The new Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Mr. Raymond Omenka Omachi, has pledged to build on the legacy of his predecessor, Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya, to ensure that the ministry continually remains Nigeria’s number one Service Delivery Ministry through proper management of the nation’s finances in an open, transparent, accountable, and efficient manner that delivers on the country’s development priorities in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu Administration.
Speaking during the handover ceremony in his office in Abuja on Friday, the Permanent Secretary commended Mrs. Jafiya, who has retired from the Federal Civil Service for her commitment, dedication, and resilience to service, spanning through 35 years meritoriously across several Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government.
He stated that her legacy at the Federal Ministry of Finance will continue to inspire future generations of workers. He thanked her for building a formidable workforce committed to driving the reform initiatives of the Tinubu Administration.
He described her as “a great leader,” saying, “You have built more than a team, a team of committed Directors. All the good things you have been doing, I will follow the foundation you have built, I will build on it, you are indeed a great leader.”
The Permanent Secretary also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Easther Walson-Jack, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, and the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, for the opportunity given to him to serve.
Omachi pledged to operate an open-door policy, fostering collaboration and teamwork among staff.
Earlier in her farewell remarks, Jafiya said that the ministry is the engine room of the economy and plays a critical role in national stability.
“We must not drop the ball, Finance has always been at the top of its affairs and must remain so, because any error or disunity within the Ministry would extend to the larger society,” she said.
Jafiya urged the management and staff of the ministry to continuously support the new Permanent Secretary, stating that she served across various MDAs before concluding her career in Finance.
“I am leaving with a grateful heart,” she said, while acknowledging the support of the Mr. Edun, and Dr. Uzoka-Anite.
“This ministry is one of the best professional homes I could have wished for,” she said.
The outgoing Permanent Secretary commended the directors and staff for unmatched levels of collaboration and “esprit de corps.”
She said that their teamwork made every challenge surmountable.
Jafiya also commended the media for its fairness and professionalism.
“A word from the media can make or mar an institution. Thank you for standing by us and for your positive reports,” she said.
The retired Permanent Secretary also commended the unions for their unwavering commitment to staff welfare and urged them to continue prioritizing the needs of workers above all else.
She urged them further to support the new Permanent Secretary, saying, “He has been pursuing me everywhere down to retirement. Please extend the same support you have given me. You will enjoy working with him.
“I want to extend my sincere gratitude for the honour of this gathering. There is time to start, and there is time to end.
“I thank the Almighty God for keeping me all through these years. Civil Service is a good place to work, especially when you are committed and dedicated.”
The highlight of the event included the presentation of cake and card by the ministry’s directors, who also paid glowing tributes to Jafiya, describing her as a mother, mentor, and leader.
