ABUJA, Nigeria – Mediaage NG News– Domestic and Eco-Tourism Services and Control Department of the Federal Ministry of Tourism on Monday honoured Dr. Mrs. Patricia Joseph Narai, as she bows out of the Nigerian Civil Service.
Known as an expert in the Nigerian tourism industry and a figure who has touched and impacted lives, Mrs. Narai was the Director, Domestic and Eco-Tourism Services and Control Department of the Ministry before her retirement.
While speaking to an audience that came celebrate her in Abuja, from the Federal Ministry of Tourism and all tourism related agencies and parastatals, Mrs. Narai expressed her willingness to keep serving humanity and advised her colleagues she’s leaving behind to be “diligent in their duties and follow the rules”.
She said they should learn to keep to their values and watch God direct their paths to success.
“Anywhere God places you, be diligent and do your work the way it is laid. Whether you are remembered or not, God who remembers will not forget you”, Mrs. Narai said.
“I’m leaving this service with my two hands, legs, my health intact. I’ve never been admitted at the hospital, God’s mercies kept me.
“Because you have honoured me and my family. I’m very grateful.
“I tell people as they are leaving service, the service door is closed, but God will open gates for them. Until I break down, I will continue to serve humanity”, Mrs. Narai added.
Broadcast Journalist with Arise TV, Shagari Sambo alluded to the popularity of Mrs. Narai where she lives, thereby, being one of the key decision makers.
“We’ve come to cherish her as someone who has over the years impacted and mentored lots of persons. So, we are celebrating with her because it’s not everyone that gets the opportunity to celebrate their 60th birthday. She retired safely from the civil service and you know how tough the job can be.
“She has been able to come this far because of her dedication to the Nigerian society and we are giving back to her the way she has done to Nigerians. We are receiving her back intact”, he said.
Evelyn Odibum, the Director, National Archives of Nigeria described Mrs. Narai as “a lovely soul that is very dedicated and committed to the workspace and does not joke with her jobs”.
“She’s a very prayerful woman that believes that God holds everybody’s destiny. She never struggles for anything. She’s a worthy civil servant and a mother and very humble.
“My prayer is for God to open gates of successes for her. I wish her the best in retirement, as she serves God.
Mr. Joseph Narai, the husband and from a royal background thanked the leadership and staff of the Department of Domestic and Eco-Tourism Services, and the entire Ministry of Tourism for the cooperation shown his wife.
“With all the awards she has received all through her career, it’s my joy. It’s not how long, but how well! That’s my joy. I’m grateful that you accepted us”, he said.
Dr. Mrs Narai is a member and fellow of several professional bodies and associations that include: Fellow of Institute for Tourism Professional (ITPN), Women In Business and Tourism Nigeria (WIBAT), Hospitality and Tourism Institute (FHTI), National Institute For Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Board of Directors of the Hospitality and Tourism Sector Skills Council of Nigeria (HTSSCN), amongst others.