The Celebrant supported by his wife, the Chairman of the occasion and the representative of the Honourable Minister of State, FMITI during the cake cutting exercise
Former Director of Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria(SMEDAN), Engr. Abu Ozigi has held a thanksgiving program in Abuja to mark his glorious career
The event which took place at the Qualibest Grand Hotels, Utako, Abuja and had in attendance families, friends, colleagues and associates of the retired Director, was organized to give gratitude to God, families and friends for their parts throughout his professional life
Among those present at the thanksgivings was the Registrar, Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Engr. Prof. Adisa A. Bello, FNSE, FAEng who was the guest speaker and he spoke on the topic ‘’Character and Integrity in Professional Practice’’.
He described professional integrity as the practice of maintaining ethical behaviour, strong adherence to moral and ethical principles and values such as honesty, honour, dependability and trustworthiness.
He further outlined the importance of integrity in the work place to be beneficial to both the individual and the organisation, stating that the individual gains respect, trust and confidence of his peers and bosses, thus integrity in the workplace ultimately guarantees overall success.
He highlighted some of the characteristics of a man of character and integrity to include valuing other people’s time and giving credit where it is due. “They are always honest and never take advantage of others. They give most people the benefit of doubt, they believe in others and trust others”, he said
Prof. Bello described the celebrant as an epitome of character and integrity. He went down memory lane to 1985 when he had his first contact with Engr Ozigi.
He described all the former students of ATBU Bauchi that were taught by Engr, Ozigi as fortunate as he too, was Ozigi’s student at ATBU Bauchi where he worked as a lecturer and taught Strength of Materials.
“Engr. Ozigi took his time even outside his scheduled lecture hours to ensure that everyone understood the courses he taught”, stating that Engr. Ozigi was however very strict with compliance to instructions, punctuality and thoroughness.
‘’ Engr. Ozigi has impacted positively on many people’s lives and he maintains his composure in virtually everywhere he is’’.
He further described Engr. Ozigi as a gentleman a lot of youth still look up to and need to emulate his character and integrity.
In his remarks the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr. Tasiu S. G. Wudil FNSE, stated that the celebrant was a lecturer at ATBU Bauchi in the 80’s (when he was a student) and was noted for hard work and strictness.
He added that he was therefore not surprised that his children are doing excellently well in their academics.
He further stated that as the Chief Examiner for the recruitment of new members into NSE Maitama chapter, he was very delighted to find out that the celebrant is a member of the chapter.
‘’ Maitama chapter has maintained a very good record in the recruitment of members without compromising experience and performance required for membership.
’’ Engr. Ozigi as an examiner contributed immensely to the enviable record of the branch in that regard”.
Engr. Wudil concluded by praying that God Almighty reward the celebrant abundantly for the positive virtues he has impacted on the lives of some of his former students.
Pastor Joseph Seyi Malomo, Chaplain of the Aso Chapel gave a Charge titled ” God does not believe in RETIREMENT but in Completion of Life Call”.
He remarked as follows:
- “We gather to celebrate Engr Ozigi who has had a successful 35 year-career as a civil servant.
- We should however, note that God does not believe in RETIREMENT. The Scripture says in 2 Timothy 1:9 that God saved us and called us to a Holy Calling. The holy Calling is the totality of God’s Assignments in the life of a person.
Explaining further, the pastor said “since life is in phases and men are in sizes, this holy calling may take you through different vocations and service in your life. The completion of one service may be called your retirement by the law and policy governing the career, but it is not retirement from the “holy calling” in the eyes of God.
‘Take Moses for instance. At 40years old when he felt he had the physical strength to carry out the Service of delivering the children of Israel, he went on exile. At 80 years old when many people should have retired and be resting, God recommissioned him to go and fulfil that assignment.
“Even at 120years, the Bible says he wanted to do more particularly because his natural strength was not weak neither were his eyes dim. But God took him away then because in God’s eyes, He had completed the assignment he gave him.
“So, God’s promise to Engr Ozigi and everyone here at this occasion is that once He has more assignment for you, your retirement from the current service is not the conclusion. Get ready for new level of service in Jesus name Amen.
“My life is an example, I had thought I will live and serve in Accra Ghana as a missionary, But God took me from that assignment and gave me another assignment as Chaplain of Aso Rock Presidential Villa.
11. And I know God would be unfolding more of His plan in your life and mine as we walk with Him. God bless you all and empower us all to complete all assignments in our “Holy Calling” in Jesus name Amen!
The occasion was chaired by Gen Chris Abutu Garuba (Rtd), mni, CON, CFR, PhD.
Other dignitaries at the event include the Mother of the day Dr. Mrs. Dere Awosika MFR,mni, Chairman Access Bank Plc represented by Mrs. Ibukun Odusote ( retired Federal Permanent Secretary), the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Barr. Boss Mustapha represented by Mr. Gulani Musa (Director/General Services),
The Honourable Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment Amb. Mariam Yalwaji Katagum represented by Dr. Ahmed Mabudi Bashar ( Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of State), representatives of the Kogi State government- Barr. Moses Okezie – Okafor ( DG Research & Development), Mrs Nanahawa Yetunde Raji (SSA to the Governor on Informal and Vocational Education) and Queen Zara O. (Directorate Of Women);
Also present were the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers Engr. Tasiu S. G. Wudil, FNSE,the National Chairman Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers Engr, Dr, Mrs. Funmilade Akingbagbohun, FNSE, Director-General/CEO Energy Commission of Nigeria Engr. Prof. Eli J. Bala represented by Mr. Nathaniel Omale ( Director /General Services) , Rear Admiral Dr. Sam Epelle (Rtd) and Mall. Shehu Sada, Director (Administration and Finance) SMEDAN.