Principal manager of projects at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Durojaiye Okodu has retired after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60 and after 28 years of meritorious service.
Staff of the NCC on April 8 gathered at the auditorium of the commission’s head office annex at Mbora District, Abuja, to honour Okodu, also known as Baba Naira.
Okodu 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, and rose through the ranks.
At the well-attended valedictory session, staff, friends, and well-wishers of Okodu, paid glowing tributes to the man who can aptly be described as man of the people.
In her remark, NCC director, projects, Iyabode Solanke, who was Okodu’s last supervisor before his retirement, and who was also Okodu’s head of department while they both worked at the commission’s department of financial services, extolled the retiree for his dedication, as well as his dress code and excellent work ethics, which she said are worthy of emulation. Sholanke 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.
In the same vein, NCC 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 Ikechukwu Adinde, NCC drector, public affairs, who also attended the valedictory party, anyone would be easily impressed by Okodu’s level of dedication to duty, which has become a mark of Okodu’s outings and career at the commission. Adinde said that Okodu was not merely ever-present whenever he was needed most, he also displayed 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.
Reflecting on the occasion with thanksgiving to God, Okodu said there had to be an end to every beginning but he thanked 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 advised that commission can only thrive if staff remain hardworking in a consistent manner, and are dedicated and loyal to the commission.
