There were warm embraces, heartfelt tributes and joyful celebrations on Wednesday as the Delta State Ministry of Technical Education gave an emotional farewell to its Permanent Secretary, Dr. (Mrs.) Gloria Ferife, following her transfer to the Ministry of Health, and other retiring staff.
The colourful ceremony at the Professor Chike Edozien Secretariat in Asaba drew serving permanent secretaries, management staff, directors, principals of technical colleges and other employees, who gathered to celebrate years of dedicated service, enduring friendships and lasting contributions to the ministry.
Speaking at the event, Commissioner for Technical Education, Mr. Smart Ufoh, paid glowing tribute to Dr. Ferife, describing her as a dependable administrator whose professionalism, wisdom and calm leadership helped shape the ministry’s achievements.
“Dr Ferife has distinguished herself through her intelligence, sound advice and ability to coordinate major assignments that projected the ministry positively. Her transfer to the Ministry of Health will be beneficial to her new ministry,
“I discovered that she is highly knowledgeable, pragmatic and an exceptional administrator. Her contributions ensured that the ministry carried out its responsibilities effectively, and I have no doubt that she will also excel in the Ministry of Health,” he said.
The commissioner also commended members of staff for maintaining a peaceful working environment and urged them to continue promoting teamwork and mutual respect.
He advised workers to avoid unnecessary conflicts, saying harmony in the workplace would improve productivity.
Reflecting on his early days in office, Ufoh recalled that Ferife’s guidance was invaluable as he transitioned from the private sector into public service, adding that her experience and sound judgement contributed significantly to the ministry’s success.
He urged staff to preserve the culture of teamwork and mutual respect that had characterised the ministry, stressing that harmony in the workplace remains essential for greater productivity.
The commissioner also congratulated the retiring officers, wishing them good health, happiness and fulfilment as they begin a new phase of life.
In a remark, the ministry’s new Permanent Secretary, Dr. Anthony Okwunze, described the gathering as more than a send-off, saying it was an opportunity to appreciate officers who had served with commitment and integrity, while also celebrating colleagues embarking on new assignments.
He encouraged workers to remain dedicated to their responsibilities, noting that retirement should be embraced as the reward for years of faithful service rather than the end of a meaningful journey.
In an emotional response, Dr. Ferife expressed profound gratitude for the honour accorded her, describing the farewell as a rare and touching gesture, especially for a Permanent Secretary transferred to another ministry.
She recalled arriving at the Ministry of Technical Education with little knowledge of its operations but said the warmth, patience and support of directors, principals and staff quickly made her feel at home.
According to her, every milestone recorded during her tenure was the product of collective effort, cooperation and shared commitment to excellence.
She thanked the commissioner for the cordial relationship they built over time and applauded members of staff for their loyalty, dedication and professionalism, which made her first posting as Permanent Secretary a memorable experience.
Urging workers to extend the same support to her successor, she encouraged them to remain united and committed to advancing technical education in Delta State.
The ceremony ended on a memorable note with goodwill messages, presentation of gifts, laughter, dance, photographs and heartfelt tributes, as colleagues celebrated careers well spent and wished the retirees and transferred officers success in the next chapter of their lives.
