Faruk Yusuf Yabo Takes Over As Permanent Secretary Solid Minerals Development Ministry

"I will like to urge you to cooperate and support me just as you did with my colleague" Engr. Faruk Yusuf Yabo.

.... Stresses that the sector is one that can make the difference to the Nigeria economy.

Following the recent deployment of four Federal Permanent Secretaries by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the newly deployed Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Engr. Faruk Yusuf Yabo on Friday 2 May 2025 as directed by the Head of Service and the Federation, took over the reins of administration from the Outgoing Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mary Ogbe.

The official handover ceremony took place in the conference room of the Ministry.

Present at the brief ceremony were top management and staff of the Ministry who welcomed the new Perm Secretary as they bade farewell to Dr. Ogbe, whom many described as their and sister, wishing her the best of luck in her new office of posting.

The new Permanent Secretary, Engr. Faruk Yusuf Yabo, in a very brief address, sought for the support and cooperation of the staff and management of the Ministry.

Noting that Dr Ogbe had always come first in many things over the past years, he assured that he was going to build on the solid foundation she has built in the ministry.

"I will like to urge you to cooperate and support me just as you did with my colleague" Engr. Faruk Yusuf Yabo told the staff.

Yabo, who stressed that the sector is one that can make the difference to the Nigeria economy, added that he is counting on the staff and management to make it work.

Speaking earlier, Dr. Ogbe noted that she had enjoyed a good working relationship with everyone in the ministry.

She informed the new Permanent Secretary that the staff of the Ministry have been a committed team, while also urging them to accord the new Perm Secretary the same cooperation support they accorded her.

According to her, deployment from one ministry to the other is part of the service and they take it as it comes.

She also urged the staff to improve on what they have started to do in the ministry for the betterment of the nation.

The outgoing Permanent Secretary asked for forgiveness from anyone she might have stepped on, noting that it was purely done in the course of service to the nation.

At the emotion filled ceremony, some top management staff took turns to speak on the good deeds of the outgoing Permanent Secretary.

The Director of Human Resources, Mrs. Ijioma Idika, said; "It is a mixed feeling for me.. She has been our Mama, for everyone in the ministry. She carries us as her children."

According to her, the outgoing Permanent Secretary always gave her support to anyone once the person can justify what he or she wants to do.

"It is my earnest prayer that our incoming Permanent Secretary gives us similar support." She said.

On her part, the Director of General Services, Toyin Showemimo, noted that the outgoing Permanent Secretary has been a strong support.

She wished her success in her new posting and also welcomed the new Perm Secretary to the Ministry.

While thanking Dr. Ogbe for the support she has been giving, the Director-General of the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office (NMCO) Engr. Obadiah Simon Nkom said they will be praying for her wherever she goes.

According to him, the redeployment is the beginning of the best of her service.

He also assured the incoming Permanent Secretary all the support he needs.