A former Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, has called on civil servants to equip themselves with relevant skills to ensure a steady source of income after retirement and to support their families.
Maku made the appeal while receiving members of a group known as “Maku Mentees” at his residence in Wakama, Nassarawa Eggon Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The group comprises over 250 indigenes of Nasarawa State who are currently employed in various Ministries, Departments and Agencies, largely through the support and influence of the former minister.
Speaking during the visit, Maku, who also served as Deputy Governor of the state, said acquiring practical and marketable skills would enable civil servants to remain productive and contribute to societal development even after leaving public service.
He noted that technology could be leveraged in the process of skill acquisition to improve efficiency and output.
The former minister further urged the mentees to positively impact the lives of the poor and vulnerable, while also using their networks to assist young people in securing employment.
He cautioned them against actions that could damage the reputation of their families, the state and the nation, and encouraged them to discharge their duties with diligence and integrity.
“Continue to make me and the society proud by performing your responsibilities effectively and diligently,” Maku said.
Earlier, the Chairman of Maku Mentees, Mr Bitrus Mamman, said the visit was to express gratitude to the former minister for his support in helping members of the group secure employment.
“We are here to appreciate what you have done in our lives. You helped us to get jobs, and we thank God and thank you for positively impacting our lives,” he said.
