The Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning (FMB&EP) Thursday organised a sendforth for 28 retirees who reached the statutory age of 60 or mandatory 35 years in service.

The occasion was held at the BMO Event Centre, River Plate, Wuse 2, Abuja, with the presentation of gifts and plaques to individual retirees to appreciate them for “being dedicated and hard-working in the fulfilment of the ministry’s mandate.”

Speaking at the event, the permanent secretary in the Ministry, Nebeolisa Anako, congratulated the retirees for their meritorious service to the country.

Anako who represented the minister, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, said all the retirees contributed “diligently to the growth and advancement of the Ministry,” adding that “it is an accomplishment that should not be taken for granted.”

He, however, implored them to endeavour to render their services at any time they were called upon to do so, noting that the Ministry would continue to look forward to benefiting from their vast experience and reservoirs of knowledge on policy formulation and implementation in order to continue to move the country forward.

While appreciating all that were present for the celebration, he said the event “calls for sober reflection in different ways,” noting that some were to be celebrated, while some were gone.

Some of the retirees who responded on behalf of others expressed appreciation to the Ministry and the federal government for allowing them to serve.

They advised those still in service not to hold back, but to ensure that they contributed their quota to improve the lot of the Ministry and humanity in general.