The Abia State House of Assembly, in collaboration with the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) and the Staff Welfare Association, rolled out the drums to celebrate 24 of its staff who bowed out of active service between July 1, 2023, and July 2025.
The colourful send forth ceremony, held within the Assembly premises, paid glowing tribute to the contributions and dedication of the retirees who spent decades shaping the legislative engine room of the state.
Among the honoured retirees were:
Ekeleme Victoria, Ikpe Emmanuel, Ole Orji Igbe, Anyamele O. Victor, Ogbuleke C., Kalu Mercy, Ayim Ebere, Obinwa Anozie, Onwuka Ulu Uguru, Ohaka Uzoma, Onyemachi S. O. and Ofor Obinna.
Others include, Okoro Esther, Godson Ubani, Ukpabi P., Kalu Elizabeth, Otumchere Emeka, Nwankwo Florence, Alozie K. I., Kalu Veronica, Alili Onyemachi, Oyowa Goddy, Chiomaobi Nwokeocha, and Blessing Nwagbara.
Speaking on behalf of the Chairman of the Abia State House of Assembly Service Commission, Hon. Uchechukwu Maduako, Commissioner One, Lady Mrs. Grace Ibe, recalled her own retirement from the Assembly years ago. She encouraged the celebrants to carry themselves with dignity, stressing that “grace follows anyone who retires from the Abia Assembly.”
She also commended the current Clerk of the House, Sir JohnPedro Nnamdi Irokansi, Ph.D, for ushering in a new era of positive transformation within the Assembly.
In his remarks, Clerk and Head of Legislative Service, Sir JohnPedro Irokansi, Ph.D, emphasized the importance of celebrating people while they are alive. “Retirement is not the end; it’s a transition every civil servant should anticipate after 35 years of service,” he said, urging the retirees to embrace their new phase with strength and optimism.
The event featured goodwill messages from the Sendforth Committee Chairman, Comrade Chima Anosike, PASAN Chairman Comrade Sunday Kalu, and the Staff Welfare Association Chairman Comrade Chukwudi Nwankwo. Gift items and transportation packages were also presented to the retirees as tokens of appreciation.
Responding on behalf of the retirees, Mr. Alili Onyemachi expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Assembly’s management and the organizing team. “We are deeply touched by this recognition. May God reward everyone who made this celebration possible,” he said.
The ceremony was well attended by all Heads of Departments and the entire staff of the Abia State House of Assembly, creating a warm and joyous atmosphere in honour of the Assembly’s unsung heroes.
