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The Kogi State Civil Service on Thursday, June 20th, 2025, came together in an elaborate reception to celebrate the exceptional career and academic attainment of Dr. Elijah Adeiza Evinemi, FCA, the Head of Civil Service.
The event honoured his decades-long service to the state and his recent academic milestone: the successful completion of a Doctorate Degree in Accounting and Finance.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Alhaji Adeiza Momohjimoh, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, who described Dr. Evinemi as a beacon of hard work, discipline, and academic excellence.
Momohjimoh lauded his journey from humble beginnings to becoming the administrative leader of the state’s civil service, describing it as “a story every civil servant should study and emulate.”
He thanked the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for appointing a seasoned professional with capacity, intellect, and passion for reform.
The event featured an inspiring academic citation of the honouree, alongside a lineup of tributes from colleagues, friends, family members, and top government officials.
One of the high points was the presentation of a custom portrait of Dr. Evinemi, gifted to him by the “Forum of Permanent Secretaries” in appreciation of his outstanding service and character.
Two keynote lectures added intellectual depth to the ceremony. The first, “Challenges in Nigerian Politics and Pathways to Sustainable Democratic Governance”, was delivered on behalf of His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, former Governor of Kogi State, who was represented at the event.
The second, titled “Digitalization Governance: Leveraging Computer Algorithms to Drive Kogi State Civil Service Reforms”, was presented by Prof. Sunday Eric Adewunmi FNCS from the Federal University Lokoja., as both lectures reinforced the urgent need for visionary, ethical, and tech-driven leadership in governance.
In his heartfelt response, Dr. Elijah Adeiza Evinemi thanked the organizing committee, his family, friends, and all civil servants for their support throughout his journey.
Reflecting on his rise from a junior clerical officer to the pinnacle of the civil service, he said:
“Everything I am today, I owe to God, and to those He sent to guide me. From those early days as a Clerk, I never stopped learning. I thank my family, my mentors, my colleagues, and everyone who gave me a reason to keep moving.”
Dr Elijah reaffirmed his commitment to merit-driven reform, digital innovation, and integrity in service delivery, urging younger officers to embrace discipline and continuous learning, while also expressed profound appreciation to the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his trust and support.
Despite the passing of his parents; Deputy Vicar General Michael Ozomata Evinemi and Mrs Leah Onozare Evinemi, Dr. Evinemi acknowledged the values they instilled in him: integrity, diligence, and faith.
And In honour of his father’s legacy, he founded the Michael Ozomata Foundation in 2021, which was officially registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in 2022. The foundation reflects his lifelong commitment to service and social impact, and has since supported the education of over 20 indigene students in higher institutions.
The ceremony also featured cultural performances, goodwill messages, photography, and presentation of commemorative items, and ended with a resounding affirmation of Dr. Evinemi’s inspirational legacy and the civil service’s collective resolve to support his reform-driven leadership.
Aishat O. Yusuf
Information Officer
*Head of Civil Service*
