The out-going Editor-in-Chief (EIC) of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Yusuf Zango has urged staff members of the agency to strive toward achieving higher productivity as a matter of obligation to the nation and Allah.
Zango made the call at a special Quránic recitation and prayer session organised by the agency’s staff to bids him farewell on Tuesday in Abuja.
According to him, whatever earnings an employee gets he or she must justify it by working hard even without supervision from superior officers.
“We are all accountable to God ultimately for take home pay we did not work for”.
He urged the staff members to endeavour to put into practice the teachings of their respective faiths to enjoy the fruits of their labour at the end of the day.
Yusuf, who spent 32 years in service, said his experiences all through these years were most rewarding as he worked with some tough officers at the agency.
He appealed to the staff to maintain the existing cordial relationship which he will to cherish at all times, saying “we need to forgive one another our shortcomings in the course of working together to achieve common goals for the agency.
The out-going EIC, who was impressed by the turnout of participants during the prayer session, said the memories would linger for a long time, adding that it was the first of its kind to be held for retiring staff since he joined the services of the agency.
Zango also sought forgiveness from his colleagues if he had ever stepped on any toes during his stewardship as the editor-in-chief.
“Along the line during my stay at NAN I came across different people but I tried all I could to carry everyone along,’’ he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of the agency’s Masjid Management Committee, Alhaji Biola Lawal said the event was necessary for the outgoing editor-in- chief who has served meritoriously in different capacities and would be bowing out on a high note.
He urged the celebrator to continue to be steadfast in the service of his creator, saying that rewards will not cease from coming in his hours of need.
Lawal, who is also the Director of Marketing, recalled an encounter he had with the outgoing editor-in-chief, which humbled him immensely about worldly affairs.
Also speaking, former National Auditor of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhaji Mustapha Lamidi extolled the virtues of the out-going editor-in- chief, especially his commitment to the promotion of Islam.
He urged Zango to see the retirement as another opportunity to receive some favours from Allah, rather than going into untold hardship.
Among dignitaries who attended the event were the the Director of Finance and Accounts, Mrs Khadijat Lawal, Deputy Director, Administration and Human Resources, Malam AbdulHadi Khaleel, Deputy Director, Internal Audit, Malam Lawal Ali Gujungu, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Special Projects/Health and Gender, Alhaji Mohammed Tola.
Highpoints of the event was recitation of Suratul Yasin, Waqiya and Mulk as well as a group photograph with the outgoing editor-in-chief.(NAN)
