By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) at the weekend celebrates 33 retired management staff.The FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has emphasised the administration’s commitment in ensuring that the welfare of all members of staff is topmost.

The minister, who made this commitment at the grand reception in honour of the retired management staff of the administration, also stated that the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission was one of the promises fulfilled. Mahmoud, who was represented by her Senior Special Assistant on Administration and Strategy, Dr. Abdullahi Isah Kauramata, noted that the establishment of the commission has restored the lost hope among career civil servants in the FCT Administration.”I think that hope has been given to the civil servants; that hope of realizing your ultimate desire; that hope of reaching the peak of civil service career, has been granted today by the present administration.”I must at least commend the effort of Nyesom Wike, with my support as Minister of State, we are able to realize this goal and this is made possible by the commitment of the present administration under the able leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”The ongoing activity of award and recognition is one of those steps we will continue to take to appreciate you. Because words alone cannot appreciate the contributions you have made. What we need to do is to give you more hope by engaging you where necessary,” she said.While congratulating them for their meritorious services in office, Mahmoud, however, tasked them with a healthy lifestyle.According to her, “First, is to appreciate you for the invaluable contributions you made to the FCT Administration. Our achievements wouldn’t have been possible without your own contributions. You are part of the foundation that transformed the FCT today.”Secondly, look after yourself after the service. I mean healthy living, so that you can see many more years ahead; so that your families that have now welcomed you back home will spend more quality time with you. And this can be achieved through a healthy lifestyle, healthy diet, among others”.In his address the FCT Head of Service, Samuel Attang, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary Education Secretariat, Prospect Ibe, observed that the careers of the retirees have been marked by diligence, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to the principles of public service.He, however, commended the support and vision of the Minister of FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike and Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, for fostering a culture of excellence and dedication within the ranks.Attang described the retirees as the backbone of the administration, just as he assured that their hard work would not go unnoticed.His words; “The impact of your work will be felt for years to come. The policies you helped craft, the projects you oversaw, and the initiatives you championed have all contributed to the growth and development of the FCT”.In her remarks, the Acting Director Reform Coordination and Service Improvements, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, stated that the event offers an opportunity for the administration to communicate its vision, goals, and priorities to both outgoing and remaining staff members.She further said that it allows for reflection on past accomplishments and sets the tone for future endeavors.”By taking the time to celebrate the achievements of their departing colleagues, they demonstrate that they value and respect their staff members. This can have a positive impact on employee satisfaction, retention, and overall organizational performance,” she affirmed.The highpoint of the event was the presentation of assorted gift items to the retirees.