By Fredrick OKOPIE
Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC, recently held its 38th Long Service Awards and Retirement Party and 50th years anniversary amid fanfare in the company’s premises. This year’s awardees were 80 in numbers  with at least a person from each department.

The most honoured at the party was Mr. Soyombo Kehinde from the Administrative Housing department who has put in 35 years of service. Mr. Kehinde was awarded with a  six months basic salary and a certificate of service.

Speaking at the event, the Group Managing Director, Dr Emmanuel Ukpabi  commended the workers for their unwavering support and dedication to the company, saying: “The success of any organisation lies in the workers strength, dedication,  steadfastness and commitment to that company”.

According to Dr. Ukpabi: “The company faced difficult times when embargo on the importation of wheat was placed for three years. But with the support and dedication of the staff the company was able to survive through those difficult times”.

Mr. Ukariowo Kalu Kalu, who served for 28 years thanked Flour Mills for their kind gesture in remembering the retirees for their contributions to the company. He also appealed that the management should consider some of them as contractors, consultants and dealers. He said as former employees they should not be made to go through the rigorous processes like other contractors.

Another staff, who spoke on  condition of anonymity, said though the company has its own weakness, it has proven that can overcome it and forge ahead. “This is what we expect the company to do. This is an unprecedented indication that good things are coming from the management,” he said.