The Federal Ministry of Works has bid farewell to its *Permanent Secretary, Engr. Rafiu Olarinre Adeladan following his retirement from the Federal Civil Service after a chequered career marked by dedication, professionalism, accessibility and untiring commitment to the Service and country.
At a colourful but emotionally-laden handover Ceremony held on Thursday, 27 August, 2026, Engr. Adeladan formally handed over the administration of the Ministry to the Director, Finance and Accounts, Alhaji Aminu Ahmed, who assumed responsibility as Director Overseeing Office of the Permanent Secretary (DOOPS) pending the appointment of a substantive Permanent Secretary.
In his Farewell Address, Adeladan expressed profound appreciation to the management and staff of the Ministry for the support, cooperation and cordial working relationship exhibited throughout his tenure. He said he was deeply emotional about leaving the Ministry, noting that the quality of work, professionalism, teamwork, and social interaction among officers and staff remained exceptional and worthy of praise.
He commended the management and staff for relating to him not only as their Permanent Secretary but also as a partner and colleague, describing the experience as both humbling and memorable. He, particularly, appreciated the sincerity, courage, honesty and professionalism demonstrated by staff of the Ministry, stressing that the ability to speak frankly on issues and remain committed to doing what is right is an important virtue of the Civil Service.
The retiring Permanent Secretary also expressed appreciation to members of staff for their friendship, cooperation and support, while acknowledging that disagreements and difficult moments were part of any working relationship. He used the occasion to apologise to anyone he might have offended during his tenure and appealed for their forgiveness.
The outgoing Permanent Secretary urged staff to remain committed to the Ministry, the Service's core values, and to sustain the spirit of teamwork, professionalism, and dedication to duty and the nation. He also assured the gathering that his retirement would not bring an end to his relationship with the Ministry, promising that he would remain a dear friend and staunch supporter of the Institution.
On the transition, he urged Directors and staff to extend to the DOOPS, the necessary support, cooperation and respect required to effectively oversee the affairs of the Ministry pending the appointment of a substantive Permanent Secretary.
The DOOPS, expressed appreciation to Adeladan for his mentorship, guidance and support, acknowledging that he was assuming responsibility from a Permanent Secretary, whose experience, leadership and contributions had made a significant impact on the Ministry, the Service, and Nigeria, at large.
He recalled the personal encouragement and support he received from him, particularly during his career progression, describing the retiring Permanent Secretary as a brother, mentor and friend. He stated that he would continue to rely on his guidance and wise counsel during the transition, while pledging to work closely with the management and staff to ensure continuity and the effective administration of the Ministry.
Alhaji Aminu also called on the staff to support and cooperate with him throughout the period of his stewardship, emphasising that the collective objective remains the effective delivery of the Ministry's mandate in tandem with national aspirations.
The Director, Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. David Yiltong, described Adeladan as a successful leader, who was able to identify the shortcomings of others, patiently guide them accordingly, and carry everyone along. He congratulated him on his retirement and prayed for long life, good health, and abundant blessings to him and his family.
Also speaking, the Director, Human Resource Management, Ahmad Muhammad Tukur, commended Adeladan's leadership style, accessibility, and dedication to duty, noting that his retirement marked the end of an important chapter in his distinguished career in the Federal Civil Service and the beginning of a life after retirement.
The *lDirector, Planning, Research and Statistics, Mrs. Emily Osunde described Adeladan as a disciplined and principled Civil Servant, who never scolded nor looked down on his colleagues, even when addressing their lapses or difficult issues. She applauded his courage, sincerity and ability to remain direct and professional, admitting that his style of leadership had positively impacted many Officers within the Ministry, the wider Service and society.
Mrs Osunde prayed that the retiring Permanent Secretary would enjoy a peaceful, fulfilling and rewarding retirement and continue to reap the fruits of his many years of dedicated service to the nation.
The well-attended ceremony ended with more prayers and goodwill messages from other Directors and staff, who expressed gratitude for Adeladan's years of dedicated service and wished him good health, success, and more fulfilment in retirement.
0 Comments