Works Ministry Bids Farewell to Adeladan as Aminu Takes Over as Acting Permanent Secretar
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Federal Ministry of Works has commenced a leadership transition following the retirement of its Permanent Secretary, Engr. Rafiu Olarinre Adeladan, with Director of Finance and Accounts, Alhaji Aminu Ahmed, assuming oversight of the Ministry pending the appointment of a substantive Permanent Secretary.
The development was contained in a statement issued by the Director, Information and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Works, Mohammed A. Ahmed, on Friday, August 28, 2026, following the handover ceremony held at the Ministry on Thursday.
The colourful but emotional ceremony marked the formal departure of Adeladan after a distinguished career in the Federal Civil Service, during which he was commended for his professionalism, accessibility, dedication to duty and commitment to national service.
Adeladan formally handed over the administration of the Ministry to Aminu, who will serve as Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary (DOOPS) until a substantive Permanent Secretary is appointed.
In his farewell address, Adeladan expressed appreciation to the management and staff of the Ministry for their support, cooperation and cordial working relationship throughout his tenure.
He described his retirement as an emotional moment, praising the quality of work, professionalism, teamwork and camaraderie among officers and staff.
Adeladan said he was particularly grateful that members of staff related to him not merely as Permanent Secretary but also as a colleague and partner, describing the experience as humbling and memorable.
He also commended the courage, honesty and sincerity of the workforce, stressing that the willingness to speak frankly while remaining committed to doing what is right constitutes an important virtue of the Civil Service.
The retiring Permanent Secretary acknowledged that disagreements were inevitable in any workplace and used the occasion to apologise to anyone he might have offended during his tenure, seeking their forgiveness.
He urged staff to sustain the Ministry’s core values of teamwork, professionalism and dedication to duty, assuring them that his retirement would not sever his relationship with the institution.
“Retirement will not bring an end to my relationship with the Ministry. I will remain a dear friend and staunch supporter of the institution,” Adeladan said.
He also appealed to directors and staff to extend the necessary cooperation, support and respect to Aminu to enable him to effectively oversee the affairs of the Ministry during the transition.
Responding, Aminu expressed appreciation to Adeladan for his mentorship, guidance and support, describing the retiring Permanent Secretary as a brother, mentor and friend.
He recalled the encouragement and personal support he received from Adeladan during his career progression, saying he would continue to draw on his experience and counsel.
Aminu pledged to work closely with the management and staff to ensure continuity and effective administration of the Ministry.
He appealed to staff to support his stewardship, stressing that the collective responsibility remained the effective delivery of the Ministry’s mandate in line with the country’s development aspirations.
Also speaking, the Director, Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. David Yiltong, described Adeladan as a successful leader who was able to identify shortcomings, patiently guide colleagues and carry everyone along.
Similarly, the Director, Human Resource Management, Ahmad Muhammad Tukur, commended the outgoing Permanent Secretary for his accessible leadership style and dedication to duty, describing his retirement as the close of an important chapter in his career and the beginning of a new phase of life.
The Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Mrs. Emily Osunde, described Adeladan as a disciplined and principled civil servant who corrected lapses without humiliating colleagues.
Osunde praised his courage, sincerity and professional approach to leadership, noting that his tenure had positively influenced many officers within the Ministry and the wider Civil Service.
Other directors and staff who spoke at the ceremony also expressed appreciation for Adeladan’s years of service and prayed for his continued good health, fulfilment and success in retirement.
The Federal Ministry of Works, through the ceremony, celebrated the contributions of the retiring Permanent Secretary while reaffirming its commitment to continuity and effective administration during the transition period.
