Odita Sunday 
Works Ministry Honours Ogbuagu at Retirement, Celebrates Three Decades of Service
By Odita Sunday
The Federal Ministry of Works on Thursday paid glowing tribute to its retiring Director of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. Clement Azubuike Ogbuagu, celebrating his more than three decades of service and describing his career as a model of professionalism, integrity and dedication to Nigeria’s road infrastructure development.
The commendation was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Mal. Mohammed A. Ahmed, following a colourful retirement ceremony attended by the Honourable Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., Permanent Secretary Rafiu Adeladan, directors, staff, family members and associates.
Speaking at the event, Goronyo congratulated Ogbuagu on the successful completion of what he described as an illustrious public service career, saying his retirement symbolised excellence, dedication, integrity and impactful leadership.
He praised the retired director for his unwavering commitment to national development and his significant contributions to the expansion and improvement of Nigeria’s road infrastructure, while praying for continued good health and prosperity in retirement.
In his remarks, Permanent Secretary Rafiu Adeladan described Ogbuagu as an exemplary civil servant whose career reflected the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, humility and integrity. He urged serving officers to emulate his commitment to duty and ethical conduct, stressing that the true measure of success in the civil service lies in retiring with an unblemished record and a lasting legacy.
Delivering his farewell address, Engr. Clement Azubuike Ogbuagu expressed gratitude to God for a successful career spanning over three decades and thanked the Federal Government for the opportunity to contribute to the nation’s development through critical road infrastructure projects.
Reflecting on his years in service, he said working at the federal level enabled him to interact with people from different parts of Nigeria, an experience he described as invaluable in promoting national unity, understanding and mutual respect.
Ogbuagu also commended the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, for introducing innovative engineering solutions, particularly the adoption of continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) technology, which he said has improved the durability, quality and sustainability of federal road projects across the country.
He appealed to the Federal Government to ensure adequate and timely funding of road projects, describing the sector as a key driver of economic growth, national integration and sustainable development.
The retiring director further encouraged civil servants to uphold the ethics, values and regulations of the Federal Civil Service, while also applauding the implementation of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP), especially its digital transformation initiatives, which he said should be sustained to enhance public service delivery.
Earlier, Mal. Mohammed A. Ahmed described Ogbuagu as one of the Ministry’s finest professionals, noting that beyond his engineering achievements, he distinguished himself as a mentor who nurtured younger engineers through exemplary leadership, patience and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
The retirement ceremony featured the presentation of gifts, goodwill messages from colleagues and associates, and prayers for Ogbuagu’s continued good health, peace and fulfilment as he begins a new chapter after an impactful career in public service.
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