The State House has announced plans to formally recognise the contributions of retiring staff through an annual honours programme, aiming to celebrate years of dedicated service and institutional commitment.
The initiative was unveiled by the Permanent Secretary of the State House, Mr. Temitope Fashedemi, during a reception for retirees held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
According to Fashedemi, the programme seeks to end the long-standing practice of public servants retiring without acknowledgement.
“Years of quiet and devoted service deserve recognition.
”This new initiative ensures that retirees are celebrated every year,” Fashedemi stated, adding that former staff are encouraged to maintain links with the State House and provide mentorship to active employees.
The programme aligned with ongoing reforms under the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2025, which places staff welfare and recognition at the forefront.
Fashedemi emphasised that the practice of staff disappearing from duty rolls without appreciation is now being replaced with a culture of gratitude and celebration.
The inaugural edition of the honours ceremony accommodated retirees from recent months, with each receiving a tangible token of appreciation for their service.
Fashedemi assured that subsequent events would be held routinely, embedding recognition as a standard practice at the State House.
Speaking on behalf of retirees, Dr. Acho Terungwa highlighted the need for improvements at the State House Clinic, noting that staff often lack perceived special privileges.
Dr. Ngozi Mmamelu, a representative of the Medical Advisory Council, confirmed that the clinic had overcome previous challenges and now operates as a unified team focused on enhanced service delivery.
The retirees honoured at the event included a diverse group of personnel, ranging from senior managers and directors to medical staff, accounts officers, and technical employees.
Among them were Osunkoya Omokehfe, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, Hassan Abdullahi, Olumide Fasoranti, and Edwins Onwanyi.
Fashedemi reiterated that recognising the achievements of retiring staff is not just symbolic but essential for preserving institutional knowledge and motivating current employees.
“Celebrating service excellence ensures that dedication and commitment are never overlooked,” he said.
With this initiative, the State House sets a new standard in public service management, ensuring that the contributions of long-serving employees are formally acknowledged and celebrated for years to come.
