Foreign Ministry Honours 110 Retired Staff

Foreign Ministry Honours 110 Retired Staff

By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, has recognised and honored 110 retired staff of the ministry for their outstanding contribution to the nation’s development while in service.

Onyeama urged the retirees to continue to make themselves available for national assignments even in retirement.

He spoke during a valedictory ceremony held in Abuja in honor of the staff who retired between 2019 and 2022.

The Minister appreciated their services, stating that diplomats and other nationals who had come into contact with them during their service recognised the quality of human resources in Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs ministry.

Onyeama acknowledged that the training they received in the diplomatic service should position them to serve in elective positions as governors, senators, or representatives.

He congratulated the retirees and acknowledged the challenges they faced during their 30 years of service, including perseverance, intellect, and physical strength, traveling from one country to another.

He also expressed his gratitude to the retired staff, stating that their efforts had contributed to Nigeria’s high regard in the diplomatic sphere.

Ambassador Janet Olise, Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary (DOOPS) in the ministry, commended the retirees for their dedication, hard work, perseverance, and selflessness, stating that they had played an essential role in providing the best service to the country.

She acknowledged that they were the leading implementers of all government policies, and the nation had benefited from their services.

Ambassador Faruk Danjuma, a retired director in the Ministry, expressed gratitude on behalf of the retirees, acknowledging the Minister and the Ministry for honoring them.

The retirees included Foreign Service officers and staff on other cadres.