SAFOBA Abuja honours James Ojobi on his promotion to Director Federal Civil Service of Nigeria

Members of the St Francis Old Boys Association (SAFOBA), Abuja chapter, on Sunday organised a reception in honour of Mr James Ojobi, following his elevation to the position of Director in the Federal Civil Service of Nigeria.

The event attracted members of different sets of the association who gathered in large numbers to celebrate one of their own for attaining a remarkable height in the civil service.

Speaking during the reception, the Chairman of SAFOBA Abuja chapter, retired Navy Commander Emmanuel Anjenu, described Ojobi as a hardworking and industrious individual who had always distinguished himself right from his secondary school days.

“I can rightly say Mr James Ojobi, incidentally, is from the same village with me, and his elevation to the enviable rank of Director in the Office of the Head of Service is a thing of great joy for all members of the St. Francis College Old Boys Association, Abuja chapter.

“We are happy for him and his family. When I presented the award to him, I reminded him that uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.

“He now carries greater responsibilities and expectations, not only from his people but also from the service. I know he is a level-headed man and I believe he will excel in his new office as a director. He is a good person,” he said.

Other members of the association thanked God for Ojobi’s achievement and urged him not to relent, but to see his new position as an opportunity to further distinguish himself in the civil service and remain a worthy ambassador of the association and his alma mater.

Speaking at the event, DCG Musa Omale described Ojobi’s elevation as a remarkable achievement, especially in a society where many people hardly attain the peak of their careers.

He noted that public office comes with enormous expectations and advised the celebrant to remain disciplined, transparent and focused in carrying out his duties.

“People will naturally look up to him because of his new office, especially as Director of Procurement. My advice to him is to remain himself and avoid trying to please everybody. He should work diligently with his superiors and remain careful not to run into unnecessary trouble,” Omale said.

Also speaking, Festus Moma, Chairman of the 1984 set, recalled that Ojobi had always shown signs of greatness and determination during their days at St. Francis College.

“James was someone you could never miss in class. Even as a young boy, he was focused, driven and knew what he wanted. So his rise to this level does not surprise many of us,” he said.

Moma added that members of the 1984 set were also planning a separate event to honour Ojobi for what he described as an inspiring achievement.

The National President of SAFOBA Worldwide, Ambassador Ogbole Odeh, described the elevation as a stepping stone to even greater responsibilities in the civil service.

“The peak of his career would be attaining the position of Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service, and I believe that should be his next target before retirement.

“Celebrating him for attaining the rank of Director is something worth doing, and I am happy to be part of this celebration,” he stated.

Enenche Enenche also described Ojobi as an exceptional public servant whose diligence, honesty and transparency earned him recognition and elevation in service.

“We are proud of him as a son of Aidogodo, as an old boy of St. Francis College, and as a worthy son of Idoma land. His elevation is a double celebration for his community, the association and Benue State at large,” he said.

Dr. Ralph Odoh, who described the celebrant as both a senior colleague and cousin, expressed joy over Ojobi’s elevation, recalling how they moved to Abuja together after youth service.

“We grew up together, shared many experiences together and I am genuinely happy celebrating him today,” he said.

In his remarks, the celebrant expressed appreciation to members of the association for the honour and pledged not to disappoint them.

Ojobi, who became emotional while speaking, attributed his success and journey in life entirely to the grace of God.

“When I received the news of my elevation, I looked up to God and asked how else I could thank Him. Many of our mates are no more, while many could not make it this far.

“It gives me great joy to see my classmates and friends gathered here to celebrate me. The turnout today is unprecedented in the history of this gathering, and it is a testimony to what God has been doing in my life.

“I thank everyone who travelled from far and near to honour me. Some people came all the way from Otukpo just for this programme. I give all the glory to God Almighty,” he said.