Mrs Lydia Jafiya, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, has urged senior civil servants to mentor the junior ones as mentorship is critical to efficient service delivery.

Jafiya made the call on Wednesday at the Retirement and Send forth Ceremony for the Director, International Cultural Relations, Mrs Memunat Idu-Lah in Abuja.

”Success without a successor is a failure. So, I want all of us here where ever we find ourselves, please try and mentor people. Mentoring is key because when you leave, you don’t have cause to regret it.

“This is because you know that people are there to further carry out the job.

“So, your retirement today is an eye opener for us that whatever has the beginning must have an end. But today she is exiting gallantly,” she said.

“Before I talk about our celebrant, I must say that I’m highly honoured. In fact, having worked in different ministries, I never see where a drummer will usher in a retiree. It means the Ministry of Information and Culture has set the pace.

“During the little time I worked with her as director in charge of International Cultural Relations, I want to say that she is hard a working woman and a committed officer,” she said.

Jafiya said retirement could be the beginning of life and not the end.

“When you look back, some of your colleagues are no more; some are sick and some are in prison maybe they were found being wanton.

“Here is our sister, very strong, able and feel healthy. Congratulations. With God that kept you this far will surely you in the retirement,” she said.

Also speaking, Mr Li Xuda, Cultural Counsellor, Chinese Cultural Centre, Abuja, described Idu-Lah as a committed civil servant who promoted cultural relations between Nigeria and China.

Responding, Idu-Lah, thanked the members of staff of the ministry for finding her worthy for a farewell event.