After meritorious years in the Federal Civil Service, 2023 batch of retirees of the then Ministry of Mines and Steel Development (MMSD) numbering 20 persons have been recognised and honoured.
The Ministry, which is now divided into two, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development (MSMD) and the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development (MSD), jointly honoured the retired staff at its headquarters in Abuja on Thursday 30th of January, 2025.
The ex-staff took home Inverter Chest Freezers and certificates as appreciation for their meritorious services to the nation.
Speaking at the occasion, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Mary Ogbe, stressed that it was an event that has been planned for some time now, but thanked God that the ceremony finally took place.
She noted that the ceremony was a combined one for the two ministries as the retired staff during their active years in service laid solid foundation for what the two ministries have become today.
“I wish to express my deep appreciation to all our retirees. We acknowledge your hard work and the very strong foundation that you have laid to the sector. Whatever you hear today about the progress of the sector wouldn’t have been possible without the foundation that you have laid.
“And we do not take this for granted and that is why we say we must celebrate you this morning.
“So whatever this sector becomes eventually, we hear that it is the next sector to oil that will take Nigeria out of the woods, whatever it becomes, I want you to know that you form part of the foundation that is making it happen.”
She also pointed out that retirement is not just merely the end of a professional journey, but a beginning of a new chapter.
“And I believe you have all found that new chapter because you have gone for the second year now.”
She urged them to continue to live a active life, advising that it is not a time for the retirees to just sit down for the aging process to catch up with them.
Stating that the sector cannot thank them enough, she said they should accept the little that has being put together for them.
“I pray that you spend this time in good health, it is not a time to retire and go and die, you must remain active. Don’t sit in one place for all the fat to gather.”
She also reminded those still in service that a time like this will come for them and that the time to prepare for retirement is from the day they joined the civil service.
For those who have not started preparing, she said it is not too late to start.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Steel Development, Dr. Chris Isokpunwu, noted that the gathering is celebrating the exit of Civil servants who have distinguished themselves during their meritorious service.
He also pointed out that the civil service has built them up over the years to be resilient and adapt to any situation, in preparation for their retirement period.
The Permanent Secretary also gave reasons for celebration, noting that not all those who started with them in the service retired with them, as some of them lost their lives while others could not serve to the end.
He urged the retirees to always respond anytime the ministries asked for their advice on issues.
Advising those still in service, he said “It is also a time for those of us in service to look forward that one day, it will be me. It is a mistake to think it is a long time away.
“The best time to start preparation for retirement is from the first day you joined the civil service,” he stated .
He thanked the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development for spearheading the initiative.
Giving a welcome address earlier, the Director of Human Resources Management, Mrs. Ijeoma Idika, said that something will be missing if the retirees were not recognised after their great contributions.
Stating that it is the tradition in the ministry to honour retirees, she said some reasons prevented it from holding in the past two years.
Representative of the retirees, Mr. Ojeka Patrick, noted that the Civil Service has installed in them the spirit of work and that they are retired but not tired.
According to him, they are available to still contribute their quotas to the development of the sector.
On behalf of his colleagues retirees of 2023, he thanked the staff and management of the two ministries for the gesture.
He urged those still in service not to see retirement as down the valley, advising them to start preparing for the period.
“Be meticulous on your job because that will be your testimony tomorrow after retirement.” he stated
Representative of the union, Peter Okafor, congratulated the retirees.
He said that the ceremony came to him as a surprise, adding “That means we have responsive leaders who listen to our calls.”
High points of the event were proposing a toast and popping of wine, presentation of gifts and certificates, and management photograph session with the retirees.
The occasion was graced by Directors and Staff of the two ministries. Some invited guests also accompanied the retirees.
Signed
Kania Maliki Andeyaba
Deputy Director/Head of P&PRD
