The Federal Ministry of Works has honoured its Director of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. Clement Azubuike Ogbuagu, on his retirement after over three decades of service, commending his outstanding contributions to Nigeria's road infrastructure and the Federal Civil Service.
The retirement ceremony, held in Abuja, was attended by the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Permanent Secretary Rafiu Adeladan, directors, staff, family members, friends and well-wishers, who paid glowing tributes to Ogbuagu's exemplary career.
Speaking at the event, Goronyo described the retired director's career as a testament to excellence, integrity and dedicated public service, praising his invaluable role in the development of Nigeria's road sector.
He said Ogbuagu's unwavering commitment to national development had left an enduring legacy and wished him good health and prosperity in retirement.
Also speaking, Permanent Secretary Rafiu Adeladan described Ogbuagu as an exemplary civil servant whose career reflected professionalism, discipline, humility and integrity.
He urged serving officers to emulate the retiring director's commitment to excellence, stressing that success in the civil service is measured not only by years spent in office but by retiring with honour, an unblemished record and lasting contributions to national development.
In his farewell address, Ogbuagu expressed gratitude to God for a successful career spanning more than 30 years and thanked the Federal Government for the opportunity to contribute to the nation's road infrastructure development.
He said serving at the federal level afforded him the privilege of working with people from across the country, an experience he described as invaluable in fostering national unity and mutual understanding.
The retired director commended the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, for introducing innovative engineering solutions, particularly the adoption of Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology, which he said has improved the quality, durability and sustainability of federal road projects nationwide.
Ogbuagu also appealed to the Federal Government to ensure adequate and timely funding for road infrastructure, describing the sector as a key driver of economic growth, national integration and sustainable development.
He further encouraged civil servants to uphold the ethics, values and regulations of the Federal Civil Service by carrying out their duties with diligence, honesty and integrity.
The retired director also lauded the implementation of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP), especially its digital transformation initiatives, and called for sustained support to deepen reforms and improve service delivery.
Earlier, the ministry's Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed A. Ahmed, described Ogbuagu as one of the ministry's finest professionals, noting that his career was defined by competence, integrity, humility and selfless service.
Ahmed said Ogbuagu distinguished himself not only as an accomplished engineer but also as a mentor who devoted time to nurturing younger engineers and officers through exemplary leadership and professional guidance.
He added that the retiring director's contributions and values of discipline, accountability, teamwork and dedication would continue to inspire future generations of public servants.
The event featured the presentation of gifts, goodwill messages from colleagues and associates, and prayers for Ogbuagu's continued good health and fulfilment as he begins a new phase of life after an accomplished career in public service.