By Aisha Gambo
Mr Bashir Rabe-Mani, the outgoing Zonal Manager of the Kaduna Zonal Office of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) and a Deputy Editor-In-Chief (DEIC), says he has no regrets about working in the agency for over three decades
Rabe-Mani, who retired on attainment of the mandatory retirement age, spoke at a brief send-off ceremony organised by staff of the zone on Tuesday in Kaduna.
The outgoing zonal manager who joined the agency in 1993, said that the agency had become home to him, noting that though no institution was perfect, staff must continue to protect and strengthen it.
He described the Kaduna Zonal office staff as a family bound by mutual respect, love and professionalism, assuring that the bond built over the years would be sustained.
”This is a day I have been trying to avoid because of the emotions attached to it, but whatever has a beginning must have an end.
“I have enjoyed a robust and commendable working relationship in NAN. It is our home; we must always ensure that the house is protected,” he said.
He urged staff to extend the same cordial relationship and cooperation to the incoming zonal manager, whom he described as hardworking and a gentleman.
He handed over to the most senior officer in the office, Moses Kolo, an Editor, who is to oversee the office pending the resumption of the new Zonal Manager, Mr Yakubu Uba.
Earlier, Kolo who spoke on behalf of the staff commended the retiring manager for his years of sacrifice and service to the agency and humanity.
He described the retiree as a veteran of NAN who contributed immensely to the growth of the Kaduna Zonal office.
”We sincerely appreciate you for your service, wealth of experience and the mutual working relationship we enjoyed. The relationship will not end here; we will continue to reach out to you,” he said.
The member of staff wished the outgoing manager well in his future endeavours and prayed for greater opportunities in the next phase of his life.
The ceremony featured goodwill messages from staff members and presentation of souvenirs in recognition of his service.
Rabe-Mani served as a District Correspondent in Bida, Niger, from 1993 to 1998 and was transferred to Funtua, Katsina State, where he served in the same capacity from 1998 to 2001.
He served as State Correspondent in Sokoto, Sokoto State, between 2001 and 2017 and was appointed Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to Sen. Aliyu Wamakko, former Governor of the state.
The retired zonal manager held the position until 2021 when he was transferred to NAN Headquarters, Abuja, where he served as Deputy Head, Metro Desk, and later headed the National Desk and Science and Technology Desk.
During his time in Abuja, he was a member of several ad hoc committees set up by the management of the agency.
On Nov. 1, 2023, he reported to the Kaduna Zonal Office as Zonal Manager, a position he held until his retirement in March 2026 upon attaining the statutory retirement age. (NAN)
Edited by Deborah Coker
