Shittola

AS BABA DROPS THE GOWN: ACCOLADES TO AN ACADEMIC MENTOR This month of February 2018 is one of the months that will linger on for the rest of my life. It is the month when two of the most influential persons in my life bid farewell to Public Service. The first is my life mentor i.e my daddy, who retired from service with effect from the second of this month, the second is my academic mentor, Professor Yasir Anjola Quadri who is retiring today, 22nd February, 2018. Coincidentally both their exit in service is consequent upon the attainment of the maximum age. I intend to wholly dedicate this short piece to baba, my inept writing won't debar me from associating with the Professor of Professors. Baba as we fondly call this great  Professor of Islamic Studies with specialisation on tasawwuf(Islamic Mysticism) is a man of many parts that is inexhaustible to write except his creator. I remember in an attempt  to test my inept writing about him few years back on my Facebook wall, the ove

AS DAD EXITS SERVICE TODAY: ACCOLADES TO A LIFE MENTOR "Retirement is supposed to be a great escape from the stress inherent in most jobs, a time to experience a fulfilling life derived from many enjoyable and rewarding ing activities". This quotation is culled from one of the works of the Canadian author, Ernie Zelinski. It is a germane quotation as it reflects what is happening today. It is indeed a great day which we shall always cherish as you officially retire voluntarily from service, consequent upon the attainment of the compulsory age of sixty in line with the Public Service Rule. Dad! We are proud of you. As a Pension Officer in the top Government Establishment in the State, I can confidently admit that you are among few Civil Servants whose required Length of Service almost coincided with the required Age in Service. You served your State assiduously and carried out your duties diligently without bias or prejudice. Dad! We are proud of you. From records, if not m