By Mutawakkilu Ibrahim Idris
Members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Information Chapel, alongside directors and staff of the Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, gathered in celebration to honour the retiring Acting Permanent Secretary, Malam Usman Bello, marking his 60th birthday and over three decades of distinguished public service.
The send-forth ceremony, held on Thursday at the ministry’s conference hall within the Audu Bako Secretariat in Kano, drew colleagues, associates, and well-wishers who paid glowing tributes to Bello’s legacy in the civil service.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the NUJ Information Chapel, Comrade Musbahu Aminu Yakasai, described the celebrant as an exemplary civil servant whose leadership style was defined by humility, courage, and dedication. He highlighted Bello’s immense contributions to both the ministry and the NUJ, noting his commitment to mentorship and professional excellence.
Kano First
Yakasai, who once served as a Deputy Director under Bello, further praised him as a fair and compassionate leader who nurtured subordinates with integrity and a strong sense of responsibility. He offered prayers for Allah’s abundant rewards for the retiree’s years of service.
Representing the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya congratulated Bello on attaining the milestone age of 60 and completing 33 years in service. He described the achievement as a testament to wisdom, resilience, and divine favour.
Waiya emphasised that staff training and capacity building remain a top priority of the ministry, revealing that a significant percentage of training initiatives were driven by Bello during his tenure as Acting Permanent Secretary. He assured that the ministry would continue to benefit from his expertise, disclosing plans to include him in a proposed training committee for information managers.
“The ministry will not forget his contributions to the growth of the information sector and the development of Kano State,” Waiya stated, adding that Bello’s legacy would remain part of the ministry’s institutional history.
In his response, Malam Usman Bello expressed gratitude for the honour, noting that serving for over 33 years and attaining the age of 60 was a source of pride and fulfilment. He appreciated the NUJ Information Chapel, the ministry’s leadership, and staff for organising the event.
He described the Commissioner, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, as a progressive leader, commending his efforts in revitalising the Ministry of Internal Affairs and restoring its core mandates.
Goodwill messages were delivered by colleagues and associates, including Sunusi Abdullahi Kofar Naisa, Maikudi Muhammad Marafa, and Bahijjah Kabara, among others, all of whom acknowledged Bello’s professionalism and impact.
The event climaxed with the presentation of an award of honour to Malam Usman Bello by the NUJ Information Chapel in recognition of his outstanding service.