Works Ministry PS Adeladan Bows Out as Aminu Assumes Acting Role

Works Ministry PS Adeladan Bows Out as Aminu Assumes Acting Role

By Our Reporter

Abuja (Core Reporters) — The Federal Ministry of Works has bid farewell to its Permanent Secretary, Engr. Rafiu Olarinre Adeladan, following his retirement from the Federal Civil Service after a distinguished career marked by dedication, professionalism, accessibility and unwavering commitment to the Service and the nation.

At a colourful but emotionally charged handover ceremony held on Thursday, August 27, 2026, Adeladan formally handed over the administration of the Ministry to the Director of Finance and Accounts, Alhaji Aminu Ahmed, who assumed responsibility as Director Overseeing Office of the Permanent Secretary (DOOPS), pending the appointment of a substantive Permanent Secretary.

In his farewell address, Adeladan expressed profound appreciation to the management and staff of the Ministry for their support, cooperation and cordial working relationship throughout his tenure.

He said he was deeply emotional about leaving the Ministry, noting that the quality of work, professionalism, teamwork and social interaction among officers and staff remained exceptional and worthy of commendation.

Adeladan commended the management and staff for relating to him not only as their Permanent Secretary but also as a partner and colleague, describing the experience as humbling and memorable.

He particularly appreciated the sincerity, courage, honesty and professionalism demonstrated by staff, stressing that the ability to speak frankly on issues while remaining committed to doing what is right is an important virtue of the Civil Service.

The retiring Permanent Secretary also expressed appreciation for the friendship, cooperation and support he received from members of staff, acknowledging that disagreements and difficult moments were part of any working relationship.

He used the occasion to apologise to anyone he might have offended during his tenure and appealed for their forgiveness.

Adeladan urged staff to remain committed to the Ministry, the core values of the Civil Service and the spirit of teamwork, professionalism and dedication to duty and the nation.

He assured the gathering that his retirement would not mark the end of his relationship with the Ministry, promising to remain a dear friend and staunch supporter of the institution.

On the transition, he urged Directors and staff to extend to the DOOPS the necessary support, cooperation and respect required to effectively oversee the affairs of the Ministry pending the appointment of a substantive Permanent Secretary.

The DOOPS, Alhaji Aminu Ahmed, expressed appreciation to Adeladan for his mentorship, guidance and support, acknowledging that he was assuming responsibility from a Permanent Secretary whose experience, leadership and contributions had made a significant impact on the Ministry, the Service and Nigeria at large.

Aminu recalled the personal encouragement and support he received from Adeladan, particularly during his career progression, describing the retiring Permanent Secretary as a brother, mentor and friend.

He said he would continue to rely on Adeladan’s guidance and wise counsel during the transition, while pledging to work closely with the management and staff to ensure continuity and effective administration of the Ministry.

Aminu also called on staff to support and cooperate with him throughout his period of stewardship, emphasising that the collective objective remained the effective delivery of the Ministry’s mandate in line with national aspirations.

The Director of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. David Yiltong, described Adeladan as a successful leader who was able to identify the shortcomings of others, patiently guide them and carry everyone along.

He congratulated Adeladan on his retirement and prayed for long life, good health and abundant blessings for him and his family.

Also speaking, the Director of Human Resource Management, Ahmad Muhammad Tukur, commended Adeladan’s leadership style, accessibility and dedication to duty.

He noted that Adeladan’s retirement marked the end of an important chapter in his distinguished career in the Federal Civil Service and the beginning of a new phase of life.

The Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mrs. Emily Osunde, described Adeladan as a disciplined and principled civil servant who never scolded or looked down on his colleagues, even when addressing lapses or difficult issues.

She applauded his courage, sincerity and ability to remain direct and professional, noting that his leadership style had positively impacted many officers within the Ministry, the wider Service and society.

Osunde prayed that the retiring Permanent Secretary would enjoy a peaceful, fulfilling and rewarding retirement and continue to reap the fruits of his many years of dedicated service to the nation.

The well-attended ceremony ended with prayers and goodwill messages from other Directors and staff, who expressed gratitude for Adeladan’s years of dedicated service and wished him good health, success and fulfilment in retirement.