BY FRANK MOMOH
In what signified the end of a meritorious era, the outgoing Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Gabriel Aduda, today, handed over the mantle of leadership to the incoming Permanent Secretary, Engr. Nebeolisa Anako, marking the beginning of a new era in the Ministry.
In his opening remarks, Mr Gabriel Aduda stated that his one year stay in the Ministry enabled him to build families and friends due to the cooperation he enjoyed from management team and staff of the ministry including cleaners and security officers.
He noted that though, it was not all rosy working in a challenging environment with a dynamic and innovative Minister, Mr Sunday Dare, whose leadership has piloted the affairs of the Ministry to enviable heights via initiatives/programmes like adopt-an- athlete programme, D.E.E.L, Nigeria Youth Investment Fund, COVID-19 stimulus funds and many other initiatives /programme to engage the Nigerian youths.
Aduda, urged the Youth and Sports family to equally extend the hand of fellowship and support given to him during his stay in the ministry to the new Permanent Secretary in order to further consolidate on previous achievements towards actualising the mandate and vision of President Muhammadu Buhari for the teaming Nigerian youth.
He appreciated the privilege of working with the Minister in the last one year, describing the relationship as cordial and work experience fulfilling.
While receiving the hand-over documents to kick-start the beginning of a new era, the incoming Permanent Secretary, thanked the outgoing Permanent Secretary for piloting the administrative function of the ministry effectively under in the last one year.
He stated tha: “The only thing permanent in life is change, stressing that change should be embraced in order to confront the new challenges of work that awaits us as a people.”
Anako, described the ministry as a key ministry especially as the country is moving to the post COVID era of growing our economy and social life, adding that the teeming population of our youths must be engaged in activities that will give them a sense of belonging in the country.
He enjoined management to extend the cooperation and good working relationship with his predecessor to him, nothing that he will be open to new and innovative ideas geared towards moving the Ministry forward in the interest of the service.