Ten Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) directors heading different departments have officially retired from service, after attaining the mandatory 60 years of age, or 35 years of service.

Speaking at the send-forth for the directors in Abuja on Sunday, the INEC National Commissioner, Prof. Mohammed Adams, congratulated them on their retirement.

Adams said: “As you retire you shouldn’t at any time worry yourself about the past, but the future.

“Don’t think this is the end of the road. This is actually the beginning of another journey of your lives because you are all professionals in your respective fields.”

Adams urged the INEC directors to use their retirement to engage in meaningful activities that would yield them good income.

He also advised INEC officials in active service not to be scared of retirement, but to create a niche for themselves in whatever capacity they found themselves.

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“We should be happy with whatever position you find yourself; be grateful to God and create a niche for yourself,” he added.

The INEC Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, commended the retired INEC directors for their hard work and dedication to service.

Oriaran-Anthony, represented by the Director, INEC Secretariat, Maryam Musa, congratulated the directors of the commission and wished them well in their future endeavours.

Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Blessing Obidiegwu, said they represented the last batch of INEC pioneer staff.

Obidiegwu, who appreciated the commission for the opportunity given to them to serve, enjoined those in active service to continue to render their best for the commission, while also urging that the gender policy of the commission be sustained.

“I am very happy that the gender struggle I started is moving on. With the number of women I am seeing here as directors the commission is doing well,” she said.

Another retiree, Chima Duruaku, commended INEC for the opportunity given to them to make a modest contribution to its development and the electoral process.

The Star