Delta State Commissioner for Information, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza has stated that retirement is not a death sentence but rather a necessary path for every civil servant.
The Commissioner stated this, Tuesday, October 15, 2024, during the retirement ceremony organized by the Ministry of Information for two retiring directors; Mr. Nduka Akozor and Mr. Emmanuel Okubio, who were Directors of Planning, Research and Statistics and Administration respectively.
The ceremony, which took place at the ministry’s conference hall, Professor Chike Edozien Secretariat, Asaba, was well attended by families and friends of the retirees, as well as management and staff of the Delta State Ministry of Information.
According to the Commissioner, who was represented by the Functioning Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Theresa Oliko, retirement is the beginning of a new phase of life and referencing the bible book of Ecclesiastes which says: ‘to everything there are seasons’, described retirement as one of the few benefits one can get, especially when one retired in good health with family and friends to celebrate with.
Dr Osuoza, who acknowledged the retired directors for their selfless service, which had contributed to the growth and development of the ministry and the state over the years, pleaded with them to always be available to the ministry as their experience would be tapped whenever the need arises.
Filled with joy, the celebrants, Messrs. Akozor and Okubio thanked the Commissioner, their families, friends, management and staff of the ministry of information for coming out to celebrate them.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Secretary, Bureau for State Pension, Mr. Lawson Efenudu; General Manager, DBS Asaba, Mrs. Christiana Emetulu; Director of New Media, Mrs. Stella Macauley, directors, friends and well-wishers, all spoke well of the celebrants as they described them as pillars that could be rested on.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of gifts to the celebrants and a toast to a fulfilled retirement led by Mrs. Gertrude Oyeakachi-Ute.
Report by Marian Kogolo
