The Federal Ministry of Works has celebrated the retirement of its Director of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. Clement Azubuike Ogbuagu, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s road infrastructure development and over three decades of distinguished service in the Federal Civil Service.
According to an official statement signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed A. Ahmed, the colourful retirement ceremony was attended by the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., the Permanent Secretary, Rafiu Adeladan, directors, members of staff, family, friends and other well-wishers, who paid glowing tributes to Engr. Ogbuagu’s exemplary career. They described him as a visionary leader, accomplished engineer, mentor and peacebuilder whose legacy will continue to inspire generations of public servants.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Works congratulated the retiring director on the successful completion of an illustrious public service career, describing his retirement as a celebration of excellence, dedication, integrity and impactful leadership. He commended Engr. Ogbuagu for his unwavering commitment to national development and significant contributions to the expansion and improvement of Nigeria’s road infrastructure, while wishing him good health and a fulfilling retirement.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Rafiu Adeladan, described Engr. Ogbuagu as an exemplary civil servant whose career reflected the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, humility and integrity. He urged serving officers to emulate the retiring director’s commitment to duty and professional conduct, stressing that true success in the civil service lies in retiring honourably with an unblemished record and lasting impact.
Delivering his farewell address, Engr. Ogbuagu expressed gratitude to God for a successful career spanning more than three decades and thanked the Federal Government for the opportunity to contribute to the nation’s road infrastructure development. He said his years of service at the federal level enabled him to build relationships across Nigeria, an experience he described as invaluable in promoting national unity and mutual understanding.
The retired director also commended the Minister of Works, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, 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 nationwide.
He called on the Federal Government to ensure adequate and timely funding for road projects, describing the sector as a key driver of economic growth, national integration and sustainable development. He also urged civil servants to remain committed to the ethics and regulations guiding the Federal Civil Service so they could retire with honour and pride.
Engr. Ogbuagu further praised 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 and enhance service delivery across government institutions.
Earlier, the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed A. Ahmed, described the retiring director as one of the ministry’s finest professionals whose career was defined by competence, integrity, humility and unwavering dedication to public service. He noted that beyond his engineering accomplishments, Engr. Ogbuagu distinguished himself as an exceptional mentor who nurtured younger engineers and officers through exemplary leadership and commitment to excellence.
The ceremony featured the presentation of gifts, goodwill messages from colleagues and associates, as well as prayers for God’s guidance, good health and fulfilment for Engr. Ogbuagu as he begins a new chapter after an impactful career in national service.
