The immediate past NICO North-Central Zonal Coordinator, Alhaji Ibrahim Lawal was on Tuesday, 26th January, 2016, formally given a farewell by the Forum of Federal Government Establishments, Kwara State Chapter.

The event, which was also to formally bid farewell to other members, who retired or had been equally transferred during the previous year, took place at the Federal Secretariat, Fate, and was well attended by many dignitaries, including the Permanent Secretary, Establishment and Training, Office of the Head of Service, Kwara State, Alhaji Bello Ahmad Abubakari, who represented the State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Forum, Mr. Sikiru O. Tiamiyu, who took over a few months ago due to the transfer of the former chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Lawal, thanked all the Members of the Forum for their support, linking the success recorded so far to the support and cooperation of all members and the EXCO.

Also speaking, the Chairman on the occasion, Alhaji Bello Ahmad Abubakari, who represented the State Governor, commended the Forum for their support so far, saying the school run by the Forum is one of the best in the state, and asked for the permission of the Forum for officers from the Kwara State Civil Service to be admitted into the Club run by the Forum.

As part of the programme, there was a lecture, delivered by the State Coordinator, National Directorate of Employment, Mr. Gabriel Ademola Adeyemo, who spoke on investment opportunities for the retirees, saying that it was important for Civil/Public Servants to prepare for retirement early in order to avoid the shock of disengagement.

Adeyemo enjoined the retirees to make wise choices when they are investing their money and time after retirement, highlighting some areas in which the retirees can invest in, and advising that, one year prior to the retirement of any officer, he/she should be prepared emotionally, financially and psychologically for life after service.

Responding, the NICO North-West Zonal Coordinator, Alhaji Ibrahim Lawal recalled his challenges and achievements as the immediate past Chairman of the forum, before his transfer to Katsina, in August 2015, and enjoined members to give full support to the incumbent and other members to sustain the formidable organization.

The high point of the event was presentation of gifts to the retirees and the transferees, which was done by the representative of the State Governor, Alhaji Bello Ahmad Abubakari.

Among other dignitaries present at the event were the former Deputy Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, Prof. Gana Isa; and the current NICO North-Central Zonal Coordinator, Mr. Ohi Ojo, who led representatives from the NICO Zonal Office in Ilorin.

Olumide Olumuyiwa Dada    

P.A. to the Zonal Coordinator