The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Mr. Raymond Omenka Omachi, has pledged to consolidate the reforms and service-delivery standards established by his predecessor, Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya, as she bows out of the Federal Civil Service after 35 years of distinguished service.
Mr. Omachi made the pledge during the handover ceremony on Friday in Abuja, assuring that the Ministry would sustain transparency, accountability and efficiency in managing the nation’s finances in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Manga, in a statement quoted him ro have praised Mrs. Jafiya for her exemplary leadership, dedication and resilience, describing her tenure as impactful and transformational. According to him, the systems she put in place and the strong professional workforce she nurtured would remain enduring pillars of the Ministry.
“You did not just build a team; you built committed leaders. I will build on the solid foundation you laid. Your legacy will continue to guide us,” Mr. Omachi said.
The Permanent Secretary expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack; the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; and the Honourable Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, for the opportunity to serve.
He pledged to run an inclusive and open-door administration that promotes collaboration and teamwork.
In her valedictory address, Mrs. Jafiya described the Ministry of Finance as the backbone of the national economy, stressing the need for unity and professionalism at all times.
“Finance must remain at the top of its responsibilities. Any error or disunity here will inevitably affect the wider society,” she warned.
She called on management and staff to offer their full cooperation to the new Permanent Secretary, noting that she concluded her public service career in a Ministry that exemplifies professionalism and excellence.
“I leave with a grateful heart. This Ministry is one of the best professional homes anyone could wish for,” she said, while acknowledging the support of Ministers Wale Edun and Doris Uzoka-Anite.
Mrs. Jafiya commended the Directors and staff for their strong spirit of cooperation and esprit de corps, which she said made every challenge surmountable.
She also appreciated the media for balanced reportage and the staff unions for their steadfast commitment to workers’ welfare.
Urging continued support for Mr. Omachi, she remarked: “Please give him the same support you gave me. You will enjoy working with him. There is a time to begin and a time to end. I thank God for sustaining me throughout these years. The Civil Service remains a noble place to serve with dedication and integrity.”
The ceremony featured the presentation of a farewell cake and card by Directors of the Ministry, who paid glowing tributes to Mrs. Jafiya, describing her as a mentor, mother and exemplary public servant.
Omachi vows continuoty, transparency as Jafiya exits civil service
