The Federal Ministry of Works has celebrated the years of dedicated service of its retiring Permanent Secretary, Engr. Rafiu Olarinre Adeladan, as the Director of Finance and Accounts, Alhaji Aminu Ahmed, assumed an acting oversight role in the Ministry.
Adeladan formally handed over the administration of the Ministry to Aminu, who now serves as Director Overseeing Office of the Permanent Secretary (DOOPS), pending the appointment of a substantive Permanent Secretary.
The handover took place during a farewell ceremony held on Thursday, August 27, 2026, where Directors and staff commended Adeladan for his leadership, accessibility, professionalism and commitment to the Federal Civil Service.
According to an official statement signed by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Mohammed A. Ahmed, Adeladan, in his farewell address, expressed appreciation to the management and staff of the Ministry for their support, cooperation and cordial working relationship throughout his tenure.
The retiring Permanent Secretary said he was emotional about leaving the Ministry, while commending the quality of work, professionalism, teamwork and social interaction among its officers and staff.
Adeladan described his experience in the Ministry as humbling and memorable, noting that staff had related with him not only as Permanent Secretary but also as a partner and colleague.
He particularly praised the workforce for its sincerity, courage, honesty and professionalism, stressing that the ability to speak frankly on issues while remaining committed to doing what is right was an important virtue in the Civil Service.
The retiring Permanent Secretary also acknowledged that disagreements and difficult moments were part of every working relationship and used the occasion to apologise to anyone he might have offended during his tenure, asking for their forgiveness.
He urged staff to remain committed to the Ministry’s mandate and the core values of the Civil Service, while sustaining teamwork, professionalism and dedication to duty.
Adeladan further assured the gathering that his retirement would not end his relationship with the Ministry, promising to remain a friend and supporter of the institution.
He also called on Directors and staff to give Aminu the necessary support, cooperation and respect to enable him effectively oversee the affairs of the Ministry during the transition.
Responding, Aminu expressed appreciation to Adeladan for his mentorship, guidance and support, describing him as a brother, mentor and friend.
The new DOOPS said Adeladan’s leadership and contributions had made a significant impact on the Ministry, the Federal Civil Service and Nigeria, adding that he would continue to rely on his guidance and wise counsel during the transition.
Aminu called on the Ministry’s workforce to cooperate with him, stressing that the collective objective was to ensure continuity and effective delivery of the Ministry’s mandate in line with national aspirations.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Director, Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. David Yiltong, described Adeladan as a successful leader who identified shortcomings among staff, patiently guided them and carried everyone along.
The Director, Human Resource Management, Ahmad Muhammad Tukur, commended the retiring Permanent Secretary’s leadership style, accessibility and dedication to duty, describing his retirement as the close of an important chapter in his distinguished career.
Similarly, the Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Mrs. Emily Osunde, described Adeladan as a disciplined and principled civil servant whose courage, sincerity and professionalism positively impacted officers within the Ministry and the wider Service.
The ceremony ended with prayers and goodwill messages from Directors and staff, who expressed appreciation for Adeladan’s years of service and wished him good health, fulfilment and success in retirement.
