Seek Elective Positions, FG Urges Retired Foreign Service Officers

The Federal Government has urged the over 109 foreign service officers who retired between 2019 and 2022, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to seek elective and appointive political positions to still serve Nigeria, even in retirement.

Geoffrey Onyema, Minister of Foreign Affairs, said this during a valedictory ceremony in Abuja to honour no fewer than 110 retired staff of the ministry for their contribution to the nation’s development while in service.

Onyeama said that the training of the retirees in the diplomatic service should position them to serve even in elective positions.

He said, “I think that the training that you got in diplomatic service should really equip you to serve in a lot of elective positions as governors, senators, representatives. I would like to congratulate you all. I know how challenging it has been for me for just six years. I think each and every one of you deserves an award for going through this for 30 years”.

The minister also said that the contributions of the foreign service officers, serving and retired are duly recognised by diplomats and other nationals who have come into contact with them in the course of their service.

He disclosed that the diplomats and other nationals acknowledged the quality of human resources in Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs ministry.

Onyeama added that in spite of the onerous challenges, the ministry was still delivering real dividends at the international level, saying this feat was achieved through the hardwork of personnel who work in the ministry over the years.

Earlier in her address of welcome, the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary (DOOPS) in the ministry, Amb. Janet Olise, applauded the retirees for their dedication, and hard work, while in service.

She also noted that the nation has no doubt, been better with the services they provided, adding it is for these reasons and more that they deserve the honour bestowed on them.

In a vote of thanks, a retired director in the ministry, Amb. Faruk Danjuma, expressed appreciation to the ministry for honouring them.