At a send-off dinner on Saturday, attended by three retired permanent secretaries of the State House, management staff and some senior presidential aides, Alkali, who will resume as Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development this week, was praised as an exemplary and diligent civil servant.
Umar said: ”He was consummate, calm, confident and without a doubt a diligent officer. He was also courageous and caring. He was on top of his game, meticulous, engaging, strategic and a classic problem solver.” The former Permanent secretary added that the new ministry was ”very interesting and at the same time challenging,” noting that from the mandate of the ministry a lot of Nigerians in dire situations looked up to it for succour.
”His stint in the private sector sharpened his skills because he is not like the typical civil servant who is always waiting to be directed,” he said. Dr Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, prayed God almighty to grant the permanent secretary wisdom and strength to discharge the duties of his new office with diligence, compassion and generosity.
Responding, Alkali thanked serving and retired colleagues in the civil service for the goodwill, prayers and best wishes to succeed in the new assignment.