The retiring Director of Highways Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. Clement Ogbuagu, on Thursday, disclosed that the shift to concrete pavements has improved road quality nationwide.
Ogbuagu, who spoke at a valedictory session held in his honour at the Ministry’s headquarters, in Abuja, commended the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, for introducing new innovations and technologies to the sector.
To this end, he urged the Federal Government to give priority attention to the roads sector, adding that it remains critical to Nigeria’s economic growth.
Ogbuagu said: “I want the Federal Government to pay more attention to the roads sector because it is what drives the GDP of any nation. Without roads, everything goes down. Government should release funds when due so the sector can continue to thrive”.
He expressed gratitude to God for seeing him through his career and the Federal Government for the opportunity to serve.
He said: “Serving at the federal level exposed me to people from every part of Nigeria and every tribe. In many ways, it made me a full-fledged Nigerian”.
Ogbuagu, however, advised his colleagues to strictly adhere to the civil service rules.
“Carry on the legacy of the Federal Civil Service. Maintain all the qualities, rules and regulations so you can retire well, like I am doing today, and not be recalled later to answer for unresolved issues. Be diligent and make your performance impeccable”, he said.
On reforms, he said the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan, FCSSIP, has placed the service on a digital path.
“The only thing is to sustain and fund all the pillars of FCSSIP. Ministries are going digital and very soon, we will no longer be carrying files and paper. Government should support the plan so civil servants can reap the benefits,” he added.
Earlier in his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Mr
Rafiu Adeladan, urged to be dedicated to the civil service.
He said: “Whoever is in public service must be dedicated, self-reliant and focused. Lack of dedication will not take us forward. We thank God that we are here today to celebrate this success with you.”
Also speaking, the Minister of State, Barrister Mohammed Goronyo, described Ogbuagu as a committed officer who will be missed.
“The ministry is saddened today as he leaves us, and we acknowledge the great shoes he is leaving behind. For this sector, we must give the needed support to our people.
“He is a perfect combination of dedication and service. He is popularly called ‘the smiling director.’ Even when it was very hot, he would still smile and make time. That is who he is,” the minister said.
(The Whistler)