Omachi Vows Continuity as Jafiya Retires from Civil Service

Omachi Vows Continuity as Jafiya Retires from Civil Service

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Raymond Omenka Omachi, has pledged to build on the legacy of his predecessor, Lydia Shehu Jafiya, to strengthen service delivery and support national economic management in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Omachi made the pledge on Friday in Abuja during the taking-over and handover ceremony following the retirement of Jafiya from the Federal Civil Service after 35 years of service across several Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

He commended Jafiya for her dedication, resilience and leadership, describing her tenure at the Ministry of Finance as inspiring and impactful. According to him, the structures she put in place would continue to guide the Ministry’s role as a leading service delivery institution.

“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,” Omachi said.

The Permanent Secretary assured staff of his commitment to openness, transparency and accountability in the management of the nation’s finances, while pledging to operate an open-door policy that promotes collaboration and teamwork.

He also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, for the opportunity to serve.

In her farewell remarks, the outgoing Permanent Secretary described the Ministry of Finance as the engine room of the economy, warning that any lapse in cohesion or professionalism could have far-reaching consequences for the nation.

“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,” Jafiya said.

She urged management and staff to give maximum support to her successor, noting that strong teamwork had been the cornerstone of her success.

“I am leaving with a grateful heart. This Ministry is one of the best professional homes I could have wished for,” she added.

Jafiya commended the Directors and staff for their high level of collaboration and esprit de corps, as well as the unions for their commitment to staff welfare.

She also praised the media for fairness and professionalism in reporting the Ministry’s activities.
The event featured the presentation of a cake and card by the Ministry’s Directors, who paid glowing tributes to Jafiya, describing her as a mother, mentor and exemplary leader.