“I Remain Grateful ” — New Kogi Information Perm Sec Vows To Drive Reforms, Mentor Next Generation of Civil Servants
By Segun Adegboyega
LOKOJA — It was an atmosphere of joy, thanksgiving and deep appreciation at the Archangels Catholic Church, Gadumo, Lokoja, on Sunday, as family members, colleagues, friends and top government officials gathered to celebrate the recent appointment of Mr. Awulu Tijani David as Permanent Secretary in Kogi State.
The thanksgiving service was organised to appreciate God for His faithfulness and guidance throughout Awulu’s career in the public service, culminating in his elevation to the position of Permanent Secretary.
Speaking during the service, Awulu expressed profound gratitude to the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for the confidence and trust reposed in him through the appointment.
He also appreciated the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, for his leadership and support, as well as family members, friends, colleagues and well-wishers whose prayers and goodwill accompanied his career journey.
Awulu said the thanksgiving was primarily an opportunity to return all glory to Almighty God for preserving him, guiding his career and granting him the opportunity to serve the state at a higher level.
He pledged to justify the confidence placed in him by the state government, promising to bring his experience to bear in strengthening administration, promoting impactful reforms and mentoring younger public servants.
“I REMAIN GRATEFUL”
The Permanent Secretary said he remained grateful for the opportunity to serve and reaffirmed his commitment to transparency, accountability, professionalism and strict adherence to lawful directives from higher authorities in the discharge of his responsibilities.
He called for the maximum cooperation of staff members, stressing that teamwork and dedication would be critical to achieving the administration’s mandate and advancing the goals of the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Earlier in the service, Rev. Fr. Alkali Emmanuel, who delivered a sermon titled “Correct With Love and Seek Reconciliation,” urged Christians to embrace correction, forgiveness and reconciliation.
The cleric admonished believers to allow God to first transform them before attempting to correct others, stressing that correction must be offered in love rather than condemnation.
He noted that people live and work together and would inevitably encounter disagreements, misunderstandings and challenges, but urged them to resolve such differences amicably through love, patience and reconciliation.
COLLEAGUES SALUTE AWULU’S RECORD
Speaking at the occasion, the Technical Assistant to the Ministry of Information and Communications, Mr. Ebenezer Adurodija, commended Awulu for what he described as his unblemished record of service and administrative competence.
Adurodija expressed confidence that Awulu’s experience and visionary leadership would contribute significantly to the effective administration of the Ministry and the attainment of its institutional objectives.
Representatives of various departments, as well as Awulu’s former ministry, also delivered goodwill messages, describing him as a dedicated administrator, committed professional and compassionate public servant with strong work ethics.
They particularly commended his commitment to staff welfare, describing him as an administrator who consistently prioritises the wellbeing of colleagues while ensuring that official responsibilities are effectively discharged.
The gathering ended on a note of renewed commitment, with Awulu urging staff to work collectively toward strengthening the ministry and supporting the Ododo administration’s vision for effective communication, efficient public service and sustainable development in Kogi State.
