Retiring director tasks engineers on diligence, nation building

Mr Adedamola Kuti has urged younger engineers in the country to use their skills to contribute towards efforts aimed at driving the country to sustainable development.

Kuti said this on Wednesday in Abuja at a send-off ceremony organised in his honour on his retirement as Director, Highway Materials, Geotechnics and Quantity Control, Federal Ministry of Works in Abuja.

The highway engineer urged his younger colleagues to make integrity and diligence their watchword in the course of discharging their professional responsibilities.

“Younger engineers should be very active, be committed to their jobs and hard working.

“You need to know your job; you need to also know that we do not have any other country than Nigeria.

“So whatever role you play, no matter how small, do your bit, so that Nigeria can be lifted. Everyone’s contribution will bring success to the country.’’

Kuti expressed gratitude to God for seeing him through the 35 years of service.

“It is ending well to God be the glory, great things He has done. I may not have achieved all, but when I se some of the projects I participated in I am extremely happy.

Also speaking, Mr  Olugbenga Koya ,Director of  Highways, South West, who retired alongside Kuti urged younger engineers to be focused, dedicated and show resilience in the face of challenges.

Koya also urged them not to miss opportunities that would help them build their capacities and be abreast with global best practices.

“In the past 35 years, I have been involved in the construction and rehabilitation of several federal road projects across the length and breadth of the country.

The Permanent Secretary, Mr Yakubu Kofarmata, called on those in service to emulate the virtues of the retiring directors.

“It is not easy to spend 35 years to serve Nigeria unblemished. We are proud of the two directors. They did their best to add value to the nation in the course of service.

“I plead with those who have years to spend in the civil service to be honest and upright. When we listen and sing the national anthem, it is an opportunity for us to reflect and pledge to do more for the country

“We urge the senior citizens to pray for us that are still in the service, from level eight to 17.

“It is not everyone that is corrupt. So many people have retired from here without any blemish,’’ he said.