Malam Maharazu Ahmed, Deputy Editor-in-Chief (DEIC) in the News Agency of Nigeria, who retired on Wednesday, has called for the restructuring of the agency’s editorial operations to promote career progression.
Ahmed also said that restructuring the agency would also create job satisfaction.
The retired DEIC made the call while speaking at an event organised by NAN Editorial Board in Abuja to mark his retirement from the Agency.
“I have served NAN for 31 years and traversed many parts of the country and even abroad. It has been a wonderful journey, but not without challenges.
“The nature of the organisation we work for, gives us opportunities to explore.
“I want to appeal to the management to open up the editorial directorate to enhance career progression and job satisfaction.”
He further advised the agency to identify young and intelligent reporters and put them in positions that would prepare them to take over when the older ones retire.
“I thank God for sparing my life, giving me a good family and wonderful colleagues,” he said.
Ahmed who, until his retirement, was the Head of Defence and Security Desk in the agency’s headquarters, advised the staff to add value to themselves, organisation, society and the country.
The Managing Director of NAN, Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, in a remark, eulogised the retired deputy director.
Ali, who was represented by the Director, Special Duties, Mufutau Ojo, praised Ahmed’s simplicity, gentle mien and meekness.
“We shall miss his infectious humility, diligence, hard work, patience and his uncommon stability.
“I have never seen him annoyed or blowing hot.
“We have shared ideas and talked a lot. What you will never deny is his passion for the job and NAN,” Ali said.
Similarly, the Editor-in-Chief, Ephraims Sheyin, commended Ahmed for managing the Defence and Security Desk successfully.
“He is reliable and dependable. He believes in giving the younger ones the chance and opportunities to excel. He is a man of his words. I will miss him,” he said.
Sheyin, however, said that NAN had reached a level where an effective officer with capacity could become a Zonal Manager.
“I have met with journalists in NAN who had opportunities to leave but they chose to stay because of the passion for the job.
“Ahmed is always on the portal working and editing stories. He is passionate about this work. His commitment to the job is total,” he said.
NAN reports that Ahmed’s colleagues took turns to eulogise him with many breaking into tears while some just could not talk even when they tried to do so.
NAN also reports that the send off party attracted staff from others departments in the agency.
