By Joy Onu
After more than three decades in the Federal Civil Service, the Director of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation at the Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. Clement Azubuike Ogbuagu, has retired, earning accolades from government officials who described his career as a model of professionalism, integrity and dedication to national development.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed A. Ahmed, senior officials of the Federal Ministry of Works paid tribute to Ogbuagu’s contributions to Nigeria’s road infrastructure during a retirement ceremony held in Abuja on Thursday, describing him as a respected engineer, administrator and mentor whose legacy will endure beyond his years in service.
The ceremony was attended by the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo; the Permanent Secretary, Rafiu Adeladan; directors, staff members, family, friends and other associates.
During the event, speakers praised Ogbuagu for his role in the construction and rehabilitation of federal highways, his commitment to mentoring younger engineers and his reputation for discipline, accountability and exemplary public service.
Speaking at the ceremony, Goronyo described the retirement as a celebration of excellence, integrity and impactful leadership, commending Ogbuagu’s unwavering commitment to national development and his significant contributions to Nigeria’s road sector. He wished the retired director good health, fulfilment and prosperity in retirement.
Similarly, Adeladan said Ogbuagu exemplified professionalism, humility and selfless service throughout his career, adding that his record demonstrated that success in the civil service is defined not only by years spent in office but by the legacy one leaves behind.
He also urged serving officers to uphold the values of dedication, ethical conduct and excellence so they could retire with honour and an unblemished record.
In his farewell remarks, Ogbuagu thanked God and the Federal Government for the opportunity to serve, describing his career as a privilege that allowed him to contribute to the development of critical road infrastructure across the country.
Reflecting on his years in service, he said working at the federal level gave him the opportunity to interact with people from diverse parts of Nigeria, an experience he described as invaluable in promoting national unity, mutual understanding and respect.
He also called for adequate and timely funding of road projects, describing infrastructure development as a critical driver of economic growth, national integration and sustainable development.
The retiring director further commended the Minister of Works, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, for introducing continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) technology into federal road construction, saying the innovation has enhanced the durability, quality and sustainability of road projects nationwide.
In addition, Ogbuagu endorsed the ongoing implementation of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP), particularly its digital transformation initiatives, and called for sustained support to deepen reforms aimed at improving service delivery across government institutions.
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 impact extended beyond engineering accomplishments to mentoring younger officers through exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Ahmed said Ogbuagu’s values of discipline, teamwork, accountability and selfless service have left a lasting imprint on the ministry and will continue to inspire future generations of public servants.
The ceremony featured goodwill messages from colleagues and associates, presentation of gifts and prayers for Ogbuagu as he begins a new chapter after an accomplished career in public service.
