The Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has paid glowing tribute to the retiring Functioning Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Mr. Harold Ojji, describing him as a rare public servant whose career was defined by integrity, loyalty, competence and selfless service.
Aniagwu spoke at a well-attended send-forth ceremony organised in honour of Mr. Ojji, noting that his relationship with the retired officer predates his appointment into the Delta State Government.
He recalled that their paths first crossed during the administration of former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, when he provided media consultancy services to the state, a professional encounter he described as divinely orchestrated.
According to the commissioner, their working relationship deepened in 2015 when he joined the Delta State Government and Mr. Ojji was serving as Public Relations Officer at Government House.
He said they worked harmoniously during that period, laying the foundation for mutual trust and respect.
Aniagwu further explained that upon his appointment as Commissioner for Information, he initiated policy reforms within the ministry aimed at strengthening institutional capacity, including the decision to redeploy senior officers who had attained Grade Level 16 back to the ministry to harness their experience for strategic decision-making.
He disclosed that it was during this reform process that Mr. Oji was redeployed to the ministry and appointed as a director, a decision that initially attracted resistance and petitions.
Aniagwu said the decision was guided strictly by civil service rules and his firm belief in Mr. Ojji’s exceptional qualities.
“I was already convinced that Mr. Harold Ojji possessed uncommon wisdom, patience, emotional intelligence and an extraordinary capacity for teamwork. Those were qualities the ministry and the civil service needed,” he said.
The commissioner described the retired officer as an epitome of wisdom, a good listener, firm administrator and a stabilising force within the information ecosystem of the state.
He stressed that while Mr. Ojji had formally retired from service, his abilities, experience and wisdom were far from retiring.
“His retirement does not diminish his relevance. His services will still be needed to mentor and guide officers, particularly those recently redeployed to the ministry, so they can attain greater heights in their careers,” Aniagwu added.
He urged civil servants to view redeployment and career adjustments not as punishment but as preparation for higher responsibilities, noting that stepping out of one’s comfort zone was often necessary for professional growth.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion and Chairman, Delta State Taskforce on Environment, Chief Godspower Asiuwhu, described Mr. Ojji as a consummate professional, mentor and compassionate public servant whose life exemplified dedication to duty and service to humanity.
Other speakers, including retired Permanent Secretaries Dr. Andrew Akanigha and Sir Austin Mowah, Chairman of the Pointer Newspapers Board, Mr. Austin Igbine, and the Functioning Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Stella Macaulay, all testified to Mr. Ojji’s professionalism, discipline, fairness and deep understanding of public service as a sacred trust.
They described the ceremony not as a farewell but a celebration of a life of selfless service, noting that Mr. Ojji played critical roles in stabilising the ministry during challenging periods and contributed immensely to ethical communication and information management in the state.
Responding, Mr. Harold Ojji expressed deep appreciation to the commissioner, management and staff of the Ministry of Information for their support throughout his 33 years of service.
He assured them that retirement would not sever his bond with the ministry, pledging to remain available to mentor and guide younger officers whenever called upon.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of gifts to the retired Functioning Permanent Secretary.
The ceremony was attended by Executive Assistants to the Governor on Media, Mr. Felix Ofou and Dr. Nelson Egware; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Sir Fidelis Egugbo; Functioning Permanent Secretary, Establishment, Mr. Kingsley Olomukoro; General Manager, Delta Broadcasting Service, Asaba, Mrs. Kristine Emetulu; General Manager DBS Warri, Mr Malcom Oteri, General Manager, Pointer Newspaper, Mrs. Rosemary Nwaebuni; directors in the ministry and other stakeholders.
