Staff of the Federal Ministry of Justice Abuja, professional colleagues, friends and family Thursday converged to celebrate and share in the happy moment of Mrs Modupe Theresa Ogundoro, a retired Director of Information and Public Relations at the ministry.
Amidst pomp and encomiums, the retirement ceremony, which coincided with her 60th year celebration, had in attendance dignitaries like fellow directors, professional colleagues in the media, ministry of information, associates, family and friends as well as school mates.
Mrs Ndidi Ukoha set the ball rolling when she reeled out the citation of the celebrant, her sojourn through the ministry of finance, water resources, and justice.
Ogundoro, a graduate of Bachelor Degree in French Language at the prestigious University of Lagos (UNILAG), is also an associate member of the National Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and has travelled outside the shores of Nigeria many times on official duties.
While giving a speech at the ceremony, the Director Planning, Research and Statistics, Mrs Victoria Ojogbane poured an encomium on Ogundoro, who she described as friendly, dutiful and energetic.
Ojogbane, who charged every staff member to prepare for their own retirement, added: “The retired director is a family friend, who does not joke with her job. She is also friendly and has contributed her own quota very well.
“She does not keep malice, and she is a forgiver. Therefore, today is a remarkable day for a woman who is worthy of honour,”
Also speaking, another retired director at the federal Ministry of Information, Mrs Adeline Ojogwu, popularly known as (Mama Odumodu Black) an artiste, also lauded Madam Ogundoro’s character and disposition to work, saying she was a jolly-good.
Making his own commendation, Mr Olujimi Oyetomi described the celebrant as a very approachable and hardworking woman, whose path crossed at Federal School of Arts and Science in Ondo state first and later at the University of Lagos, where she studied French Language.
Another staff member, Mr Oladimeji Blessing, who recalled with nostalgia her roles in the ministry fellowship, assured that her good work and contributions cannot be forgotten in a hurry.
Representative of the Chairman, National Association of Judiciary Correspondent (NAJUC), Mr Kayode Lawal lauded Ogundoro’s attitude to work, resilient and open door policy.
Comrade Kehinde Osasona, a Blueprint reporter who spoke for the association, stated further: “Our association had a good working relationship with the retired director all through. Apart from always delivering in her task, she exhibited professionalism and friendliness towards her colleagues in the journalism profession,”
For Comrade Anto Daniel, Chairman Joint Council Union, Ogundoro, according to him, exemplified humility and kindness. He then wished her sound health in retirement.
A gift was also presented to the celebrant by the staff in her department in appreciation of her leadership role. While presenting the gift, Mr Aderemi Adelabu said her exceptional disposition as guidance and boss was inspirational, promising that staff in the department would carry on from where she stopped.
In glowing remarks, the daughter of the celebrant, Mrs Dolapo Akindele nee Ogundoro, thanked her mother for being able to juggle motherhood with her career, especially in the early years.
She said: “Our mother really demonstrated to us what being a mother entails. Very hardworking, friendly, open, and Godly,”
Others who also spoke brightly about her personalities were Mrs Banke Adenigba, a staff of the ministry, Feyi Titiloye also a staff member, Ogu Judith formerly a Youth Corper at the ministry, her daughter-in-law, Mrs Ogundoro and a host of others.
In her speech, Ogundoro, who was beaming with a smile all through, thanked God for 35 years of meritorious service.
She paid tribute to her family, who, according to her was her rock for the unwavering support throughout, the sacrifices and encouragement, which enabled her to serve with dedication and passion.
She also extends a special appreciation to the Attorney-General of the Federation/Honourable Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, and the Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Justice Mrs. Beatrice Jedy-Agba, for their immense support during her stewardship as Director of Information and Public Relations in the Ministry.
Their leadership and guidance, she added, has helped her to contribute to the federal civil service and the development of the country as a whole.
“To my colleagues in the Information and Public Relations Department, I urge you to continue striving for excellence in our mandate. As I bow out of service, I have every confidence that you will continue to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and dedication. I implore you to cooperate with my predecessor and ensure a seamless transition. Your collective efforts have been crucial to the success of our department, and I have no doubt that you will continue to make significant contributions to the Federal Ministry of Justice.
“As I look back on my years of service, I am reminded of the Lord’s faithfulness, my family’s sacrifices, and my colleagues’ support. These have been the bedrock of my journey, and I am grateful for every moment. I leave with a sense of fulfillment, knowing that I have given my best to the Federal Ministry of Justice and the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Ogundoro said.