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Emmanuel Adeleke
It was a memorable day and joyful moment for former Principal Projects Manager of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Durojaiye Anthony Okodu, as staff, friends, and well-wishers paid glowing tributes at a valedictory session held in his honour as he bowed out from the commission after 28 years of service.
The valedictory session, according to a statement issued by the commission’s director of public affairs, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, was held at the imposing auditorium of the NCC head office annex, Mbora district, Abuja.
In her remarks, the Director of Projects, Iyabode Solanke, extolled Okodu for his dedication, his dress code and excellent work ethics, which she said are worthy of emulation.
Solanke was represented by a deputy director in the department, Philip Eretan, who also attended the valedictory session in his own capacity as a friend of Okodu.
Also, NCC’s Director, Zonal Operations, Amina Shehu, in her goodwill message, stated that in every interaction she had with Okodu, she had observed his stellar qualities, such as empathy, kindness, and gentleness.
For NCC’s Director, Public Affairs, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, who also attended the valedictory party, he said anyone that comes across Okodu would be easily impressed by his level of dedication to duty, which he said has become a mark of Okodu’s outings and career at the commission.
Adinde added that Okodu was not merely ever-present whenever he was needed most, but he always display emotional intelligence, and never lost his temper no matter the level of provocation.
“I am also impressed by Okodu’s social networking skills which had enabled him to remain connected with every staff,” Adinde emphasised.
The Director, Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement, Ephraim Nwokonneya, profoundly recalled the attributes exhibited by Okodu that are so quite distinctive when he had the opportunity of working with him.
He said Okodu was very efficient and easily endeared himself to everyone.
Nwokonneya encouraged him to look at retirement as a time of rejuvenation, reflection and prosperity.
A longtime friend, who is also a deputy director at the New Media and Information Security department of the commission, Olatokunbo Oyeleye, said Okodu made her beginnings at the commission a wonderful experience.
She said Okodu is more than a colleague, and she recalled with gratitude when she joined the commission as a fresh graduate.
“He is a brother. Okodu and his wife accommodated me, taking me under their wings,” she said
This humane side of Okudu was underscored by Hafsat Lawal, Head, Consumer Policy Development and Monitoring, who asserted that he was a mentor and a friend in need.
“He is reliable and dependable, exuding high level of understanding in all matters and he would go out of his way to ensure everyone was comfortable,” Lawal said.
Former staff of the commission were also not left out. Some of those who attended the ceremony and poured encomiums on Okodu include Felicia Onwuegbuchulam, who retired from NCC as Director, Consumer Affairs, two years ago; and Abubakar Yakubu, a former Director at the Commission who voluntarily retired in 2019.
Onwuegbuchulam, a friend and confidant of Okodu, who also convinced him to join the commission 28 years ago, said she had no regrets in recommending Okudu to the management of the commission at the time.
She said she was grateful that Okodu did not only had a cheered career at the commission, but also excelled remarkably.
Yakubu, in a goodwill message he sent to the valedictory programme, which was read on his behalf lauded Okodu for his dedication to the commission.
He said that Okodu was one of the few staff who would work long hours and would even work at home, adding that his commitment and relentlessness to delivering on his assigned duties were total and spectacular.
Speaking, Okodu thanked the audience and all those who had honoured him with their presence and kind words.
Reflecting on the occasion with philosophical calmness and thanksgiving to God, Okodu said there had to be an end to every beginning, thanking God for the privilege to witness his retirement day alive.
While expressing delight over all the goodwill messages received, he enjoined the younger staff who would be taking over the baton, to be hardworking.
He also said the commission can only thrive if staff remain hardworking in a consistent manner, and are dedicated and loyal to NCC.
Other contributors at the event include Ajoke Atte, Head, Procurement; Solomon Igbayue, Assistant Director, Policy Competition and Economic Analysis; Emeka Nnama, Senior Manager, Zonal Operations; and Anthony Bassey, Senior Manager, Administration, all staff of the commission who extolled Okodu’s distinctive virtues and dedication to the aspirations of NCC. They all wished Okodu a life of grace and bliss in retirement.
Durojaiye Anthony Okudu, also known as “Baba Naira,” began his career at the commission in July 1994, as a cashier on transfer from the erstwhile Ministry of Communications, where he was headhunted by a former director of the commission, Felicia Onwuegbuchulam. He rose through the ranks, before eventually retiring as a Principal Projects Manager, at NCC