Members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists Information Chapel, alongside directors and staff of the Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, on Thursday celebrated the retirement of Acting Permanent Secretary, Usman Bello, as he attained the age of 60 after over three decades in public service.
The send-forth ceremony, held at the ministry’s conference hall within the Audu Bako Secretariat in Kano, attracted colleagues, associates, and well-wishers who paid glowing tributes to the retiree’s contributions to the civil service.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the NUJ Information Chapel, Musbahu Aminu Yakasai, described Bello as an exemplary civil servant whose leadership was defined by humility, courage, and dedication. He highlighted his contributions to both the ministry and the NUJ, particularly his commitment to mentorship and professional excellence.
Yakasai, who once served as a Deputy Director under Bello, further commended him as a fair and compassionate leader who nurtured subordinates with integrity and a strong sense of responsibility, offering prayers for divine rewards for his years of service.
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Representing the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, congratulated Bello on attaining 60 years and completing 33 years in service, describing the milestone as a reflection of resilience, wisdom, and dedication.
He noted that staff training and capacity building remained a priority of the ministry, adding that many of the initiatives were driven by Bello during his tenure as Acting Permanent Secretary. He also disclosed plans to include him in a proposed training committee for information managers, ensuring the ministry continues to benefit from his experience.
“The ministry will not forget his contributions to the growth of the information sector and the development of Kano State,” Waiya said.
In his response, Bello expressed appreciation for the recognition, describing his 33-year career and attainment of 60 years as fulfilling. He thanked the NUJ Information Chapel, ministry leadership, and staff for organising the event.
He also commended the Commissioner, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, for what he described as efforts to resuscitate the Ministry of Internal Affairs and restore its core mandates.
Goodwill messages were delivered by colleagues and associates, including Sunusi Abdullahi Kofar Naisa, Maikudi Muhammad Marafa, and Bahijjah Kabara, among others, who acknowledged Bello’s professionalism and impact.
The event climaxed with the presentation of an award of honour to Usman Bello by the NUJ Information Chapel in recognition of his outstanding service.