The Staff Welfare Association of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abia State, has honoured 34 retirees for their dedication and hard work, providing them with gifts and cash totaling 3.4 million naira.
These retirees have served under Abia INEC for over a decade, and the staff welfare association decided to show appreciation for their commitment.
At a send-forth ceremony held at the INEC Secretariat in Umuahia, the retirees were celebrated for their notable contributions to the commission.
In an interview, the Administrative Secretary of INEC in Abia State, Mr Kingsley Onyeri, praised the retirees for their 35 years of meritorious service to the commission. He highlighted their unwavering dedication, which he pointed,led some of them to become integral members of INEC’s Abia management team, stating that their commitment has undoubtedly contributed to the commission’s success in ensuring free and fair elections in Nigeria.
Mr Kingsley Onyeri
He wished them well as they enter another phase of their lives, urging them to always keep their heads.
Contributing, the Head of Department general Administration and Procurement,Mrs Joan Onyebo, said the send forth ceremony was apt as it helped in recognizing the impactful contributions of the retirees while in active service.
Mrs Onyebo said some of them had served the commission for over a decade, giving their best, adding that it beholds on the Welfare association to celebrate them.
She said retirement age marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter, filled with fresh adventures and unparalleled opportunities for growth, adding that as they embark on the journey, they should bring along with them the wealth of experience, resourcefulness, and wisdom gathered over years of their dedicated service. This remarkable foundation she said, would enable them to make meaningful contributions to the society, unlocking doors to new possibilities and fostering positive change.
Mrs Onyebo stressed that retirement is not an end point, but a transformational milestone that unlocks new doors of opportunity. “It’s a time when individuals can leverage their skills, expertise, and life experience to pursue passions, share knowledge, and give back to their communities.
However, she urged them to maintain relevance by indulging in mentorship, sharing valuable insights and guidance with younger generations, engaging in community services, entrepreneurship and volunteering, as well as, offering expertise to causes close to their hearts.
She added that as they explore these new avenues, she prayed God to grant them long life and good health because retirees bring a unique blend of experience, wisdom, and creativity, ultimately enriching the lives of those around them.
Also, the Chairman of INEC Staff Welfare Abia State, Mazi Collins Eze, said the welfare association is for the first time sending off retirees of the commission in a grand style. He said he was on a mission to change the narrative where dedicated staff who have served the commission for years, often leave without a proper sendoff ceremony or appreciation for their hardwork. “It is unfair, after serving in a place for years, then when retiring, nothing is done to appreciate your years of service.
Mazi Collins Eze
“It was against this backdrop, the association organized this celebration to honour the dedication and commitment of these retirees over the years, presenting them with gifts, as token of our gratitude, marking a new tradition that acknowledges the value of their service.
“The retirees’ years of service have undoubtedly played a crucial role in shaping INEC’s operations in Abia State. Their experience and expertise have helped to ensure the integrity and efficiency of elections in the region. By honoring these retirees, we are demonstrating our gratitude for their tireless efforts and commitment to democratic processes”.
He disclosed that the association gifted the 34 retirees who have served in the INEC Abia state, for the past 10 years with cash gift of 3.4 million naira.
Mazi Eze further made an appeal to the State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, to come to the rescue of their staff association, who is in a dear need of an operational welfare vehicle.
One of the retirees who spoke with journalists, Mr Bamidele Oyetunji,who retired as a Deputy Director Publicity, expressed happiness that his long years of service came to an end.
According to him, he started as a clerk in the commission and grew through the rank and files to become the Public Relations officer, a position he occupied for 20 years.
He disclosed that while in service he was confronted with three major challenges, religion,tribe and language barrier, but never relented, appreciating everyone who supported him to make his job seamless. He added that as he is retiring,he would be going back to lecturing, urging other staff who are still in active service to be committed to duty, giving the importance of the job in the Commission.
