The Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs held a formal handing-over ceremony today as the outgoing Permanent Secretary, Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, officially transferred leadership to the incoming Permanent Secretary, Dr. Onwusoro Maduka Ihemelandu.
In his inaugural address, Dr. Onwusoro Maduka Ihemelandu expressed his profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, mni, for granting him the opportunity to serve in this esteemed capacity. He also extended his gratitude to the Honorable Minister, Zaphaniah Bitrus Jisalo, MFR, as well as the management and staff of the Ministry for their warm welcome and support.
Dr. Ihemelandu emphasized the critical role of the Ministry in advancing the 8-Point Agenda of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, urging all staff to work collaboratively towards delivering on this mandate. He reiterated his commitment to the full implementation of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2025 (FCSSIP25), aimed at transforming the Nigerian Civil Service through capacity building, a performance-based system, innovation, and a robust reward mechanism.
He further stressed the importance of adherence to the Public Service Rules (PSR) and extant circulars, calling on staff to uphold honesty, sincerity, accountability, and fairness in the discharge of their official duties. He solicited the full cooperation of the management and staff, assuring them of an open and engaging leadership style to foster efficiency and productivity.
Earlier in her farewell address, Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Heads of Departments and Units, acknowledging their hard work and dedication, which she described as the foundation of the Ministry’s progress during her tenure. She urged the staff to extend the same level of support and commitment to the incoming Permanent Secretary as they had given her.
Dr. Keshinro, who will be assuming new responsibilities as the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, expressed optimism about the future of the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, noting that the solid structures in place would ensure continued progress.
In his vote of thanks, Isa Abubakar (DFA) appreciated the outgoing Permanent Secretary for her leadership and contributions to the Ministry. He assured the incoming Permanent Secretary of the full support and cooperation of the management and staff to achieve the Ministry’s objectives.
The event was highlighted by the official signing and handing-over of documents, marking a seamless transition of leadership in the Ministry.
Signed
Mandal Francis Martin
For: Head of Information and Public Relations Unit
