By Ijeoma Olorunfemi
The Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, has urged management staff of the agency to offer unbiased advice, stressing that guidance is essential for progress
Ali said this on Friday in Abuja at a ceremony to honour Mr Stephen Igiewe, the retiring Director of Administration and Human Resources Management, of NAN.
He said administrative officers in the agency over time had demonstrated discipline, professionalism and transparency in their work.
“What I have noticed with the administrative officers is their cohesion.
” They work like in a regiment and this may not be obtainable in some departments.
“There is no rule that says you should not disagree with the MD; your professional advice is welcome at all times because Managing Directors come and go but the institution remain.
“Many of the challenges we are facing today are remnants from previous administrations because of poor advice they got from their management staff, hence they made wrong choices.
“I have learned the hard way that while rules can sometimes be interpreted with humanity, they must be respected, and respecting rules protect the institution and the interest of everyone,’’ he said.
He said that leaders should never work based on assumptions but must choose to seek facts because there are always two sides to every story.
Ali described the retiring director as a principled and committed officer whose contributions and interventions had helped steer the agency safely.
He also described Igiewe as the face of NAN.
” His father worked and retired here and now he has also spent 35 years of his youthful life working in NAN,” he said.
Responding, Igiewe recalled joining the agency in 1990, saying that he worked with dedication and passion.
According to him, administrators are left with no choice than to abide by the Public Service Rules without bias so as to avoid being perceived as incompetent.
Fulfilled at his attainment as director before retirement, he said he had made efforts to have a comfortable life after retirement.
“I had a nice time working in the agency, although not too wealthy but I have worked to be able to be comfortable and cater for my family after now.
“My greatest blessing is attaining the director cadre and I am retiring a satisfied man,’’ he said.
Other management staff of the agency also took turns to eulogise Igiewe and wished him well in retirement.
Igiewe started his career on Dec. 21, 1990 and is due for retirement on Sunday. (NAN) www.nannews.ng