The staff of IITA Abuja Station welcomed the new Head of Station, Professor Lateef Sanni, at a meet and chat session on 5 January. Several staff members attended the session, including the immediate past Head of Station Beatrice Aighewi (who joined virtually) and Gbassey Tarawali (another former Head of Abuja Station).
The past Station leaders used the opportunity to appreciate the staff and encourage all to support the new Head to consolidate the good plans of the station.
Speaking at the event, the new Head of Station thanked God for the opportunity to begin the new year meeting with all the Abuja staff in peace. He also appreciated his mentors at the Institute and the entire management team, most of whom he stated had taken IITA through the path of success from which future generations will benefit.
A cross section of IITA Abuja staff listening to Professor Sanni.
While encouraging the staff to work harder to discharge their duties, Sanni noted that Abuja Station is a diplomatic station, considering its strategic location. He urged all staff always to conduct themselves as diplomats, striving to operate at an international standard and leveraging the opportunities available to rebrand the Station.
According to the new Head, advertising sellable IITA project activities and building capacity are among measures that can efficiently rebrand the Station. He called on all staff to work together to consolidate and exceed past achievements. Professor Sanni announced a personal periodic reward system for the first five staff who adhere to punctuality and regularity at work.
Professor Sanni with IITA Abuja staff after the session.
He acknowledged IITA’s status as one of the best organizations to work in and therefore charged staff to note critical assets of the organization, such as networking, humility, integrity, hard work, and commitment to work.
Staff at the session—physically and virtually present—welcomed the new Head of Station, commending the ideas and looking forward to a fruitful working relationship with Professor Sanni.
Source: IITA
