The management and Members of staff of the office of the Accountant General of Kwara State and the State Ministry of Finance gathered on Thursday to celebrate the retirement of the immediate past Deputy Accountant General of Kwara State, Alhaja Abdulraheem Ashiata Yetunde from the state public office after 35 years of dedicated service.
The retirement and send-off celebration, held at the Conference Hall of the Office of the Accountant General, Kwara State, brought together senior government officials, members of the Treasury family, friends and well-wishers who gathered to honour the retiring public servant, reflecting on her contributions to the state.
In his opening remarks, the Accountant General of Kwara State, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Sanni, described Alhaja Ashiata as a distinguished public servant whose career was marked by dedication, professionalism, diligence, integrity and commitment to duty.
He said “her contributions had strengthened the effectiveness of the Office of the Accountant General and the broader Treasury system of Kwara State.”
According to him, Alhaja Ashiata’s commitment often required personal sacrifices, noting that “there were occasions when she remained in the office late into the night sometimes until midnight and as late as midnight to ensure that important assignments were successfully completed.”
The Accountant General appreciated the Ashiata’s family patience and understanding during periods when official responsibilities kept her away from home for extended hours.
Delivering her goodwill message, The Kwara State Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Hawah Nuru, also congratulated Alhaja Ashiata, describing her as a committed and dedicated civil servant who actively supported the growth and effectiveness of the Office of the Accountant General.
Speaking in an interview, Alhaja Ashiata expressed deep gratitude to the Government of Kwara State, the Ministry of Finance, the Office of the Accountant General, her colleagues, friends and family for the support she received throughout her career.
“My retirement is an emotional but fulfilling milestone, I am grateful to Almighty Allah for bringing me safely to the end of my active service,” she said.
The retiree particularly appreciated the Accountant General for his leadership, support and cooperation, as well as members of the Treasury family for the friendship, teamwork and understanding they demonstrated throughout her years of service.
She also acknowledged the sacrifices and support of her husband, children and the entire family, stressing that “your patience and understanding, particularly during periods when official duties kept me away from home for long hours, contributed significantly to my success.”
Alhaja Ashiata therefore, prayed for continued progress and prosperity for Kwara State, as well as wisdom for its leaders, and asked Almighty Allah to continue blessing the Office of the Accountant General, the Ministry of Finance, the state government and the families of all those present.
The ceremony also featured the cutting of the retirement cake by Alhaja Ashiata, alongside her husband, Alhaji Abdulraheem Abdulrafiu Arilewuyo, Commissioner for Finance Dr. Hawah Nuru, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance Alhaji Abdulrazaq Folorunsho, Accountant General Alhaji Abdulganiyu Sanni, Deputy Accountant General Mrs. Raji Mariam, and Kwara State Auditor General Alhaji Alayande Fatai.
This was followed with presentation of gifts by staff and friends of the Retiree in recognition of her years of service and contributions to the state.
While presenting the gifts, members of staff described the retiree as a committed, diligent and dedicated civil servant, who contributed significantly to the development of human capital within the Office of the Accountant General while commending her willingness to mentor and support younger officers and prayed for continued success, good health and a fulfilling life as she begins a new chapter after her retirement.