DIRECTOR ICT URGES DILIGENCE, KINDNESS AS HE BOWS OUT AT 60TH BIRTHDAY, RETIREMENT EVENT

By: Prudence Okonna

The Director of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Department of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Augustine Ugafor, has charged civil servants to embrace diligence, continuous learning and kindness in the discharge of their duties, stressing that position and power are transient.

He advised staff on Tuesday, 21 January 2026, during his 60th Birthday and Retirement Ceremony, held in his honour by colleagues, friends, and family in Abuja.

In his valedictory remarks, the retiring Director emphasised that dedication to work and constant self-improvement were non-negotiable for career growth, especially in an era of digital transformation.

“You have to learn on the job. When the time comes, only those who are good at what they do will be maximised. If you are not always in the office, you will not know,” he said.

He noted that unimpressive performance in recent promotion examinations was largely due to inadequate computer literacy among staff, urging officers to take ICT training seriously as Computer-Based Tests (CBT) had become permanent in the civil service.

“CBT has come to stay. Help yourself, learn it. It is not difficult,” he added.

Ugafor also underscored the importance of kindness and empathy in leadership, noting that throughout his career, he avoided abusing authority.

“If you cannot help somebody, don’t make their lives difficult. Power is transient, position is transient and life itself is transient. Be kind to one another,” he advised.

Speaking earlier, the Director of Information and Communication, Mr. Anthony Ogunleye, described Mr. Austin as an exceptionally kind-hearted, loyal and dependable civil servant whose integrity transcended the workplace.

Ogunleye recounted decades of personal and professional association with the celebrant, noting that he was the kind of person who would “walk to the ends of the earth” to help others.

He shared personal anecdotes reflecting Mr Ugafor’s commitment to relationships and sacrifice, describing him as a man whose character had remained consistent over the years.

“If you get to know him beyond the looks, you will discover a true gentleman, extremely dependable and very loyal,” Ogunleye said.

In his remarks, Acting Director of Administration, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Oguniran Akin, described retirement as a milestone that should be celebrated with gratitude, noting that not every civil servant is privileged to exit service honourably.

He likened successful retirement to the joy of childbirth without complications, stressing that contentment, rather than material accumulation, was the foundation of fulfilment.

Akin urged officers to learn from those ahead of them, warning that whatever is not built over decades of service cannot suddenly be achieved at retirement.

He emphasised that peace of mind and family stability outweigh wealth, praying that God would continue to bless the work of the celebrant’s hands and grant grace to those still in service.

Acting Director, Reform Coordination and Service Improvement Department, Dr Jumai Ahmadu, commended the ICT Director for his efforts and commitment to work.

She described him as an easy-going man, willing to support anyone at any time while emphasising his patience, humility and open-door leadership style.

In her words: “he is a rare breed of leader”.

She expressed gratitude on behalf of her department and prayed for a fulfilling and purposeful retirement for the celebrant.

Also speaking, Assistant Director,AGIS, Engr. Ijeoma Amaechina praised him for breaking barriers in the FCTA, describing him as a pace setter.

She commended his kindness, mentorship, and unwavering support, noting that he assisted her and many others without knowing their background.

She prayed for God’s continued blessings upon him and his family, expressing confidence that his investment in people would yield lasting rewards.

Abuja Digest reports that the event featured goodwill messages, prayers, and tributes, as colleagues described Ugafor’s retirement not as an end, but the beginning of a new chapter marked by continued service, good health, and fulfilment.