Lois Otse Adams
The Management of Budget and National Planning has celebrated the outgoing Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs. Olusola Idowu, for her strong-willed leadership disposition and exemplary lifestyle while in the Federal civil service.
Speaking at an event, held in her honour, today 23th September, 2022, in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary (Common Services office), of the Head of the Civil Service of the federation, a former Director of Finance and Account of Budget and National Planning, Mr. Ibrahim Yusufu, said that Idowu was leaving the service unblemished because of her unshakable standing for prudence and administrative ethics.
He noted that though Idowu was a professional pharmacist, with years of experience from various leadership positions, she was open to advice even if the advice was unsolicited for.
During her tenure as the permanent secretary, Mrs. Idowu was sympathetic towards ailing staff, their families and staff seeking promotion in their careers. This, she demonstrated by her prayers, candid advice and encouragement ‘which propelled the likes of me to higher feats’. Yusufu explained.
He therefore urged staff to pray for her, wish her active retirement life and more blessings.
The Director, Department of Economic Growth, Mrs. Elizabeth Ehgarevba, in her remarks, disclosed that she was a beneficiary of Idowu’s mentorship adding that she was so caring to the extent of creating personal relationships with those who came close to her irrespective of their ranks or status, a virtues woman, able to manage her home and official responsibilities seamlessly.
Idowu, who was also showered with encomiums by other junior and senior staff, in her response, gave a brief history of her career path, commended everyone and appreciated them for standing by her during her service years.
She expressed joy over the honour the Minister of State, Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba, had bestowed on her earlier at a send -forth dinner organized by the Minister and heads of parastatals under the ministry, on the 19th of September. According to her, the celebration coincided with her wedding anniversary, which made her very elated.
Idowu, who could not hold back her joy, further told staff that nobody was perfect, explaining that why some felt she was not accommodative was because she wanted everyone to imbibe the habit of following due process in the discharge of their duties.
She also spoke on the issues of trust, especially on financial management sharing her experience and ingenuity as an accounting officer with the American government.
Idowu said as a mother and mentor she felt remorseful regarding the needs of staff she could not satisfy due to circumstances beyond her control.
Dignitaries at the event to celebrate the out going Permanent Secretary included, The Honourable Commissioner, representing Lagos and Ogun States in the Federal Civil Service Commission, Princess Iyabode Odulalate, the Surveyor General of the Federation, family members, all Directors, Deputy Directors, Assistant Directors, Principal Officers and the entire Staff of National Planning.
Highlights of the event were, the Cutting of cake, coordinated by the Director, Economic Growth, Mrs. Elizabeth Ehgarevba, and presentation of gifts
on behalf of the Honourable Minister of State, Budget and National Planning Prince Clem Agba.
The vote of thanks was given by the Director, Social Development, Dr. Sanjo Faniran.
More so, after the sendforth ceremony Mrs. Olusola Idowu, handed over the mantle of leadership to her successor, Engr. Nebeolisa Anako, who is now the new Permanent Secretary, Budget and National Planning.
She charged Directors and other management staff to accord the new Permanent Secretary all necessary coorporation needed to move the ministry to greater heights.
In his maiden speech, Engr. Anako stressed on the importance of Budget and National Planning in National Development. He also assured of his commitment to join hands with the two Ministers in the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, all management staff, and the entire staff inorder to deliver on the ministry’s mission and mandates.
