By Yukniwoh Cosmos Johnson
The Taraba State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has organized a send-forth ceremony to mark the retirement of staff who retired between 2015 and 2020.
Speaking at the ceremony which took place at Sani Abacha Secretariate Jalingo, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Johannes Jigem cheered the senior citizens and complimented their valuable contributions to the elevation of the standard of the ministry.
The commissioner said, the motivation for organizing the event was to reawaken the relationship between the ministry and the senior citizens. He called on them to always feel free to come to the ministry, assuring them that the ministry would still request for their services whenever the need arises.
He added that their contributions to the growth of education in the state will not be forgotten in a hurry.
According to the Commissioner, "the retirees have helped in molding many students hence the need to appreciate their efforts".
He acknowledged the recent performance of the students in the West African Examination among others as proof of the contributions of the staff.
Earlier in his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Fred Zaku Taki extolled the virtues of the retirees, adding that the ministry deemed it fit to honour them. “The ministry needs to appreciate them,” he said.
Speaking with Frontline News after the event, Mr Iliyasu I. the immediate past Director of the Ministry thanked the Almighty God for a day like this in his life. He said, many could not make it but they had, and coming thus far is a thing of joy to him.
He stressed that diligence, honesty and patience were what kept him active during his service years. “Wherever you find yourself, imbibe these three virtues and by the grace of God you will end up successfully" he added.
Also speaking, Jonathan Rikwen, who served as a director in charge of private schools, and desk officer for the National Council of Education said he was thrilled to be reuniting with some of his colleagues which ordinarily he said he would not have met easily.
He expressed happiness that the ministry took the initiative to organize the event, adding that the gesture would serve as a morale booster to those who are still inservice.
The event featured goodwill messages and presentation of gifts to a total of 25 retirees.
0 Comments