Creme de la Creme Attends Bow Out Ceremony of Alhaji Hassan Tai Ejibunu from National Service, Bags Democracy Newsline Newspaper Award as Federal Civil Servant of the Year »

By Olugbemi Femi – Abuja

The Bow-Out Ceremony in honor of the Director of Air Transport Management in the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Alhaji Hassan Tai Ejibunu, who retired from the Federal Civil Service meritoriously on the 23rd December, 2024 after putting in almost thirty five years of his life to the service of the nation was witnessed by Creme de la creme from all walks of life to share the joyous moment with him and his family.

The well organized event by the Staff of the Department of Air Transport Management of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development to bid their cherished and beloved Director farewell, had the Nuhu Musa Hall in Community Staff School, Asokoro district of Abuja parked full of great and highly intellectual individuals from the ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) he had the opportunity to have worked when he held sway in the service.

The journey which started in Kabba over six decades ago where he was born, had his primary and secondary schools education before proceeding to the Kwara College of Technology for his Higher School Certificate (HSC) in 1984 after which he gained admission into the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria in Kaduna state where he bagged Bachelor of Science Degree in International Studies in 1988.

The young and energetic Hassan Tai Ejibunu started his humble career in the Federal Civil Service in 1990 when he was recruited alongside other young Nigerians to work in the then Center for Democratic Studies (CDS) to midwife the transition from the military rule to democratic governance in the country then.

Speaking at the occasion, the incoming Director of the Air Transport Management, Mr. Tijani Mohammed said the departure of Alhaji Hassan Ejibunu from the civil service after putting in thirty five (35) of the mandatory years of service met him with mixed feelings considering his commitment, dedication, amiable leadership and invaluable contributions to the overall development of the department, ministry and aviation sector as a whole.

According to him, Alhaji Hassan Tai Ejibunu is a thoroughbred technocrat who knows and understands the rudiment of the service, pointing out that his leadership at the department have shaped his intellect and general views of life.

He described him as a passionate Nigerian that put in his best for the growth and development of the aviation sector in not only Nigeria but globally.

He said the outgoing Director was loved by the staff of the department, hence they decided to honor him with the send-forth program to appreciate his giant contributions and also to wish him well in his future endeavors.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole was also not left out in pouring encomium on Alhaji Ejibunu for his leadership acumen that have impacted the ministry in no small measures, and pointed out that the entire ministry will miss him.

He described Alhaji Ejibunu as a detribalized workaholic civil servant that is versatile in all areas, stressing that any work assigned to him is usually accomplished with the speed of light because of his commitment and dedication to service.

Speaking on behalf of his childhood friends, the former National Publicity Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Honourable Kola Ologbondiyan commended Alhaji Tai Ejibunu for being true to the person they used to know while growing up and a good ambassador of Kabba community in Kogi State.

He said Alhaji Ejibunu is a man of integrity that knows his onions, a truthful Nigerian from humble background which shapes his conduct that explains the great testimonies that have been said of him by many people that came across him during the course of his career in the civil service.

He assured him that his retirement will be a leap to a greater service in his lifetime.

Other people who spoke at the event described Alhaji Ejibunu as a detribalized Nigerian who truly love the younger generation, pointing out that he can go extra miles in supporting their career to succeed, he don’t care about where you come from, your beliefs, race or colour rather he focused more on what value one can add to the system.

They also reflected on his exceptional attributes that are rooted in a deep sense of patriotism, professionalism and competence which is effectiveness and efficiency driven to achieve the overall objective of the organization.

They averred his Solomonic wisdom to navigate complex challenges that do throw itself in the course of his career in the service, pointing out that his astuteness have left an indelible mark on their professional life as a visionary leader.

Meanwhile, the management of Michabifem Ventures Limited publisher of Democracy Newsline Newspaper/Online blog and promoter of Democracy Newsline Newspaper Award was also on ground to add colors and glamour to the event as the organization bestowed an award of honor on the retiring Director as the Federal Civil Servant of the Year, 2024.

The Chairman, Chief Executive Officer of the organization, Chief Olugbemi Femi, while announcing the award said it became imperative for Alhaji Hassan Ejibunu to be honored considering the reports of the team of experts who carried out surveys on deserving individuals to be so honored in the 2024 edition of the award.

He pointed out that Alhaji Hassan Tai Ejibunu was considered for the award of Honour as the Federal Civil Servant of the Year, 2024 because of his monumental contribution to the overall development of the service, after which the Director of Finance and Administration presented the award to him

Giving his vote of thanks, the highly elated retired Director Ejibunu said he was overwhelmed by the caliber of men and women who traveled from far and near to witness the momentous occasion, noting that it is a great show of love towards him and family.

He appreciated God for the opportunity to weather the storm throughout the service for thirty-four years and one month without any blemish, stressing that he is the most fulfilled individual because of the impact the service had on him.

He noted that he was able to traverse the globe visiting over forty four (44) countries across America, Europe, Asia, Africa continent during the course of his sojourn in the national public service. He urged those he left behind to continue to uphold the core values of the service and also to raise their heads high to make integrity their watch-word.

Dignitaries present at the occasion included the representative of the Honorable Minister, Chief Festus Keyamo, SAN, representative of the office, OHCSF Federal Service Commission, his immediate senior brother, Senior Special Assistant to Kogi State Governor, Hon. Zakari Ejibunu, his twin brother, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, Hussein Kehinde Ejibunu, Hon. Tajudeen Ayo Yusuf, former member, House of Reps, the Deputy Corps Marshal, Clement Oladele, Hon Kola Ologbondiyan and wife, Mr Ajayi Ibitolu, member of staff of the ministry, representatives of all ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) where he had opportunity to have served, family members, etc.

However, he worked in the following MDAs, Federal Ministry of Sports and Social Development, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Office of the Head of Service of the Federation (OHCSF), Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) and Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

Highlights of the event was the cutting of the retirement cake, presentation of gifts and entertainment while live band music was supplied by Ade Smart Music Entertainment, Kabba, Kogi State