…As former Permanent Secretary moves to deploy his experience in Edo politics
By Dele Ogbodo
It was with tears of joy, glorious hour, honourable, exciting and electrifying moment for Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, as the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) on Tuesday bade farewell to Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe as he retires from federal civil service.
The farewell dinner organized by the Ministry was to honour Umakhihe for his immense contributions to Civil Service and the Agriculture Sector.
He officially concluded his active service on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, marking the end of a commendable 35-year in service.
Speaking during the farewell dinner, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari stated that the purpose of the occasion as a reflection on the extraordinary services and profound dedication demonstrated by Umakhihe throughout his career.
He emphasized that Umakhihe’s relentless pursuit of excellence, selfless service and astute leadership, leaving an indelible mark on the ministry and the nation.
The minister commended the outgone Permanent Secretary for leading his subordinates with courage, wisdom and determination, promoting the affairs of the agricultural sector.
He pointed out Umakhihe’s experiences, skills, integrity, discipline, dedication, loyalty and respect for diversity, stating that these qualities would guide him in his future endeavours.
He urged him not go too far but stay close as his service would be needed
Earlier, in her welcome address, the Chairman of the organizing committee and Director, Human Resources Management, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Alade thanked Dr. Umakhihe for his services to the nation and wished him a rewarding retirement life. She lauded his rise to the pinnacle of his career through hard work, tenacity and focus.
In his remarks, the Director, Planning and Policy Coordination, Mr. Ibrahim Tanimu commended Umakhihe’s result-driven approach and his sense of humility, noting that he would apologies if he was wrong or wrongly reacted to actions.
Responding, Dr. Umakhihe expressed gratitude to God for enabling him to reach the peak of his career. Umakhihe attributed his success to the cooperation of his subordinates and the goodwill he enjoyed throughout his career.
He disclosed his intention to join partisan politics in Edo, his home state, following his retirement.
Umakhihe, retired from the Civil Service after attaining 35 years, the retiree concludes a remarkable career that saw him serve in various ministries and departments, including the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Sports, before his elevation to the status of Permanent Secretary.
In attendance were Hon. Ministers (FMAFS), Chairman, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Permanent Secretaries, Directors General, Directors in the Ministry, among others.