By Victoria Onehi
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, has applauded the meritorious service of retiring officers of the Ministry.
Speaking at the retirement ceremony held in Abuja, Dr. Ajani described them as “senior citizens and distinguished colleagues who have devoted decades to the noble calling of public service.”
She extended warm regards and best wishes of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who is currently on a short leave and emphasised that the occasion was not merely a farewell but a celebration of lives dedicated to upholding the integrity and stability of Nigeria’s public administration.
“It is with profound honour and heartfelt appreciation that I stand before you today to deliver this address at a ceremony like this that signifies both the closing of a work chapter and the dawn of a new beginning,” she said.
“Our retirees have worked tirelessly, carried responsibility with professionalism, mentored younger officers, and left indelible marks on every reform and milestone achieved by the Ministry.”
In a statement, Dr. Ajani highlighted the sacrifices and humility demonstrated by the retirees throughout their careers, noting that their dedication and ethical standards have greatly strengthened the operations of the Ministry of Interior.
She presented tokens of appreciation to the retirees on behalf of the Ministry, describing them as emblems of collective gratitude. She further urged the retirees to embrace rest, spend quality time with their families, and continue serving as ambassadors of the civil service by sharing their wealth of wisdom and experience with the younger generation.
The Permanent Secretary also encouraged serving staff to take full advantage of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) services through their HMOs, stressing the importance of enrolling spouses and children under 18 years to ensure access to quality healthcare. “Even in retirement, you remain part of the Ministry’s history. Your contributions will not be forgotten.
We wish you joy, good health, and fulfillment in this new chapter of your lives,” Dr. Ajani concluded.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Director Human Resources Management Mrs. Catherine Zosi welcomed and congratulated the retirees and encouraged them to be good ambassador of the ministry.
Also, the Director of Citizenship and Business, Mrs. Okuboere Mukah advised the retirees’ children to embrace and take care of their parents to live healthy in their new phase of life.
The acting chairman of the joint Union in the Ministry, Comrade Mohammed Elabor appreciated the Management and every member of the Ministry of Interior for the honour done on the retired officers.
Comrade Elabor also used the opportunity to advise the management to give adequate priority to the welfare of staff in order to bring out the best in them to the progress of our nation.
The highlight of the event was the cutting of retirement cake by the Permanent Secretary Dr. Magdalene Ajani and the retirees, presentation of gifts as a symbol of honour to the retirees for their meritorious service to the nation. The directorate officer was gifted a 65″ plasma TV, while Grade Level 14 to the least officer was presented with a deep Freezer.
