By Sarah NEGEDU
Staff of the Federal Capital Territory Administration rolled out the drums on Friday, to celebrate the pioneer Head of Service of the FCTA, Dr. Udo Atang, as he bowed out from active service.
The staff took turns to extol Atang’s contributions to service, described him as one who has shaped the FCT administration through dedication and unwavering commitment to excellence, adding that his visionary leadership had laid the foundation for effective and progressive public service
Speaking during the send-forth ceremony, Atang reflected on the strides made in the last one year, particularly after the passage of the Civil Service Commission bill, which President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed into law in 2024.
Recall that President Tinubu had on 12th March, 2024, appointed 10 pioneer permanent secretaries for the FCTA, in line with the provisions of the FCT Civil Service Commission Law, 2018.
Atang explained that before the establishment of the commission, the staff faced numerous career limitations, as staff could not progress beyond the directorate level, leading to low productivity.
“Before now we used to have very serious career limitations that the peak of our career was always that of a director and we couldn’t go beyond that for so many years that culminated to a lot of fustrations and dissapoinments and low productivity as most staffs felt very aggrieved”, he said.
He revealed that the situation created the need for the FCT Civil Service Commission bill by the National Assembly that was eventually signed into law by President Tinubu.
He said the Act had given the FCT staff members new lease of life and had created opportunities for upward progression of the work force.
Atang also used the occasion to commend the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, who on resumption of office, went into actions that led to the FCTA now having 13 permanent secretaries and the office of the head of the Civil Service Commission.
“I want to sincerely thank the minister of the FCT, who just within 3 weeks of coming on board, exhibited a trait that surprised quite a number of us; he observed the countenance of most staffs of the FCT Administration and we said sir we have problems concerning our career progression and a number of other issues, and immediately he took up that and proceeded to implement the FCTA Civil Service Commission Act which has moved us from track zero of always terminating at the post of directors in FCT to now having 13 permanent secretaries and also the office of the head of civil service of the FCTA” he said.
Similarly, the Permanent Secretary, Youth Development of the FCTA, Nancy Nathan, said under the leadership of the head of service, the FCT has witnessed tremendous growth and transformation with the introduction of innovative policies, enhanced service delivery and a workforce that is now better equipped to meet the challenges of governance.
She extolled Atang for his remarkable professionalism in ensuring that the FCT administration continues to meet the needs of it’s residents.
She highlighted the contributions he has made to the FCT administration since assumption of duty which includes his open door policy, commitment to staff welfare, and emphasis on teamwork.
“Today, we are here to pay tribute to a man whose visionary leadership has laid the foundation for the effective and progressive public service in the FCT, and has from the very beginning demonstrated an unparrelled sense of duty.
“We give God the glory. It is indeed a day of mixed emotions, joy as we reflect on this remarkable contributions and legacy. Farewell to a leader of many parts who has shaped the FCT administration with dedication, wisdom,and unwavering commitment to excellence”, she said.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary of the Department of Common Services, Rotimi Ajayi commended Atang on his dedication, and described him as an embodiment of knowledge and a source of inspiration to his staff members.
Meanwhile, the President of the Joint Union Action Committee, JUAC, Rifkatu Lortyer, also praised Atang for championing the welfare of junior staff, ensuring timely salary payments, and advocating for training opportunities.
Government
