INEC tasks staff members on dedication, hardwork

INEC tasks staff members on dedication, hard-work

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday celebrated eight retired staff members, urging those in active service to discharge thier duties with patriotism and hard-work.

The Secretary to the Commission, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, made the call at the send-off ceremony for two retired directors, three deputy directors and other there staff members of the Voter Education and Publicity (VEP) Department, organised by the department in Abuja.

The retired directors were the immediate pass director, Mr Ayodele Aluko and his predecessor, Mr Nick Dazang.

The retired deputy directors were Mr Andy Ezeani, Dr Chukwuemeka Ugboaja, and Chinwe Ogbuka; while the retired Staff members were Mrs Peace Ugo, Mrs Josephine Ozoemena and Mrs Dorothy Inyang.

Oriaran-Anthony urged staff members of the commission to emulate the retirees by being hard-work serve and dedicated in service.

“It may seems nobody is watching what you are doing but somebody somewhere is seeing. Most importantly, God Almighty who reward in public what you do in secrete is watching you.

“We are celebrating them today because they retired blamelessly. Let us celebrate when it is your time.

“Sacrifice your time, be dedicated to your work, and the money, recognition and the others will come,” Oriaran-Anthony said.

The secretary who poured encomiums on each of the retirees for serving diligently and meritoriously, urged them to continue to be good ambassadors of INEC.

“At any time you might be called upon again to come and serve, either this commission or your country.

“In whatever capacity you are called upon to serve, do not say no when you can say yes,” Oriaran-Anthony, said.

Also speaking at the event, National Commissioner, Mrs May Agbamuche-Mbu, said that though to serve in INEC was a divine privilege, it came with its own challenge.

Agbamuche-Mbu congratulated them for being able to navigate those challenges.

The national commissioner urged members of staff to continue to be patient and respect each others.

The Chief Technical Adviser to INEC Chairman, Prof Bolade Eyinla, also described INEC as one of the most difficult places to work in Nigeria because of the nature and demands of the work.

He advised the retirees to pay attention to their health, resources and children.

“Manage your resources well and don’t fall into the hands of people with ponzi schemes. There is no 110 per cent return on investment anywhere.

“Also in your retirement, put an eye on your children. Your children’s success is your success,” Eyinla advised.

He advised the senior members of staff INEC to continue to mentor the younger ones.

The Director of VEP, Mrs Mary Nkem, said that the department deemed it necessary to celebrate the special individuals who had not only served meritoriously, but have also made the INEC and Nigeria proud.

Nkem said that the retired members of staff made immense contributions to the development of the department and INEC, promoting democracy in the country.

The Director of the Commission’s Secretariat, Mrs Maryam Musa, advised the retired staff members to be engaged in meaningful activities in their retirement.

Speaking on behalf of the retires, Dazang commended the staff members of the VEP department for honouring them, describing the event as encouraging and touching.

He urged the department and the commission to sustain the gesture and also translate it into the conduct of more exquisite and superlative elections.

“All that we try to do in time past was to see how we could lay the foundation for credible elections.

“Our prayer is that those who are coming after us will build on what we have started and they will even excel, do better and surpass the record that we have put in place,” Dazang said.

On his part, Aluko said they were proud to have successfully serve the Commission and INEC achievements over the years.

The immediate past director of the department, said the management of electronics process is for the tea party.

“We believe that INEC has come a long way and we will continue to achieve more.

“We also believe Nigeria will continue to be better as we move ahead,” Aluko said.