MINISTER CAUTIONS AGAINST SYCOPHANCY, OTHERS

FOR Nigeria to be recognised in the comity of nations, Nigerians have been advised to desist from the culture of sycophancy, selfishness, greed and sectionalism.

This advice was given by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Salamatu Suleiman, at an award event held by the Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa (DTCA) in Abuja, in recognition of its outstanding workers for the year 2010.

The event was the fifth Director General (DG)'s Merit Award.

According to the minister, 'our emphasis should focus on 'whatever is worth doing is worth doing well'. It must begin from the individual, the community, society and the nation.

' She commended the directorate for recognising all cadres of workers, which she said would encourage everyone to understand that at whatever level, they could all make a difference.

The minister also thanked the distinguished workers for their contribution to the programmes of the organisation.

'It is instructive to note that nations that have achieved meaningful and sustainable progress did so on the platform of the culture of excellence.

A culture that recognises and rewards good character, diligence, truthfulness, commitment and dedication to achieving set goals and productivity; promoting the culture of excellence in service, is therefore, apt and timely in our march to nationhood,' she said.

The DTCA DG's Award is held yearly after the management retreat.

Twenty workers were honoured for the year ended 2010 while 14 awards were presented to advocates who facilitated the mandate of the directorate.

In the latter category, recipients included the minister, Senators George Akume and Grace Bent and Abike Dabiri-Erewa of the House of Representatives.