By Sharon Akuboh
The Administrative Unit of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Education Secretariat has organized a befitting retirement ceremony in honour of one of its distinguished officers, Mr. Zakari Yiwoye Madaki, a Chief Executive Officer (Grade Level 14), in recognition of his over three decades of dedicated, loyal and meritorious service to the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
The ceremony, organized by the Director, Administration, Hajiya Rakiya Ibrahim, brought together Heads of Units and members of staff of the Secretariat to celebrate Mr. Madaki’s remarkable career and invaluable contributions to the growth and development of the Education Secretariat.
In her opening remarks, Hajiya Rakiya Ibrahim described the occasion as a heartwarming celebration of one of the Secretariat’s finest officers, whose dedication, commitment and professionalism have positively impacted the Administrative Unit and the Education Secretariat as a whole. She noted that throughout his career, Mr. Madaki discharged his responsibilities with a great sense of duty, passion and integrity, producing commendable results and serving as a source of inspiration to other members of staff. She wished him good health, long life and God’s continued blessings as he begins a new chapter in retirement.
Heads of the various units who spoke at the ceremony paid glowing tributes to the retiree, describing him as a humble, dependable and dedicated officer who carried out his responsibilities with diligence and without complaint. They unanimously acknowledged his exceptional spirit of service, commitment to duty and readiness to support others at all times.
They further commended his exemplary character, noting that his respect for colleagues, strong family values and peaceful disposition distinguished him throughout his years of service describing him as a selfless individual whose legacy of integrity, loyalty and professionalism would continue to inspire both present and future generations of staff.
Responding, Mr. Zakari Yiwoye Madaki expressed profound appreciation to the Director, Administration, Hajiya Rakiya Ibrahim, and the staff of the Education Secretariat for the honour accorded him. He thanked his colleagues for their friendship, support and cooperation throughout his years of service and encouraged members of staff to remain committed, hardworking and dedicated in the discharge of their responsibilities.
Mr. Madaki’s retirement marks the culmination of an outstanding public service career that began on 10th July, 1991, when he joined the FCT Administration as an Adult Education Instructor (GL.03/1) and was posted to the Kwali Zonal Office. Born on 2nd October, 1969, in Leda, Kwali Area Council of the FCT, he attended Suleja LGEA Primary School, Yebu, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1980, before proceeding to Government Secondary School (GSS), Bwari, where he earned the General Certificate of Education (GCE) in 1986. Driven by a passion for continuous learning, he obtained a Diploma in Management Studies from Niger State Polytechnic, Bida, in 1995, and later a Diploma in Business Administration and Management (BAM) from the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, between 2011 and 2012.
Following his promotion to the Executive Assistant Cadre, he was deployed to the Agency for Mass Education Headquarters, Karu (Administration) in 1996 before his transfer to the Education Secretariat in May 2008. Through diligence, professionalism and commitment to duty, he rose steadily through the ranks to become a Chief Executive Officer (Grade Level 14). During his distinguished career, he served in several strategic positions, including Adult Education Instructor, Adult Education Scheme Organizer, Pension Desk Officer, Welfare and Training Officer, and NYSC/IT Desk Officer. His exemplary service, integrity, loyalty and cordial relationship with colleagues and superiors earned him widespread respect and left an enduring legacy within the Education Secretariat.
The high point of the colourful ceremony, attended by Heads of Units which include ,Director, School Services, Director, Special Duties, Director, Finance&Accounts,CPO,information/Public Relations, Audit, Budget and Salary, Other Charges, and Legal, among others, was the presentation of gifts by the Administrative Unit and members of staff, as well as a group photograph to commemorate the memorable occasion.