It was a moment of tributes, appreciation, and celebration as friends, colleagues, and well-wishers gathered in Asaba to honour former Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Dr. Anthony Chukwuemeka Nwaokolobia, following his retirement from the Delta State Civil Service.
The colourful send-off ceremony, held at Afro-View Hotel and Apartments, attracted dignitaries from different walks of life, including serving and retired civil servants, family members, and associates who came from far and near to celebrate the accomplished administrator.
Speaking with journalists at the event, Dr. Nwaokolobia expressed gratitude to God for granting him a successful career in the civil service, describing his retirement as the completion of a fulfilling journey that began in 1992 when he joined the Delta State Civil Service.
According to him, retirement was inevitable and a phase he had always anticipated with faith and preparedness.
“I knew a day like this would come — that one day I would exit the service. I thank God for helping me finish strong,” he said.
The retired Permanent Secretary, who rose through the ranks to become Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, stated that he had no regrets serving the state, noting that the civil service offered him the opportunity to grow professionally and contribute meaningfully to governance.
He also appreciated his wife and family members for their support and sacrifices throughout his years in service, adding that he intends to take some time to rest before deciding on the next phase of his life.
Paying glowing tributes to the retiree, the Vice Chairman of the Association of Retired Permanent Secretaries (ARPS) in Delta State, Sir Emma Okafor, described Dr. Nwaokolobia as a humble, hardworking, and respectful administrator who distinguished himself in the service of the state.
Sir Okafor disclosed that he shelved other engagements to personally attend the ceremony in honour of the celebrant.
He advised the retired Permanent Secretary not to withdraw from active life after retirement but to remain productive and committed to humanity.
“He should redouble his efforts in the service of God, invest in agriculture, and with his academic attainment as a PhD holder, he still has a lot to offer the younger generation through mentorship,” he stated.
Also speaking, former Provost and member of the Governing Council of the College of Education, Warri, Chief Joel Ukadike, urged Dr. Nwaokolobia to prepare for the realities and challenges associated with retirement.
He noted that life after active service requires adjustment, discipline, and resilience, especially in the absence of regular salary earnings.
“We pray that God grants him the strength and wisdom to weather the uncertainties that come with retirement, which many of us have experienced,” he added.
In his remarks, retired Permanent Secretary, Chief Ben Okonta, described the celebrant as a dependable and reliable colleague with whom he shared a long-standing professional relationship.
“We joined the service the same year. He was a Second Administrative Officer while I was a Third Administrative Officer. We were also appointed Permanent Secretaries on the same day in 2021 by former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa,” he recalled.
The Delta State Head of Service, Dr. Mrs. Oseji, also offered prayers for the retiree, asking God to strengthen him and grant him success in all his future endeavours.
The celebration was preceded by a thanksgiving service held at Holy Family Catholic Church, Asaba, where family members, friends, and associates gathered to appreciate God for Dr. Nwaokolobia’s successful career and safe retirement from public service.
