To achieve effective implementation of the policies and programmes of government in consonance with modern work ethics, the Federal Government has counseled public servants on the need to imbibe time-honoured virtues and adoptive skills.
The advice was given on Friday by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministries of Sports and Youth Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, during the retirement programme of the Director of Procurement, Federal Ministry of Sports Development, Mr Olusegun Oke, held in Abuja.
According to Abubakar, Public Servants are key to the development of any nation and must therefore enthrone the culture of innovation, both in imagination and routine work, as well as, develop appropriate tools for the anticipated change that goes with the emerging challenges.
The PS noted that the achievements of any public servant are evaluated by his efficiency, transparency, productivity and ability to impact on the lives of people through the services put to drive government policies, projects and programmes.
The attributes, he said, “are imbibed in the celebrant, throughout his years of meritorious service. Those who have the privilege to work closely with Mr. Oke will testify to his commitment and transparency, and above all, his citizen-centredness”, he said.
In his congratulatory message to the retiree, Abubakar lauded him for having served the country successfully and attaining 60 years with good health, while reminding him to see retirement from service as another step in life. He therefore urged him to make the best use of his post-service years.
In his message, a retired Federal Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Ibukun Odusote, also advised civil servants in the country to be proactive and focused so as not to be left out in the scheme of affairs. To her, the civil service is the hope of all Nigerians and, as such, needs staff who are selfless, dedicated, and committed to delivering on government initiatives.
Mrs Odusote who described the retiring Director as one of the best government official in recent times, reminisced thus: “I was a Permanent Secretary for 10 years and I served in 8 Ministries. I will boldly tell you that the best Special Assistant I had, was Mr. Olusegun Oke”.
Responding, the retired Director, who was flanked by his wife, Bosede, thanked God Almighty for granting him good health, long life and opportunity to serve, as well as, the privilege of successful retirement.
“I am deeply humbled and honoured with the calibre of people present here to celebrate with me on my 60th birthday, marking the end of my years in public service. I remain grateful to you all. My years of service no doubt, left an indelible mark in my life, especially in the area of touching the lives of people. My desire is to spend the rest of my life to the service of God and humanity”, Oke said.
