost productivity and national progress.
The colourful ceremony featured speeches, presentation of gifts, and the symbolic cutting of a retirement cake jointly performed by Dr. Ajani and the retirees.
