Nigerians Celebrate Iconic Ernest Umakhihe on Retirement

By Reporter

Since his retirement from the Federal Civil Service as Permanent Secretary, Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe PhD, OON has received more decorations, just as he did during his thirty five meritorious years in service that took him to several posting from foreign affairs, presidency, finance, agriculture and food security.

His colleagues Permanent Secretaries christianed a dinner reception put together in his honouur by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, on January 2, 2024 at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, as ‘Pulling Out Ceremony of one of the soldiers in Federal Civil Service.’

The event which was chaired by the Honorable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari had in attendance, array of guests from across broad spectrum of the Nigerian society.

In a very emotional tribute put together by the ministry staff and aired at the ceremony, the staff of FMAFS took turn to recount the innovation that Dr Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe brought to the transformation of the the ministry.

They praised him for his rare skill and his ‘collegiate system with which he transformed the FMAFS.

In the welcome remark, the head of the event Organizing Committee Direction of Human Resource, Toyin Alade, praised the various initiatives instituted during his served. Among the numerous achievements.

Umakhihe himself, says he runs a collegiate system to give opprtunity to everyone to contribute to the growth of every system, and calls himself a ‘People’s Person.’

Toyin Alade Director of Human resources told the capacity audience at ICC, Abuja, that Umakhihe has eye for details and professionalism.

Sen. Abubakar Kyari said the occasion was an opportunity to reflect on the “extraordinary services and profound dedication” Umakhihe has demonstrated throughout his exemplary career.

Sen. Kyari added that Umakhihe’s relentless pursuit of excellence, selfless service and astute leadership, has left an indelible mark on the ministry and the Nigeria at large.

He praised Umakhihe for leading his subordinates with courage, wisdom and determination, and for contributing to the development of the agricultural sector.

He emphasised that Umakhihe’s qualities which include skills, integrity, discipline, dedication, loyalty will guide him in his future endeavours.

Others called him a Democrat who is consistent to commitment to duty.

David Adejo Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education added that, Umakhihe left a trait that people coming after him will know that someone passed through the offices he occupied.

Serving Permanent secretaries referred to him as a mentor and teacher who they openly referred to as ‘leader and boss.’

The event climaxed with the cutting of cake to symbolize the thirty five years of Dr Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe meritorious service to his motherland.

Also, just yesterday January 5, 2024, Friends of Dr Ernest Umakhihe under the auspices of Otuo Peoples Club honoured him with with a dinner. The garland ceremony was chaired by Dr Solomon Ehigiator Arase retired Inspector General of Police and now Chairman of Police Service Commission.

Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by Mr. Jarret Tenebe, Deputy State Chairman, Ambassador Tony Kabaka, APC youth Leader, an others. Former school mates of the honorary were present in large numbers.

Speakers after speaker recounted the good works of Umakhihe who they say has done so much in terms of provision of infrastructure in Edo State and across Nigeria.

The party, like the ICC dinner, went into unrestricted party that saw Umakhihe who has mastered the working hard and playing well lifestyle, stepped on the dancing floor with his beautiful wife Florence to the admiration of guests.

Dr Arase in his remark, called Umakhihe a distinguished public servant, who has led a life of decation and unwavery commitment to the development of Nigeria.

At both occasions, the iconic Umakhihe thanked Nigerians for their expression of satisfaction for his service and vote of confidence for his ability to lead Edo State as Governor.