By Chukwuka Ugokwe
A cross section of government officials and beyond have paid glowing tributes to the retiring Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs Ifenyinwa Uzoka.
They spoke at the Conference Hall, Ministry of Agriculture, Awka, during a birthday/send- forth ceremony held in honour of Mrs Uzoka who clocked 60 on April 13.
They poured praises on the celebrant for labouring in service for the state, acknowledging that she deserved to be appreciated and celebrated.
At the ceremony, the State Head of Service, Mrs Ngozi Iwuno Esq, described her as a kind resourceful woman of integrity.
She said in her working interactions with Uzoka over the years, she found her to be committed in the discharge of her duties and being forthright while in service.
While urging Civil Servants to emulate her examplary virtues, she commended her approach to work and wished her well in future endeavours.
In his remarks, Former Commissioner For Agriculture, Dr Forster Ihejiofor, reminisced over his working relationship with the Celebrant, noting that he was pleased working with her.
According to him, she may have formally exited active service, but her experience, passion for work and knowledge remain invaluable to the public service.
Commending the Celebrant, other speakers including Prof Cordelia Ebenebe, former Dean , Faculty of Agriculture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University,Awka, and Dr Nma Okororji, described her as a practical person with high sense of dedication to duties.
Congratulating Uzoka, the Programme Manager, Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), Mr Godwin Akujieze, and Director of Inputs, Mrs Margaret Nwoye, shared so many
memories they had with her, describing her as a repository of knowledge on vital aspects of agriculture.
Other Staff Members of the Ministry commended Uzoka for her counsels and for being pragmatic during her tenure as Permanent Secretary.
Earlier in her opening remarks, Mrs Ifenyinwa Uzoka, shared her childhood and working career experiences and thanked God for sparing her life to see the completion of her service years.
She expressed gratitude to all the guests, staff members, friends and well wishers for being there for her and asked God to bless them.
Highlight of the ceremony was award presentation to the celebrant by the National Association of Food Science And Technology Students, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, (COOU)Igbariam, cutting of cake by the celebrant and presentation of gifts in appreciation of her dedicated service.
Present at the occasion were Permanent Secretaries, Ministry of Youth Development, Ifeatu Emeodi, Women Affairs, Mrs Chinwe Achugbu, Works, Engr Martin Agbili, Economic Planning And Budget, Mrs Chinyere Nwabachili, Petroleum, Mr Adebayo Adeyinka as well as Head of Department, Food Science And Technology (COOU) Dr Comfort Nwagbo.
Chukwuka is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
