By Grace Alegba

The Chairman, Lagos Council, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr Adeleye Ajayi, has advised workers in the nation not to neglect those who retired from their organisations but rather, retain the friendships.

Ajayi gave the advice during a send off ceremony organised for Mr Peter Dada, a Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who retired after attaining age 60.

He said the retirees had spent time in service of the nation and in the process imparted knowledge, mentored people, and should not be left alone.

“It is not good to throw away our retirees. Let us cultivate friendship with our retirees to keep them happy no matter what. They have trained us.

“Mr Peter Dada is going, I will constantly communicate to ask about his welfare,” he said.

Mr Ephraims Sheyin, the Head of Lagos Operations of NAN, recalled the good moments working with Dada whom he described as straight forward, kind and hardworking.

Sheyin said Dada was an exemplary leader who always provided solutions and was blunt in telling the truth always, adding that he was also an advocate for  doing things right all the time.

He commended the youthful look of Dada and prayed for God’s blessings upon him, his family and future path, advising him to always project NAN in good light.

“I really enjoyed working with him,” he said.

Immediate past President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Mrs Ifeyinwa Omowole, described Dada as a de-tribalised, honest, truthful, hardworking and kind colleague.

She said those who worked in NAN were usually”over groomed” and excelled well after service and  prayed for Dada, urging him to always remember “NAN is home”.

Mr Debo Oshundun, an Assistant-Editor-in-Chief, described Dada as “a good ambassador of the people” while reeling out his qualities.

The Head of Marketing Department, NAN Lagos, Mrs Yemi Olateju, thanked Dada for his support to the department and collaboration for its progress.

The Head of Editorial, NAN Lagos, Mr Babatunde Abdulfatah,  Head of Sports Desk, Mr Folorunsho Poroye and other heads of departments as well as reporters took turns to celebrate the retiree and recall good moments with him.

The NAN NUJ Chapel Chairman, Mr Yunus Yusuf, described Dada as a good man and joined in prayers for his progress outside of the agency.

Responding,  Dada started his speech with rendition of a thanksgiving song, while reeling out many good things God did for him that required deep gratitude.

Dada thanked all his colleagues who had in various ways impacted his life and that of his family.

“For the gifts you have presented to me individually and collectively, I will continue to cherish and treasure them.

“May God in his infinite mercy continue to give you gifts that will be enduring and everlasting in your lives,” he said.

He thanked Sheyin, other department heads, the NUJ leadership and others who made his sojourn in NAN worth the while.

“NAN has become an integral part of me, having spent a productive period of 17 years and six months here. It is a wonderful and a delightful place to work,” he said.(NAN)

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle