The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development today honoured 24 retired officers from levels 03 – 16. The event, which took place at the conference Room of the Ministry of Education, had serving Ministry Directors, staff, and well-wishers in attendance.

Speaking at the event in honour of the Retirees, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, said the retirees have contributed immensely to the growth and development of the aviation sector and, by extension, Nigeria. He described Civil Servants as nation builders and admonished the Retirees to continue to contribute their quota to the growth of the country.

He said the event was part of the reforms going on in the Federal Civil Service and thanked the Head of Civil Service of the Federation for driving the reforms. He urged them to pay serious attention to their health, engage in regular physical exercise, and practice financial prudence. He thanked the retirees on behalf of the Hon. Minister, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, CON, FICArb (UK), and the entire Ministry and prayed that their retirement will usher in a new beginning of goodness in their lives.

Director, Human Resource Management Mr. Mohammed Shehu. described the event as a special one set aside to honour the officers who have diligently served their fatherland. He reiterated that life after Civil Service is full of opportunities having undergone the preretirement training and urged them to utilize all they have learnt.

Chairman Joint Consultative and Negotiating Council (JCNC), Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development Comrade Hector Nnadi, thanked the Minister and Permanent Secretary for honouring the senior citizens. Comrade Hector reminded the retirees that everything that has a beginning has an end. He urged them to embrace the challenges ahead.

Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Engr Agbapu Patrick, a Deputy Director, appreciated the Permanent Secretary for such a gesture and pledged not to take it for granted. "With this kind of event, you have brought hope and assurance to us". He added.

In a closing remarks, the Deputy Director Staff Welfare and Training, Mrs. Agu Jachima, described the celebrants as men and women of honour who deserve the best and admonished them to embrace their retirement with joy.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole

A Group photo of The Permanent Secretary and Ministry officials with some of the Retirees

A Cross-section of the Retirees

Signed: Odutayo Oluseyi

Head Press and Public Relations