By Yunusa Isa, Gombe
The Retirees Association of Treasury Accountants (RATA) in Gombe State has inaugurated its first executive council members to pilot the affairs of the new association.
Speaking shortly after taking an oath of office and allegiance, the State Chairman Joel Arsashi assured to run an all inclusive RATA with an open door policy to welcome diverse ideas and opinions for the progress of the association.
While dispelling rumours that the association is created for some political interests, the chairman said RATA has no political affiliation to any group or person, nor faction to Nigeria Union of Pensioners.
“Let me state clearly here that the Retirees Association of Treasury Accountants is not, and I repeat, is not affiliated to any political party at all or is it a rival of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, rather we are in support of the government and its laudable developmental projects.”
He noted that the new RATA leadership will focus on ensuring strong unity amongst members and ensure retired treasury accountants formed part of the association.
While declaring that RATA was conceived purposely to strengthen togetherness and ensure retired treasury accountants remain brothers’ keepers even after active service, the chairman called for unity in the association.
“In conclusion, I would like to use this medium to call on all our colleagues who retired as accountants from the Treasury to come and let us put our heads together and help each other by providing support, counselling etc. I will urge us to put politics, tribalism, religion aside, let us imbibe that spirit of oneness that binds us together during active service so that once more we will continue as one until each and every one of us meets his/her creator.”
In his address, the State Accountant General Dr. Aminu Umar Yuguda represented by the Director Inspectorate Alhaji Buhari Datti, felicitated with the new Exco, charging them to uphold the trust with all sincerity, commitments and justice.
Yuguda noted that the services of the retired accountants is still needed even after retirement, as those in active service can always turn to them for guidance and ways forward.
“Retirement, in truth, is not the end of service, but the beginning of a new chapter of legacy. You are the custodians of wisdom, the silent architects of accountability, and the uncelebrated heroes whose sacrifices have built the foundation on which younger accountants like myself now stand. Today is not only a launch of an association, but a launchpad for the continuous relevance of retired professionals in national development.”
He equally commended the effort behind the formation of RATA.
“The formation of this association is both timely and strategic. In a world where financial management grows more complex, your experience remains an invaluable compass.”
He assured of his continuous support to RATA, noting that he is equally joining the platform shortly after retirement.
In his vote of thanks, the Vice Chairman of the association Mr Elisha Barde, appreciated all that made the occasion a success, noting that RATA is committed to the welfare of its members and beyond.
The new EXCO was inaugurated by Barrister Ahmed Tukur Sa’ad who administered an oath of office and allegiance on the new leadership shortly after the dissolution of the caretaker commitlee under Mr Iliya Adamu which facilitated the election that brought the new leadership onboard.
The newly elected RATA officials include Joel Arsashi as Chairman, Elisha Barde Vice Chaiman, Ahmed Mangadu Secretary Generàl, Babuga D. Sonai Assistant Secretary, Mrs. Laure Sani Trensurer, Mrs. Habiba Nidin Financial Sectetary, Yakubu Danbaba Auditor 1, Hajara Lawan Sani Auditor 2, Idris Musa PRO 1 and Alhaji Muhammad Sarki PRO 2.