Encomiums as NAN Zonal Director, 2 others bow out of service

It was showers of praises on Thursday at the Lagos Zonal Office of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) as staff bid Mr. Joe Bankole, and two others farewell.

Bankole, the outgoing Director of Operations at the Lagos Office and Mrs. Isabella Williams, a former head of the NAN clinic and Mr. Cletus Obeke, a former Chief Technician retired recently from the agency.

The Head, Lagos Operations and Director of Marketing, Mrs. Kate Popoola, said that Bankole would be greatly missed for his leadership qualities.

“Bankole always carried me along during his tenure as head of Lagos Operations.

“He is so easy to work with,’’ Popoola said.

For Mr. Dele Bodunde, Director, Editorial Services, he had enjoyed quality friendship with Bankole for 34 years.

“I have known him for 34 years. There is no house that I lived in that Bankole does not know.

He advised the retirees and staff to always make their positive contributions to every course that was good.

Mr. Mathias Ajudua, Head, Technical Department, said that “Bankole was and is still a leader’’.

He said that Obeke was his second in command, adding that he would be missed for his positive attitude to life. He wished the retirees the best of times in retirement.

The Head of Administration, Mr Steven Igiewe, thanked the retirees for their meritorious service to NAN.

Igiewe said that Obeke would be missed for his cool-headedness and dedication to service.

He said that Williams always ensured that the health of NAN staff was not compromised, adding that the nursing sister had on few occasions extended her services beyond the office.

The Head of Accounts, Lagos Office, Rev. Patrick Bamidele, said that he had known Obeke for 32 years, adding that he was someone to rely on.

According to him, the nursing sister is a wonderful woman, always there to assist staff when they fall ill.

Bamidele said that Bankole would be missed for his people-centred style of leadership.

“Bankole is a down-to-earth leader, who corrects his colleagues with love,’’ Bamidele said.

Rev. Ola Oladejo, a cleric and a personal friend to Bankole, recalled that they first met him in 1980 as reporters with the Daily Times in Akure.

“We met at the most difficult moment of my life in journalism.

“Throw challenges at Bankole and he will come out with testimonies. He has a very large heart,’’ Oladele said.

After the showers of encomiums, each of the retirees took turns to thank staff of the agency for their cooperation while they served.

The outgoing zonal director called on his former colleagues to rededicate themselves to the service of the agency and to create a conducive environment for everyone to showcase their talent.

Obeke advised staff to plan properly for their retirement by saving some little amounts of money monthly.

Williams expressed gratitude to staff for the honour.