Greed Threatens Professionalism In Civil Service — Retired Director

The retired Director of Human Resource Management at the Federal Ministry of Works, Alhaji Aliyu Abdullahi, has cautioned civil servants against the rising temptation of greed and the pursuit of sudden wealth.

He described it as one of the major factors undermining professionalism in the public service.

Abdullahi, who retired from the public sector after 35 years of service, spoke during a valedictory ceremony held in his honour in Abuja.

He urged serving officers to embrace diligence, discipline, and contentment, saying that the civil service provides enough reward for those who commit themselves sincerely to their duties.

“My advice to civil servants is that they should be diligent in their work and be disciplined. This issue of greed, trying to become rich, is suddenly what is causing problems in the service.

“If people can avoid that kind of greed and live within the system, everything is there.
They will enjoy their service. This syndrome of getting rich quickly is what forces some into acts of corruption. If they avoid it, the service will be better off”, he said.

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Mr Rafiu Adeladan, described the retiree as a dependable colleague whose dedication set a standard for others.

He noted that although he had earlier scheduled a trip with Abdullahi, he found it necessary to attend the ceremony to honour their long-standing professional relationship.

“We were together in the morning as friends. I felt it was important to be here to identify with all of us and publicly wish him well.

“As he leaves service today, may the Lord continue to strengthen him. May the years ahead be rewarding, peaceful, and healthy,” he said.

Also, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Investment, Ambassador Nura Abba, praised Abdullahi’s commitment to duty.

On their parts, retired Federal Permanent Secretaries, Dere Josephine Awosika and Alhaji Mohammed Abbas, who spoke virtually, attested to the integrity and work ethic of the retiree, with whom they worked during his early career in the Federal Civil Service.