The permanent secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), Dr. Ernest Umakhihe officially concluded his active service on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, marking the end of a commendable 35-year career.
While speaking during a celebratory event organized by the ministry to honour Umakhihe, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari expressed the purpose of the occasion as a reflection on the extraordinary services and profound dedication demonstrated by the retiree throughout his career. He highlighted Umakhihe’s experiences, skills, integrity, discipline, dedication, loyalty and respect for diversity, stating that these qualities would guide him in his future endeavours.
The minister commended the outgoing permanent secretary for leading his subordinates with courage, wisdom and determination, promoting the affairs of the agricultural sector. He emphasised Umakhihe’s relentless pursuit of excellence, selfless sacrifice and astute leadership, leaving an indelible mark on the ministry and the nation. Kyari further attested to Umakhihe’s service and dedication during their time working together.
Expressing support for Umakhihe’s intended political career, the minister pledged to assist him in bringing discipline and dedication to the country’s system. He recognised the retiree’s invaluable contributions to the government and the welfare of the people.
The chairman of the event’s organising committee and director of human resources at FMAFS, in her remarks, congratulated Umakhihe for retiring in a meritorious manner. She thanked him for his services to the nation and wished him a rewarding retirement life. Providing a brief history of the retiree’s profession, she lauded his rise to the pinnacle of his career through hard work, tenacity and consistency of focus.
The director of planning, policy and programmes in the ministry, Ibrahim Tanimu offered his attestation, stating that the event aimed to pay tribute and express gratitude to Umakhihe for dedicating himself to the service of the nation. Tanimu detailed the retiree’s zeal towards ensuring notable progress in the ministry, highlighting his approval for grassroots engagement to gather opinions and support from stakeholders.
Tanimu commended Umakhihe’s result-driven approach and emphasised his sense of humility, noting that he would apologise if he was wrong or wrongly reacted to actions. The director celebrated the retiree’s milestone achievements, recognising his significant contributions to the ministry.
In his response, Umakhihe expressed gratitude to God for enabling him to reach the peak of his career. He disclosed his intention to enter partisan politics in Edo, his home state, following his retirement. Umakhihe attributed his successes to the cooperation of his subordinates and the goodwill he enjoyed throughout his career.
With his retirement at the age of 59, the retiree concludes a remarkable career that saw him serve in various ministries and departments, including the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Sports, before his elevation to the status of permanent secretary at the FMAFS.
