Seklaoui
Following the screening of a documentary featuring testimonies from several retired employees who worked at the Regie for many years, Seklaoui said in his speech that the honorees had “reached the end-of-service stage after a professional journey marked by dedication, hard work and loyalty.”
Addressing them, he said: “You have shown outstanding commitment and responsibility, and through your efforts you have contributed to building this institution and improving its performance.
Retirement is not the end of the road, but rather the beginning of a new chapter in life.”
Reminding that the Regie was described by several presidents as “a model for public administrations, ” he highlighted that one of the key reasons behind its success lies in “the common vision, the common stance and the harmony within the team — from the Board of Directors to all directorates and departments,” and in “the flexible cooperation with the Finance minister and the Ministry’s representatives,” namely the government commissioner and the financial auditor.”
Seklaoui outlined major achievements, including “a 15% increase in industrial production and a revenue growth exceeding 20%.” He also added that the Regie has received all tobacco crops from farmers, and that a genuine relationship was established between the farmers and the Regie.”
He added that the Regie has adopted “a permanent social policy toward tobacco- and tunbac-growing villages and towns, particularly those along the border areas,” noting that this policy has so far covered “83 towns across southern and northern Lebanon, and the Bekaa.”
He also said that last year’s celebration marking the Regie’s 90th anniversary was held “in a manner befitting the significance of the occasion and saw broad national participation,” and mentioned the release of a commemorative book documenting the Regie’s journey.
Seklaoui then described the effectiveness of the Anti-Trafficking Unit as “unlimited,” and affirmed that “its relationship with the Regie’s Union of Employees and Workers, as well as with tobacco farmers’ unions, is complementary.”
“We will never forget the statement of His Excellency President Joseph Aoun, who called on other institutions to follow the Regie’s example, nor the statement of Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri during the 90th anniversary celebration,” he added.
After highlighting the Regie’s “successes in the national industry,” he mentioned that the institution ranks “first in terms of revenues contributed to the state treasury,” and that “the tobacco crop has become a national cause, reflecting the resilience and sacrifices of farmers and employees who continue their work under the bombs.”
“We therefore take pride in our team, which rises to every challenge and overcomes all difficulties, embodying the belief that the success of institutions is not measured by the salaries and bonuses employees receive, but by their sense of belonging and dignity,” he said.
“On the path toward sustainable development, the Regie continues to accomplish one achievement after the other. As we prepare to launch a new production line in the coming months, a dedicated team is working day and night to uphold the institution’s reputation, built on the sacrifices and devotion of its employees.”
He stressed that “it is essential for employees to demonstrate a sense of responsibility and loyalty, and to be thankful for what their institution has given them, particularly when it has fulfilled all its duties toward them and granted them the support and rights guaranteed by law.”
“Mutual appreciation forms the foundation of a healthy relationship between employees and the institution, and fosters an atmosphere of trust and respect, which contributes to improving workflow and ensuring business continuity,”
he concluded.
Shreif
The head of the Regie’s Union of Employees and Workers, Hossam Shreif, said that this ceremony carries “a deep and genuine sense of loyalty, gratitude and belonging to an institution with a long history, shaped by people, work and values.”
He described the honorees as “professionals who devoted their lives to fulfilling their duty, faithfully carried out their responsibilities, and continued working hard until they reached retirement age.
They are now leaving the institution with their heads held high, knowing that they have made a lasting impact.”
Addressing them, he said:
“You have not left the institution; rather, you have become part of its memory. You have left an indelible mark, especially in the hearts of your colleagues (…). Throughout your years of service, you faced major challenges and worked under conditions that were far from easy and often harsh.
Yet you always rose to the occasion and remained sincere in your work and loyal to your oath, because you firmly believed that working is an honor, that your job is a mission and that serving people is the highest expression of national belonging.”
He added that Seklaoui’s “leadership role,” supported by the members of the Board of Directors and the Finance Ministry, had “a profound impact on the preservation of the institution and its workforce, particularly during the darkest and most difficult periods,” especially “in times of war, when administrative challenges intertwined with humanitarian concerns, and work requirements overlapped with the imperatives of survival and resilience.”
He recalled that the Regie “closely followed up on all procedures and ensured the regularity of work and production as well as the continuity of the public service,” at a time “when decisions were difficult and options limited.”
Shreif then mentioned that “the Regie’s efforts went beyond the administrative level. In fact, it provided various forms of support to employees, including in-kind assistance to ease hardship, financial aid to help preserve dignity, and even housing for those left with few alternatives.”
This, he said, constituted “a practical embodiment of humane management, which considers the employee as a human being rather than a number, and as a partner in resilience rather than merely a work tool.”
Gifts and certificates
At the end of the ceremony, which was hosted by Head of Communication Office Rana Kamaleddine, commemorative gifts and certificates of appreciation were presented by Seklaoui, Dergham and Sbeiti to the recently retired employees.
The Mutual Fund also awarded the honorees commemorative medals.