By Nkechi Eze
The Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) has formally marked the close of a defining chapter in its institutional history with the retirement of its pioneer Director of Administration and Human Resources, Alhaji Mohammed Zailani, who commenced his exit from public service after eight years of dedicated and meritorious service in line with public service rules.
The transition was celebrated at a colourful send-off ceremony held at the Commission’s headquarters in Asokoro, Abuja, where management, staff and well-wishers gathered to honour a man widely regarded as one of the foundational pillars of the Commission. In an official statement issued by the Head of the Strategic Communications Directorate of the FRC, Mr. Bede Anyanwu, the event was described as a fitting tribute to a seasoned administrator whose influence shaped the administrative culture and professional standards of the Commission from inception.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Executive Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, Mr. Victor Muruako, Esq., paid glowing tribute to Alhaji Zailani, describing him as a dependable and committed director who consistently made himself available whenever duty called. He praised the retiring director for his strong belief in merit, fairness and professionalism, noting that throughout his years of service, he never took pleasure in working against staff, but instead fostered an atmosphere of trust, equity and discipline within the system.
According to the Chairman, Alhaji Zailani’s tenure was marked by quiet diligence, administrative depth and an unwavering commitment to institutional values, qualities that helped to stabilize and strengthen the Commission during its formative years. He described his exit as the end of an era, but also as a legacy that would continue to guide the Commission’s administrative practices.
The Secretary of the Commission, Mrs. Fatima Binta Abubakar, also honoured the retiring director with a toast during the send-off, celebrating his years of service, loyalty and enduring contributions to the growth and maturity of the FRC. She acknowledged his role in nurturing professional relationships and building systems that will outlive his tenure.
Goodwill messages flowed from across the Commission, reflecting the wide respect Alhaji Zailani commanded. The retired Director of Accounts of the Commission and former Chairman of Obigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, Hon. Chief Barrister Sampson Eletuo, KSC, described him as a principled administrator whose decisions were guided by fairness and institutional interest. The Director of Legal, Investigation and Enforcement, Barrister Charles Chukwuemeka Abana, as well as the Deputy Director of Finance and Accounts, Mrs. Victoria Angakuru-Adiwu, both extolled his administrative acumen, describing him as a steady hand who played a pivotal role in building the administrative backbone of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission.
In his response, Alhaji Mohammed Zailani expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve as part of the pioneer staff of the Commission. He described the FRC as the only workplace where he truly felt at home, noting that he spent the greater part of his working life within the Commission and would always feel free to visit even in retirement. His remarks reflected a deep sense of fulfillment and emotional attachment to the institution he helped to build.
He also used the occasion to offer heartfelt advice to his successor, Alhaji Nasiru Usman, urging him to lead with integrity, fairness and unwavering commitment in his new role as Head of Administration and Human Resources. He emphasized the importance of putting institutional interest above personal considerations and sustaining the values upon which the Commission was founded.
The ceremony stood not merely as a formal retirement event, but as a celebration of enduring service, institution-building and exemplary leadership. As Alhaji Mohammed Zailani bows out, he leaves behind a legacy of professionalism and dedication that continues to define the administrative soul of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission.
