Kaduna: Mr. Bashir Rabe-Mani, the outgoing Zonal Manager of the Kaduna Zonal Office of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) and a Deputy Editor-In-Chief, expressed no regrets about his over three-decade-long career at the agency during a send-off ceremony organized by the staff in Kaduna.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Rabe-Mani, who retired upon reaching the mandatory retirement age, joined the agency in 1993 and described NAN as a home. He acknowledged that while no institution is perfect, it is crucial for staff to continue protecting and strengthening the agency. He emphasized the familial bond among the Kaduna Zonal Office staff, grounded in mutual respect and professionalism, and expressed confidence that this bond would endure.
Rabe-Mani noted, “This is a day I have been trying to avoid because of the emotions attached to it, but whatever has a beginning must have an end.” He urged the staff to maintain the cordial relationship and cooperation with the incoming zonal manager, whom he praised as hardworking and a gentleman. Rabe-Mani handed over to Moses Kolo, the most senior officer and an Editor, to oversee the office until the arrival of the new Zonal Manager, Mr. Yakubu Uba.
Earlier in the ceremony, Kolo, speaking on behalf of the staff, lauded the retiring manager for his years of sacrifice and service to the agency and society. He referred to Rabe-Mani as a veteran who significantly contributed to the growth of the Kaduna Zonal Office, assuring him that the relationship with the staff would continue beyond his retirement.
The event included goodwill messages from staff members and the presentation of souvenirs in recognition of Rabe-Mani’s service. Throughout his career at NAN, he served in various capacities, including as District Correspondent in Bida, Niger, and Funtua, Katsina State, and as State Correspondent in Sokoto. He also held the position of Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to Sen. Aliyu Wamakko, former Governor of Sokoto State.
In 2021, Rabe-Mani was transferred to NAN Headquarters in Abuja, where he served in various roles before reporting to the Kaduna Zonal Office as Zonal Manager on November 1, 2023. He held this position until his retirement in March 2026.