Retired staff of the Delta State Ministry of Information, Dcn. Christopher Okoro, on Sunday held a colourful thanksgiving service to celebrate his exit from active civil service, three days after his official retirement.
The service, held at Christ’s Chosen Church of God International, Asaba Branch 2, drew a large turnout of dignitaries, colleagues and well-wishers who gathered to celebrate the man who, for over 35 years, served as the pioneer staff and pioneer Head of the Ministry of Information Library.
Mr. Okoro retired from service on Thursday, September 3, closing out a career many described as marked by dedication, discipline and quiet excellence.
In his sermon, the Spiritual Leader and General Overseer of the church, Senior Apostle David Ikhuiwu, thanked God for Mr. Okoro’s life and years of faithful service. Preaching from Ephesians 5:6, he took time to counsel the congregation to live a focused life, also married couples in the congregation, admonishing them “to stay together and not allow themselves to be deceived by outsiders by words, sight or actions.”
The thanksgiving service attracted a strong delegation from the Ministry of Information, led by the Functioning Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Stella Macaulay. Other senior staff in attendance included the Director of Field Publicity, Mr. Salvation Ogono; Director of Production and Publication Services, Mrs. Stella Onwuegbuzie; Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mrs. Overedjo Atino; Chairman of NUJ Delta State, Comr. Churchill Oyowe; and Chairman of the NUJ Information Chapel, Comr. Enite Igere, alongside deputy directors, assistant deputy directors and other members of staff.
Also present were the Delta State Bureau for State Pensions boss, Sir Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Economic Planning, Mr. Augustine Itawansa; Functioning Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport, Engr. Victor Omoniyi; and the Special Assistant to the Governor attached to the Office of the Head of Service, Mr. Albert Imuero, among other senior civil servants across the state.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry, Mrs. Macaulay described the celebrant as a rare and outstanding colleague whose commitment to duty set him apart. “He took the Library as his project that won’t fail,” she said, recalling how Mr. Okoro ensured the facility opened on time every day without fail.
She further described him as a warm and welcoming presence within the Ministry, noting: “Mr. Okoro is a good man, who lived well with every staff of the Ministry, always welcoming, ensuring the Library is more than where they only come and read, but also rest mentally from the day’s work.”
Following the church service, celebrations moved to the residence of Mr. Okoro, where friends, family and colleagues were treated to a warm reception in his honour.
Rounding off the day’s events, an emotional Mr. Okoro gave a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to God Almighty for granting him the grace to witness the milestone in good health and surrounded by family. He also thanked all who turned out to celebrate the occasion with him, describing their presence as a true testament of love and goodwill.
As he steps away from active civil service after 35 years of distinguished, dedicated work, colleagues and friends alike wished Dcn. Christopher Okoro a restful, fulfilling and joyful retirement.
