News
Honoring A Legacy Of Excellence: Finance Ministry Bids Farewell To Permanent Secretary Mr Ekanem Udo
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
Foreign news
Algeria’s Glorious Revolution: Embassy Marks 72nd Anniversary in Abuja
Joel Ajayi
The Embassy of Algeria in Nigeria has commemorated the 72nd anniversary of the country’s Glorious Revolution of November 1, 1954, with a reception in Abuja, highlighting Algeria’s liberation struggle and strengthening diplomatic relations with Nigeria.
The event, held on November 9, 2026, at Continental Suites Hotel, attracted prominent personalities, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, members of the Federal Government, senior government officials, heads of diplomatic missions and other friends of Algeria.
Speaking at the reception, Algeria’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Hocine Mezoued, welcomed guests and paid tribute to the country’s freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during the struggle for independence.
He described the November 1, 1954 revolution as the foundation of modern Algeria, noting that the sacrifices of the nation’s martyrs made it possible for the country to reclaim its sovereignty.
On Algeria’s development agenda, Mezoued said President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s administration had continued to pursue economic reforms, diversification and national development under its New Algeria vision.
He noted that the country was recording progress in non-hydrocarbon exports, while improvements in the business environment had boosted investor confidence and attracted significant foreign investments.
On foreign policy, the ambassador reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to non-interference, respect for national sovereignty, peaceful conflict resolution and the right of peoples to self-determination.
Addressing security challenges in the Sahel, he stressed that lasting peace could not be achieved through military measures alone, insisting that economic development, inclusive dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes remained essential.
Turning to Nigeria-Algeria relations, Mezoued described the partnership as one founded on shared values and the commitment of both countries’ leaders to advancing African development.
He identified the Trans-Saharan Highway, Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and Trans-Saharan Fibre Optic Backbone as major strategic projects receiving attention from both countries.
The ambassador also disclosed that Algeria had continued to provide scholarships to Nigerian students to strengthen human capital development and capacity building.
He further announced that Air Algérie expanded its Nigerian operations on October 26, 2026, with the introduction of two weekly flights to Lagos, expressing confidence that the service would boost trade and tourism.
Looking ahead, Mezoued said 2027 would offer fresh opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly through the fifth Joint High Bi-National Commission scheduled to hold in Abuja.
He expressed optimism that the meeting would provide an opportunity to assess existing partnerships, identify new areas of cooperation and move Nigeria-Algeria relations towards a more practical and results-driven phase.
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