Abuja: The Permanent Secretary of the State House, Mr. Temitope Fashedemi, has announced plans to institutionalise annual honours for retiring staff in the Presidency as a means to recognise their years of service. This announcement was made during a reception organised for retirees at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The initiative aims to end the culture where public servants retire without any formal recognition.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Fashedemi highlighted that the new initiative would ensure that the years of quiet service by staff are celebrated annually. He urged retirees to maintain their connection with the State House, emphasizing the value of their experience and institutional memory. He also encouraged them to mentor current officers and offer advice when necessary, stating, “Your service is valuable. Don’t be strangers. Reach out to your colleagues here whenever necessary.”
Fashedemi noted that staff welfare, recognition, and rewards have become priorities in public service management as part of ongoing reforms. He criticized the previous practice where workers retired without appreciation or ceremony, stressing the need to mark exits with gratitude. He explained that celebrating excellence and service has now been codified in the public service, noting that the maiden edition of the event was designed to accommodate as many retirees as possible, including those who retired months earlier.
The permanent secretary mentioned that each retiree would receive a tangible gift in appreciation of their service. The event aligns with the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2025, prioritising staff welfare and structured recognition. Fashedemi added that the reforms focus on providing safe workspaces and systems that ensure employees’ commitment is noticed.
Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Dr. Acho Terungwa urged Fashedemi to personally assess the conditions at the State House Clinic, noting that staff did not enjoy special medical privileges despite public perception. Meanwhile, Dr. Ngozi Mmamelu, representing the Chairman of the Medical Advisory Council at the State House Medical Centre, mentioned that the facility had overcome past challenges and staff were working together to restore its reputation. Mmamelu credited the improved service standards and patient experience to the support from the permanent secretary and senior officials.
The event honoured a diverse group of retirees, including directors, medical doctors, senior managers, accounts officers, technical staff, health workers, and clinic personnel.