A Lifetime of Service: Ministry of Interior Honors Retirees for Outstanding Service
Abuja (Core Reporters) The Ministry of Interior has honored retirees’ years of service in appreciation and recognition of their dedication. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, applauded the meritorious service of retiring officers, describing them as “senior citizens and distinguished colleagues who have devoted decades to the noble calling of public service.”
R-L: The Permanent Secretary Dr. Magdalene Ajani and one of the Retirees Mrs. Okeiyi Virginia in the front row and other Retirees in the group photograph
Speaking at the retirement ceremony held in Abuja, Dr. Ajani extended warm regards and best wishes from the Honorable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who is currently on a short leave. She emphasized that the occasion was not merely a farewell but a celebration of lives dedicated to upholding the integrity and stability of Nigeria’s public administration.
“It is with profound honor and heartfelt appreciation that I stand before you today to deliver this address at a ceremony that signifies both the closing of a work chapter and the dawn of a new beginning,” she said. “Our retirees have worked tirelessly, carried responsibility with professionalism, mentored younger officers, and left indelible marks on every reform and milestone achieved by the Ministry.”
Cutting of the retirement cake by the Permanent Secretary Dr. Magdalene Ajani, Directors of the Ministry and the Retirees
Dr. Ajani highlighted the sacrifices and humility demonstrated by the retirees throughout their careers, noting that their dedication and ethical standards have greatly strengthened the operations of the Ministry of Interior. She presented tokens of appreciation to the retirees on behalf of the Ministry, describing them as emblems of collective gratitude.
She further urged the retirees to embrace rest, spend quality time with their families, and continue serving as ambassadors of the civil service by sharing their wealth of wisdom and experience with the younger generation. The Permanent Secretary also encouraged serving staff to take full advantage of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) services through their HMOs, stressing the importance of enrolling spouses and children under 18 years to ensure access to quality healthcare.
“Even in retirement, you remain part of the Ministry’s history. Your contributions will not be forgotten. We wish you joy, good health, and fulfillment in this new chapter of your lives,” Dr. Ajani concluded.
Earlier, the Director of Human Resources Management, Mrs. Catherine Zosi, welcomed and congratulated the retirees, encouraging them to be good ambassadors of the Ministry. The Director of Citizenship and Business, Mrs. Okuboere Mukah, advised the retirees’ children to take care of their parents and ensure they live healthy lives in their new phase.
The acting chairman of the joint union in the Ministry, Comrade Mohammed Elabor, appreciated the management and every member of the Ministry of Interior for honoring the retired officers. Comrade Elabor also used the opportunity to advise the management to prioritize staff welfare to bring out the best in them for the progress of the nation.
The highlight of the event was the cutting of the retirement cake by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, and the retirees, followed by the presentation of gifts as a symbol of honor for their meritorious service. Directorate officers were given a 65″ plasma TV, while Grade Level 14 officers and below were presented with a deep freezer.
