The Association of Retired Permanent Secretaries in Imo State, on December, 6, 2023, celebrated their end of the Year Party in grand style, at the Senior Citizens Center, Owerri.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the association, Sir Okey Anyanwu, appreciated God for sustaining the members of the association despite the economic hardship, security challenges and socio-political turbulences that have bedeviled the country lately.
He regretted the demise of some of their members and their loved ones, as the audience soberly observed minutes of silence for the repose of their souls.
The Chairman also thanked the members for gracing the occasion and for their contributions towards the growth of the association and urged them to continue doing their best.
He highlighted the successes and achievements the association recorded within the year, their gains and losses, and also highlighted their programs and plans for the future.
He extolled the Executive Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma for appointing some members of the association as Commissioners in different while also expressing hope for more appointive positions for members of the association.
The climax of the occasion was the investiture of Patrons of the association. The Patrons Awards were conferred the following, Ichie Frank Onyemaechi Amakwa, Chief Amazuo Chijioke Nwadike, Sir Timothy Azubike and Lady Leticia Nkechinyere Okere. The Chairman charged them to discharge their roles as worthy patrons optimally, saying that they fit perfectly into the roles they were expected to play for the association.
Responding to the award, Ichie Frank Onyemaechi recalled the efforts he and some of their colleagues especially Sir F. I. Agba made in building the association, adding that he is happy that his efforts are being appreciated.
Some of the retired Permanent Secretaries used the occasion to recount their experiences during their active days in the civil service. They celebrated each other and dined together as they wrapped up the year.
Some dignitaries in attendance were Sir Barr. Austin Otuokere, retired Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Protocol Officer to Ex-Governors Ikedi Ohakim and Achike Udenwa; Sir Chris Duru, former Clerk, Imo State House of Assembly, HRH Obi Amadi, Obi Ejesi of Emekuku, Barr. Godly Ijeoma, Chairman Planning Committee amongst others.
