The Council of Retired Federal Permanent Secretaries and Heads of the Civil Service of the Federation emphasized the indispensable role of their experience and expertise in advancing the country’s public service.
During the CORFEPS week held in Abuja with the theme ‘Reflections on Nigeria’s Public Service: Way forward for good governance,’ the council underscored the importance of tapping into their wealth of knowledge.
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babagana Kingibe, expressed concern over the reluctance of retired permanent secretaries to continue offering their insights after leaving office, describing it as a loss to the nation.
He remarked, “Once you retire from service, there’s often a tendency to fade away from the scene, which is unfortunate. We owe a duty to the office we served and the officers who succeeded us to provide guidance and advice.”
Kingibe emphasized the vast reservoir of knowledge possessed by retired officials and stressed the need for their continued involvement in shaping the public service landscape.
Echoing this sentiment, the Chairman of the occasion, His Majesty Oba (Dr.) Samuel Falae, emphasized that retirement from government service does not signify the end of one’s ability to contribute to the nation. He encouraged retired permanent secretaries to remain engaged and leverage their collective wisdom for the benefit of the country.
Yayale Ahmed, the Chief Host and Chairman of CORFEPS, highlighted the pivotal role of the public service as the engine room of government. He urged retirees to uphold bravery, courage, and truthfulness in their endeavors, emphasizing the importance of honesty in sharing knowledge and experiences.
Similarly, Prof. Tunji Olaopa, Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, commended retired permanent secretaries for their exceptional contributions during their tenure. He acknowledged their adeptness in navigating complex challenges and praised their managerial acumen, which played a crucial role in maintaining national unity and stability.
