By Victoria Onehi
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Sen.Abubakar Kyari said Umakhihe’s relentless pursuit of excellence, selfless service and astute leadership, has left an indelible mark on the ministry and the nation.
Kyari disclosed this at a dinner organised by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, FMAFS, recently to bid farewell to it’s outgoing Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe as he retires from federal civil service.
The dinner was to honour Dr. Ernest Umakhihe for his immense contributions to Civil Service and the Agriculture Sector. He officially concluded his active service on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, marking the end of a commendable 35-year in service.
Speaking during the farewell dinner, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari stated that the purpose of the occasion was to reflect on the extraordinary service and dedication demonstrated by Dr. Umakhihe throughout his career.
The minister in statement commended the outgoing Permanent Secretary for leading his subordinates with courage, wisdom and determination, promoting the affairs of the agricultural sector.
He pointed out Umakhihe’s experiences, skills, integrity, discipline, dedication, loyalty and respect for diversity, stating that these qualities would guide him in his future endeavours.
He urged him not go too far but stay close as his service would be needed
Earlier, in her welcome address, the Chairman of the organizing committee and Director, Human Resources Management, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Alade thanked Dr. Umakhihe for his services to the nation and wished him a rewarding retirement life. She lauded his rise to the pinnacle of his career through hard work, tenacity and focus.
In his remarks, the Director, Planning and Policy Coordination, Mr. Ibrahim Tanimu commended Umakhihe’s result-driven approach and his sense of humility, noting that he would apologies if he was wrong or wrongly reacted to actions.
Responding, Dr. Umakhihe expressed gratitude to God for enabling him to reach the peak of his career. Umakhihe attributed his success to the cooperation of his subordinates and the goodwill he enjoyed throughout his career.
He disclosed his intention to join partisan politics in Edo, his home state, following his retirement.
Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe retired from the Civil Service after attaining 35 years. He served in various ministries and departments, including the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Sports, before his elevation to the status of Permanent Secretary.
The farewell Dinner was attended by the Minister of Agriculture and Good Security and the Minister of state, FMAFS, Chairman, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Permanent Secretaries, Directors General, Directors in the Ministry, among others.
