Abang retires as Director, gets new job — AUDA-NEPAD Boss
Princess Gloria Akobundu, National Coordinator, Chief Executive Officer, African Union Development Agency- New Partnership for Africa’s Development/ African Peer Review Mechanism(AUDA-NEPAD/APRM)Nigeria, says Mr. Emmanuel Abang has been appointed as her Senior Special Assistant (S.S.A) with immediate effect.
This is contained in a statement signed by Abolade Ogundimu, Media Assistant to NC/C.E.O, AUDA-NEPAD/APRM Nigeria.
Akobundu made the announcement at a send forth organised for Abang on Wednesday by staff of AUDA-NEPAD/APRM Nigeria at its headquarters, Abuja.
Dr. Abang retires on Thursday, Sept.19 as the Director, Programme Development and Implementation (PDI) Department of the agency.
The event was attended by Abang’s friends, colleagues, former colleagues and well wishers.
According to the C.E.O, diligent and thorough individuals are rare and should be preserved for better growth of any organisation.
“Good work will always be rewarded, Abang was devoted to any assigned task and he always bring results.
” As he goes into retirement after 35 meritorious years in service, I hereby announce his appointment as my Senior Special Assistant.
“Every civil servant’s wish is to grow in service and retire happily.
” But we should stop losing people that add great values to the society when they are still vibrant and relevant to societal growth,” she said.
Akobundu commended the outgoing Director for his immense contribution to the ongoing transformation of NEPAD to AUDA in Nigeria.
“We started the process together and we must finish together,” she said.
The National Coordinator said launching of new logo and official transformation of the agency would be announced soon.
AUDA-NEPAD/APRM team will be making presentations to participants at the sideline of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) from September 25.
Earlier, Dr. Abang’s former colleagues and friends took turn to shower glowing encomium on him as he retires from service.
Alhaji Ahmad Ibrahim, his counterpart in Project Research and Statistics (PRS)/Department of the agency congratulated him for successful exit from service.
“There is need to thank God for seeing you through 35 years of active service. I wish you greater joy in retirement,” he said.
Alhaji Ibrahim will also join the league of senior citizens as he retires on Sept.24.
Mr. David Attah, Director, Special Services,Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation(OSGF) gave enviable description of his friend and former colleague, Mr. Abang.
“He is a selfless man, he doesn’t think about himself alone but beyond that, he is competent”.
Also, Mr. Yinka Aguda, Director, General Services,OSGF described the Director, PDI, AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria as a rare breed.
Barrister More Soyinka-Onijala, Director, Public Private Partnership, Federal Ministry of Finance, described Mr. Abang as a motivator.
” I joined civil service late but I was fortunate to have met someone like him to put me through.
“Thank God for his concern as I could have missed opportunity of writing promotion exam after my confirmation in the service.
“While many others said I didn’t need to write the next promotion exam being a professional (lawyer) he said “No” and ensured I wrote the exam,which qualified me for higher positions,” the daughter of Africa’s first Nobel laureate said.
Others who came to witness the send forth were: Obong Ndueso, Assistant Director, Fisheries, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Uwem Asomugha,Director, ICT, Federal Ministry of Education.
Also, Barrister Oladele Asowo, Elder Akpama Basset and Grace Ngbeahuruine, Office of the Head of Civil Service.
Ms Esther Benjamin Yepwi, a staffer of PDI Department, AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria, described Mr. Abang as her mentor.
“Through him, I acquired many skills on the job. Those skills are really helping me to be more resourceful.
” I will miss him for his encouragement to all especially, the subordinate colleagues, ” she noted.
In his response to messages and good wishes poured on him, Dr. Abang thank God for seeing him.through.
“I thank God for seeing me through the ups and downs of public service in the last 35 years.
” I also thank my boss, Hon.Princess Akobundu for appreciating my efforts as a Director in PDI.
“She gave me adequate support to achieve whatever I might have achieved in this agency.
” If you’re hardworking and resourceful, you will be her friend. But if you are lazy, she will put you back on track,” he said.
His advice to those he would be leaving in service was succinct.
“Acquire as much knowledge as you can,network with those you meet and be grateful to God always”.
Abang’s message to the policy makers in the country goes thus: “think more on how to reduce poverty and illiteracy in the land”.
Miss Josephine Abang, daughter of Dr.Abang confirmed those good virtues were part of her dad even at home.
” My dad is hardworking, he believes you deserve all the reward that you get for working hard.
“He does not condone indiscipline and he is
very supportive to everyone’s development,” she said.
Dr. Abang joined AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria in September, 24,2019 as Director, PDI, his last posting before bowing out from civil service.
Princess Akobundu expressed confidence in his ability to even contribute more towards development of the agency.
