By Stella Odueme
Mr Christopher Odhomi, a retired Federal Civil Service officer, has been honoured by family members, friends, colleagues and stakeholders in the nutrition sector at a retirement thanksgiving and celebration in Abuja, where he also unveiled a new online media platform, Nature Links News.
The event, held on Sunday at Resurrection Praise Ministry, Caches Garden, Wuse, Abuja, featured tributes, musical performances, award presentations and celebrations of Odhomi's years of service and contributions to society.
A major attraction was a special musical performance by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Health Matters, Mrs Uju Rochas Anwuka, who interrupted an official assignment to honour the celebrant.
Anwuka described Odhomi as a highly valued personality whose relationships and contributions to the nutrition community, including government institutions, private sector organisations, development partners and the media, deserved recognition.
She congratulated him on his retirement and new professional journey before rendering a special song in his honour.
In another significant moment, the Nutrition Society of Nigeria conferred on Odhomi the title of "Nutrition Media Champion of Nigeria" in recognition of his commitment to promoting nutrition awareness and strengthening media engagement throughout his years of public service.
The award was presented by the Society's President, Professor Salisu Abubakar Maiyada, represented by the FCT Chairperson, Major Edith Ogheneovo Nwanchinemere (Rtd), who commended Odhomi's contributions to the nutrition sector.
The presentation included an iconic plaque bearing special words of appreciation for his dedication and impact.
Other dignitaries who celebrated the retired public servant included former Director of Nutrition at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Mrs Ladidi Bako Aiyegbusi (MNI), colleagues from the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, and representatives of professional and social organisations.
Goodwill messages also came from the Veteran Volley Association, Koroduma Club, Federal Ministry of Information Volleyball Club, CRIB and members of the media community.
In his response, Odhomi expressed gratitude to God for a successful career in the Federal Civil Service, while acknowledging the support, friendships and professional relationships that shaped his journey.
He particularly appreciated nutrition stakeholders and development partners, including Nutrition International, UNICEF, GAIN, CS-SUN, Alive & Thrive, the National Committee on Food and Nutrition and the Nutrition Society of Nigeria
Beyond celebrating his retirement, the occasion provided an opportunity for Odhomi to unveil Nature Links News, a 24-hour online news platform designed to provide timely and up-to-date information to the public.
Accessible through www.naturelinksnews.com, the platform will offer news reporting, media publicity, advertisement placement, event anchoring, media consultancy and other communication services.
The initiative marks Odhomi's decision to remain actively engaged in journalism and public communication, bringing his wealth of professional experience to a new media venture after leaving the Federal Civil Service.
The Chief Host, Bishop Samuel Eke, Bishop of the Northern Region of Resurrection Praise Ministry International, offered prayers for Odhomi and the success of his new undertaking.
The celebration also featured a thanksgiving dance by Odhomi and his family, entertainment and a grand dance involving guests.
Held under the theme, "Celebrating Grace, Service, Friendships and New Beginnings," the ceremony ended with an atmosphere of joy and appreciation for a career defined by service, professional relationships and contributions to the nutrition and media sectors.
For Odhomi, the retirement marks not an end to his service to society but the beginning of a new chapter through Nature Links News.