An association comprising accountants of the Bayelsa state Government Department of Treasury under the aegis of the Selewari Members Welfare Association during the week held her 2022 End Of year activities.
Speaking as Chairman of the occasion, the Accountant General of of State, Mrs Ifidi Tokoni, represented by the Director of Treasury, Dr. Carl Seiyabo in her opening remarks said the event has become a yearly programme to celebrate those still in active service and retirees.
She hinted that retirement is compulsory for everyone serving and advised them to prepare for it from the day they were employed, urging accountants to learn the job and be good ambassadors of the profession, this was just as she called on senior accountants to also mentor the younger ones and avoid corrupt practices.
The Accountant-General noted that professional bodies such as ICAN, ANAN will not hesitate to withdraw their professional certificates unlike universities if cases of glaring corrupt practice is established against any accountant.
Ms Ifidi enjoined retirees to be prepared to take up responsiblity while on retirement whenever their services are required, expressing gratitude to God for the fact that no accountant has been dismissed from service during the year.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Selewari Members Welfare Association, Mr Egemuze Bennier Justin said the celebration provides a meeting point for members working in different Ministries to come together to relax, wine and dine, as well as take stock of the activities in the year.
He thanked the organising committee for consistently organising the programme on yearly basis, expressing gratitude to God for keeping everyone alive to see the end of the year, just as he prayed for more years to come for every member to be in one piece.
On his part, the Director of Treasury Administration, Dr .Douye Okoba in his remarks informed that retirement is not a punishment, but a transition to another phase of life, enjoining those serving to prepare for retirement.
This was even as he urged those on retirement not to be idle, but engage themselves in meaningful activities to keep fit.
Highpoints of the event were the presentation of awards to retirees namely; Clinton Abbot Torukumo, Michael Akegbedei, Young Ayawei, PortNovo Fedudei Ekiotenne, and Goodman Ekpe John.
Others include Pupri Tenemenam Jonah, Dogood Akpana, Ateinbo Eleman, Opalia Briggs Ayeba Tonekiopre, Okosifa K. Humphrey, Tengi Ineowei and Oruah Justin Ikpo.
Other activities held in commemoration of the celebration were renditions of Christmas Carol songs by the Department of Treasury Carol Choir, led by the Director of Audit, Dr.(Mrs.) Pauline Ebiye Sawyer.
