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Honoring A Legacy Of Excellence: Finance Ministry Bids Farewell To Permanent Secretary Mr Ekanem Udo

Published

2 years ago

September 22, 2024

The Federal Ministry of Finance has celebrated the remarkable career and dedication of Mr. Okokon Ekanem Udo, Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, as he bows out of the Federal Civil Service, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and commitment to Nigeria’s economic development.

In a heartfelt remarks at the reception held in Abuja in his honour, weekend, the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun acknowledged Mr. Udo’s unparalleled contribution to the Ministry, saying: “Okokon’s commitment to Nigeria’s economic development is unparalleled. His expertise, guidance, and leadership have been invaluable to our Ministry. We salute his legacy and wish him a well-deserved rest.”

Also speaking, Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya, Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Finance, praised Mr. Udo’s collaborative spirit and contributions to the Ministry’s successes stating, “Okokon has been an exceptional colleague, always willing to lend his expertise and support. His departure leaves a void, but his impact will be felt for years to come.”

A cross-section of Directors of the Ministry also shared heartfelt tributes to the retiring Permanent Secretary, highlighting his mentorship, wisdom, and selfless dedication to duty, “Okokon’s mentorship and wisdom have inspired a generation of public servants. His legacy will continue to inspire us – His selfless dedication to duty has earned him a special place in our hearts. We will miss his wise counsel,” they said.

In his response, Mr. Udo expressed deep gratitude for the kind words and sentiments. “I am honoured to have served this great nation and contributed to the development of our economy. I am proud of what we have achieved together, and I am confident that the Ministry will continue to thrive and excel in the years to come,” he said.

The Outgoing Permanent Secretary thanked everyone for their support, collaboration, and friendship throughout his career, saying, “I look forward to a happy and fulfilling retirement, and I’m also excited to explore new opportunities to serve the nation in different capacities. Thank you once again, and may God bless our nation,” he said

Mr. Okokon Ekanem Udo, born on October 19, 1964, at Itak Ikot Obio Ise, Ini Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, has left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s financial landscape. His commitment to excellence and public service will be deeply missed.

As Mr. Udo embarks on this new chapter, the Federal Ministry of Finance, wishes him a happy and fulfilling retirement, grateful for his tireless efforts and contributions to the nation’s economic growth and development.

“We celebrate not only his achievements but also the person he is – a true public servant, a leader, and a mentor. His legacy will continue to inspire and motivate us to achieve greater heights,” said the Ministry’s staff

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Musawa Seeks Broader Significance for June 12

Published

10 hours ago

October 3, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, Esq., says June 12 must be remembered as a sacrifice that gave Nigerians democracy, beyond its status as a public holiday.

In a statement signed on Saturday by the Senior Assistant Media & Publicity to the Honourable Minister,Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy Dr Nneka Ikem Anibeze Ph.D in Abuja.

Musawa stated this at the national premiere of “MKO”, a film on Chief Moshood Abiola, held at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

She said 33 years after June 12, 1993, many young Nigerians know it only as a holiday, but the film turns it back into memory.

“For too many young Nigerians, June 12 is simply a public holiday. This film tells them that our democracy did not arrive by chance. It was fought for. It was defended. It was paid for. This documentary is in honour of the heroes of June 12, the men and women who gave their lives for the mandate of June 12, 1993 and for the democracy Nigeria enjoys today,” the Minister said.

Musawa hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief Host, for his participation in the June 12 struggle and paying the price in exile, adding that Nigeria’s creative industry will keep telling the story of its democracy with courage.

“Through film and the creative economy, Nigeria will preserve its history. A nation that forgets its past loses its way to the future. Nigeria has a story and our story deserves to be told,” she said.

Earlier, the director of the investigative documentary, Ose Oyamendan, said the film was in honour and memory of heroes who fought for Nigeria’s democracy.

“There was Hope ’93 and now there is Renewed Hope. There was a man who sacrificed his life so we may have democracy and there is a man who almost lost his life fighting for democracy who is now helping build a lasting democracy.

“There was a great man called Bashorun MKO Abiola and there is now another great man called Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Democrats. Nationalists. Nation builders. Leaders of men and women. We must never forget our story. We must always honour and remember our heroes,” Oyamendan said.

Top government officials including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the wife of the President Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Chief of Staff to the President Rt. Femi Gbajabiamila, state Governors, members of the National Assembly, Ministers and other distinguished dignitaries attended the premiere.

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