There was change of baton at the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development on Friday as the outgoing Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mary Ogbe, officially handed over the office to the incoming Permanent Secretary, Engr. Faruk Yusuf Yabo.
At the brief ceremony, top management and staff of the ministry welcomed the new Perm Sec while they bade the outgoing Permanent Secretary farewell and best of luck in her new ministry.
Yabo sought for the support and cooperation of the staff and management of the ministry.
Noting that Ogbe had always come first in many things over the past years, he assured that he was going to build on the solid foundation she has built in the ministry.
“I will like to urge you to cooperate and support me just as you did with my colleague,” Yabo told the staff.
Stressing that the sector is one that can make the difference to the Nigeria economy, he added, “I count on you to make this work.”
Speaking earlier, Ogbe noted that she had enjoyed a good working relationship with everyone in the ministry.
She noted that the staff of the ministry have been a committed team and urged them to accord the new Perm Sec the same cooperation support they accorded her.
According to her, deployment from one ministry to the other is part of the service and they take it as it comes.
She also urged the staff to improve on what they have started to do in the ministry for the betterment of the nation.
The outgoing Permanent Secretary asked for forgiveness from anyone she might have stepped on, noting that it was purely done in the course of service to the nation.
During the emotion filled ceremony, some top management staff took turn to speak on the good deeds of the outgoing Permanent Secretary.
The Director of Human Resources, Mrs. Ijioma Idika, said: “It is a mixed feeling for me. She has been our Mama, for everyone in the ministry. She carries us as her children.”
According to her, the outgoing Permanent Secretary always give her support to anyone once the person can justify what he or she wants to do.
“It is my earnest prayer that our incoming Permanent Secretary gives us similar support,” she said.
On her part, the Director of General Services, Toyin Showemimo, noted that Ogbe has been a strong support.
She wished her success in her new posting and also welcomed Yabo to the ministry.
While thanking Ogbe for the support she has been giving, the Director-General of the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office (NMCO), Engr. Obadiah Simon Nkom, said they would be praying for her wherever she goes.
According to him, the redeployment is the beginning of the best of her service.
He also assured the incoming Permanent Secretary all the support he needs.
