Again, INEC salutes former directors, confers awards for meritorious services

Again, INEC salutes former directors, confers awards for meritorious services

 

 

By David Lawani, Abuja

 

 

As part of efforts to show appreciation to those deserving of it after retirement from the service of the nation, the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu has described records of this retirees as unblemished and untainted.

 

Yakubu who was represented by the National Commissioner, Professor Sani Adams gave this satisfying summation of this peculiar directors who have served the commission and the nation through thick and thin, stressing that the task of rendering services is far more profound than any other form of commendation anyone can get.

 

He emphasized the need for the retired directors to see their exit as one that should be commended reminding them that despite they have retired, they should also know that at anytime they could be invited to offer more services as may be required by the Commission noting that their wealth of expertise and experience cannot be overlooked.

 

He said: ” The Commission is grateful of your unblemished records during the period of your services. We are grateful to the Commission and the Honourable Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu. We thank the members and the secretariat for organising this historic event.

 

” I want us to remember Wiston Churchill, a onetime Prime Minister of Britain. He was once asked, why was he always smiling, and he said he was always smiling because he knew he couldn’t have everything he want in life. So, as you retire, remember that it is always good to look back.

 

” But, we shouldn’t for whatever reason worry yourselves about what is past. We should worry about the future. And don’t have this mentality that you have come to the end of the road. In fact, this is the beginning of your life. You have a life to live after retirement”, he said.

 

 

Prof. Adams used the ocassoon to appreciate all the directors most especially Mr. Victor Aluko who he described in flowering words stating that as a professional in his field, he and others should not go and relax, rather they should up their ante in ensuring that they live their professional life to the fullest.

 

He said the good thing about professionals is that even after retirement they still find something much more useful to do to earn a living, urging them to take advantage of the opportunity to recommit to areas of their calling and make a useful use of it.

 

According to him: ” I have never seen anybody that was so passionate. Nobody work tirelessly like Victor Aluko. I believed all of us will attest to the singular fact that he was indeed exemplary. He was pragmatic, hardworking, innovative, creative, with cheerful conviviality. He was unparalleled and it was like he was going to work for ever. He was tireless. And he was extremely committed.

 

” And as a fellow of public relations Council, he will not lack. Once you are a professional all you need to do is to move straight to your profession. Open an office, and don’t stay at home with your wife and children. Your wife should always be asking you for money especially when she knows you have received your retirement.

 

” You all must find a way of earning something because what you have will soon finish. It is always not enough. No matter how, even if you are a millionaire. The hausa people have a saying, when you have a pan of grass, and you keep on removing one everyday, time shall come that it will finish.

 

” So, the best thing is earn something. The Jews are richer than everybody in the world because once they collect their salary, they invest 30%. 10% goes to charity. They save 10%. But at every given point, they don’t spend half of their salaries. Don’t be afraid of retirement”, he stated.

 

The Hon. Secretary to INEC, Rose Oriaran- Anthony who was represented by the Director Commission Secretariat, congratulated the retired Directors for a meritorious service to the Commission.

 

She said her doors are open to them, she however counseled them to keep themselves busy with activities that are in consonance with their health requirements. She said the Commission acknowledges their experiences and knowledge on election matters and will not hesitate to call on them should the need arise. She wished them success in their future endeavours.

 

Responding, Chima Duruaku – Director Planning and Monitoring who took out time to express his feelings said he feels relieved having contributed his support saying he is particularly delighted seeing today after serving the Commission and the nation through challenging and crucial moments. He said this honor of recognising their efforts is a testament of their services to the Commission all the years.

 

He said: ” I feel relieved. We must understand that life is a stage. You play your part and make room for others to play theirs. It is a building block kind of situation. So, we are thankful to God to life, good men and good life he has given to us to be able to contribute.

 

” We are thankful to the Commission for proving the platform for us to make the modest contribution that many of us have been able to achieve. It is something memorable that the Commission has thought it fit, to also recognise and appreciate though who have put in a great deal of efforts to building the work of the Commission and contributing to the deepening of our democracy.

 

” And to the building of society. It is a memorable thing. It is satisfying. Because the gesture of recognition is important to all human being as you know. It is one of the top items on the Marlow hierarchy of needs. The likelihood to want to do more. Moving on, is the next phase of life. We are also looking forward to given the best we can wherever we find ourselves”, he said.

 

On how he wishes that some of the things he did that was recalled during his citation, in terms of sustaining them, he said: ‘ building institutional memory”.

” It is very important. The expertise in election administration in this country, precisely in the Commission, because much of what we have done and achieved, over time are good. So, it is important that a proper mechanism are in place to make sure that knowledge holders are able to leave behind structures that enables those who are following behind them continue to work in those paths. To build on what they have done. And to make it better. It is important”, he added.

Mrs Blessing Obidiegwu who also retired as Director, Gender and Inclusivity, and also popularly known as madam Gender in the Commission because of her avowed commitment to gender sensitivity stated that she is proud of the number of women in the Commission. She said she is happy because her desire to see more women is yielding positive grounds.

Obidiegwu noted further: ” As a matter of fact, I must say this is a unique ocassion because this set marks the last of the pioneer staff of this Commission. We all started in 1988. And the last set is retiring now. We have listened what the chairman told us through Professor Adams. We want to thank the Commission for this singular opportunity they gave us to come together.

” And as one family. INEC is indeed a family. To come to that home talk and exchange ideas. I am very happy that the gender i started is moving on. With the number of females directors that I have seen here, the Commission has done so well. The commission has done so well by giving us that opportunity to also showcase our expertise”, she stated.

A total of nine directors were honoured with awards with presentation of gifts. They includes, Mrs Blessing Obidiegwu, Director, Gender and Inclusivity, Anthony Orodu Abarowe, Director Finance and Accounts, Micah Lakumna, Director Administration, Alh. Idris Aminu, Director Election and Party Monitoring, Olayiwola Oyeniyi, Director, Finance and Accounts, Chima Duruaku, Director Planning and Monitoring, Mr. Leonard Iortsor- Director Estate, Works, and Transport, Ayodele Aluko, Director Voter Education and Publicity, Samson Lebari, Director Security.