Jamoh frowns at early retirement in NIMASA

— as Kyanet Philips, Head Of PR, 22 others , bow out out amidst encomiums

Abiola SeunThe Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Bashir Jamoh, has frowns at the early retirement scheme of the agency which allows senior officers to opt for early retirement.

The scheme, also known as “golden handshake”, is part of the agency’s condition of service and is set aside for staff on grade levels 15 to 17 with less than five years in service.

The practice of “golden handshake”, though not new in NIMASA, has been activated twice during the tenure of the immediate past DG, Dr Dakuku Peterside and Patrick Akpobolokemi.

But, latest development in NIMASA has shown that the Deputy Director, Public Relations of the agency, Philips Kyanet, the Director, Maritime Labour Services, Olayemi Abass, two Deputy Directors and 22 other staff of the agency are exiting the agency to take advantage of the voluntary retirement scheme.

However, speaking yesterday during the sendforth party for Kyanet, the NIMASA DG said he doesn’t believe or encourage early retirement scheme, saying it rubbed the agency of experienced professionals.

According to him, none of the retiring senior officers can say that they were forced to leave the service, adding that he personally frowns at the “golden handshake”.

According to him, Kyanet is an asset to the agency, a very reliable and honest gentleman that would continue to be remembered by the PR department and the agency.

Also, serving Directors as well as retired ones including media men who were at the occasion also spoke glowingly about him.

They all agreed that he was a very professional public relations officer, as well as a dependable worker.The Special Assistant on Communications and Strategy to the NIMASA DG ,Mr Ubong Essien, described Kyanet as a well experienced PR officer and a delight to work with.

The former Director of Special Duties in the agency and Head of the PR Unit, Hajia Lami Tumaka, said Kyanet was a quintessential gentleman and a very professional officer to the core.The Deputy Director, Special Duties, NIMASA, Mr Isichei Osamgbi, said Kyanet was a master in crafting press releases, adding that he was very valuable and a stabilising factor to the PR Unit.

Responsding, Kyanet expressed gratitude to the DG for appointing him to head the PR Unit and for encouraging him to succeed