Etta Michael Bisong
Trade Unions under the auspices of the federal ministry of environment have strongly eulogised the outgoing permanent secretary of the ministry, Mrs. Rabi Jimeta, describing her as a mother to all with compassion, God fearing, humane, articulate, hardworking and above all, an exemplary and experienced administrator per excellence.
The union leaders who spoke separately during the brief handing over ceremony between the out-going and in-coming permanent secretary, said the ministry has never had it so good in the past 10 years as it had during the brief stay of Rabi Jimeta.
The union leaders in a congratulatory message to Jimeta said: “Words cannot express our profound and heart-warming appreciation to you for the good works you did in this ministry.
‘’You have justified the confidence President Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR reposed in you. You have justified the popular saying that it is not how long but how well.
‘’We really and sincerely appreciate you, for the many lives you touched within the short time you spent with us.’’
Specifically, the union leaders pointed out that the duo of the minister and the permanent secretary ensured that government projects were being executed expeditiously and in line with the 2014 budget.
They also observed that both of them significantly paid even the historical debts they inherited when they assume work at the ministry.
Other staffers who spoke at the occasion praised Mrs. Jimeta for ensuring that all staff of the ministry were trained, something they said is happening for the first time in 5 years.
For other staff, payment of their repatriation allowances, the first 28 days allowances among others were things they have not seen for many years.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, the out-going Permanent Secretary said she is humbled by the encomiums being powered on her by the staff and Union leaders, promising to do her utmost in her next place of national assignment.
Jimeta called on all staff of the ministry to extend to her successor, the same level of cooperation they had given her during her brief period of stewardship in the ministry.
Responding, the new permanent secretary, Hajia Fatima Nana Mede acknowledged that Jimeta’s “Shoes” are indeed big, but that she will do everything humanly possible to do better than “Mummy,” adding that it is the dream of every mother to see that her child does better, promising that she will not let her down.
Hajia Mede solicited the cooperation of all staff, maintaining that she believes firmly in team work.
