Prayers, cheers and accolades for the former Information Minister, Mr. Labaran Maku as he bowed out.

Maku's arrival

Prayers, cheers and accolades have trailed the Information Minister, Labaran Maku as he bids farewell to staff of the Federal Ministry of Information.

The staff, who took turns to speak at an interactive session with the management of the ministry, wished Mr. Maku victory as he stepped aside to contest the Governorship of Nasarawa State.

 Leader of the Workers Union Adams Ogwola announced that they were satisfied with Mr. Maku's explanation during the meeting with the staff after their protest over improved welfare.

 He warned the political opposition not to cash in on the protest of the staff to gain political mileage, as the issue, which he described as family affairs, had been resolved amicably.

 The workers commended Mr Maku for promoting sporting activities in the ministry - a development, which encouraged them to win laurels during competitions.

Responding, the Information Minister, Mr. Labaran Maku expressed his appreciation for the support and cooperation given to him by the staff and said such gesture should be extended to his successor.

He explained that most of the issues raised by the staff bordering of welfare could not be met due to lack of funds.

The Minister said the inability of the ministry to provide Sallah gifts for staff, which triggered the protest was mainly due to lack of funds to put smile on the faces of staff during last Sallah.

Mr. Maku clarified that the funds allocated to the Ministry from SURE-P were only meant for publicizing the activities of SURE-P and not for the welfare staff of the ministry as demanded.

The Minister said during his tenure, funds were specifically set aside for human capital development in the ministry, which was not the case in the past.

He stated that from available statistics,100 workers so far underwent training while the training arm of the Ministry, the National Institute for Public Communication, had been revived to offer regular training for staff at minimal cost instead to hiring consultants to train the staff.

Maku interacting members of staff  of the Fed. Min. of Information 

Mr. Maku told the staff that he did not go to the Federal Ministry of Information to enrich himself but to offer selfless service to the nation.

He commended the industrial harmony that prevailed during his tenure and urged the staff to sustain the industrial peace.

Mr. Maku announced the donation of two million Naira to the staff amidst jubilation.