It was a day of political heavy weights 2in Calabar at the weekend when Miss Lizzy Agbo Adede retired from the Cross Rivers State Civil Service at the mandatory age of 60. Miss Adede who retired as a Permanent Secretary in the state had earlier served as commissioner during the military era.
Assembled at the Christ The King Catholic Church, 13 Brigade Akin Barracks, Calabar to celebrate with her were the former Senate President, Adolphus Ndaneweh Wabara, the former Military Governor of Niger State, Colonel Lawan Gwadabe (rtd.), Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, Senator Musa Adede, Senator Matthew Tawo Mbu Junior, Chief Emmanuel Akomaye, former Director General of the EFCC, Chief Emmanuel Ibeshi, former spokesman of the PDP, former Director at the Presidency, Chief Eric Teniola, Sir Stanley Ekezie, former Director at the NNPC, Chief Godwin Tedy Agba and the former Secretary to the Cross State government, Chief Dave Ashang.
Others were the Cameroun Consul to Nigeria, Mr. Auguste Antagana, Mr. Alilionu, former branch controller of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Rev. (Mrs.) Cathe Ukpai, Justice (rtd.) and Mrs. Obi, Mrs Nkem Ntukidem, Mrs Josephine Ogar, retired Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Ann Odey, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Joseph Ushia giale, Deputy Editor (This Day), Miss Monica Adede, Mr. Sam Adede and Chief Haruna Adede.
In his lesson at the church service, Rev Father (Major) Phillip Okoli called for understanding and sacrifice among Nigerians at this time of recession.
In his own message, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Alhaji Gidado Idris, described Miss Lizzy Adede as a shining example of the Adede family in Bendi.
Alhaji Idris implored Miss Adede to renew her efforts in community projects now that she has retired.