After 35 years of dedicated service across the military and democratic administrations, Deputy Director of Information and former Public Relations Officer, Government House, Asaba, Mr Johnson Agbaike, has retired from the Delta State Civil Service.
Agbaike officially bowed out on August 28, 2026, bringing to a close a remarkable career that began in the defunct Bendel State Civil Service before the creation of Delta and Edo States in 1991.
At a retirement reception organised in his honour by colleagues in the Press Unit of Government House, Asaba, on Monday, the Chairman of the Delta State Bureau for Pensions, Sir Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje, described Agbaike as a “living archive” of the state’s civil service.
Ogidi-Gbegbaje noted that Agbaike was the last serving officer whose career traced back to the Bendel State Civil Service, giving him a unique perspective on the evolution of the state and its public service.
He said the retiree served under several military and civilian governors, commissioners for information, chief press secretaries and public relations officers, witnessing significant political, administrative and institutional transitions.
According to him, Agbaike distinguished himself through professionalism, accuracy, discretion, loyalty and an unwavering commitment to duty.
He particularly commended his contributions to the Government House Press Unit, where he played a significant role in documenting government policies and programmes and ensuring that government activities were effectively communicated to the public.
Ogidi-Gbegbaje also highlighted Agbaike’s contribution to human capacity development, noting that the retiree mentored younger officers who have since become part of the state’s press corps.
He described Agbaike’s career as a reflection of integrity, discipline, experience and responsible public service.
Aniagwu, Ahon Celebrate Retiree
Leading the tributes, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, represented by a retired Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Mr Harold Ojji, described Agbaike as a committed public servant whose impact was evident in the quality of his work.
Aniagwu said retirement should not be viewed as the end of an individual’s contribution to society, but as an opportunity to deploy accumulated experience and wisdom to serve humanity in new ways.
He commended Agbaike for his mentorship and urged him to approach retirement with the same humility, dedication and willingness to learn that characterised his years in service.
The Commissioner thanked God for the retiree’s good health and prayed for divine protection, guidance and blessings in the next phase of his life.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, represented by the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Media, Dr Nelson Egware, also paid tribute to Agbaike.
Ahon described him as loyal, dependable, dedicated and committed to duty, stressing that he was a professional who never compromised his responsibilities.
He further described Agbaike as a humble and reliable friend whose contribution to the public service would be remembered.
Colleagues Pay Tribute
Other dignitaries at the ceremony, including Agbaike’s elder brother and Chairman of the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission, DSIEC, Dr Jerry Agbaike; Manager, Communications, Government House, Mr Jackson Ekwugum; Executive Assistant to the Governor on Public Enlightenment (Projects and Policies), Mr Olisa Ifeajika; Permanent Secretary, Protocol and Housing, Mr Nelson Anino Tetsola; veteran journalist, Mr Frank Igwebueze; and Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Delta State Council, Mr Churchill Oyovwe, joined in celebrating his career.
They variously described Agbaike as an experienced professional, dependable colleague and mentor whose years of service had left a positive imprint on the state’s public information machinery.
‘I’m Only Bowing Out’
An emotional Agbaike, while reflecting on his journey, recalled that he joined the Bendel State Civil Service as a Level Four officer before rising through the ranks over the decades.
He attributed his career progression to the grace of God, perseverance, discipline and dedication to duty.
The retiree expressed appreciation to successive governors of Delta State, particularly the incumbent Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for the opportunity to serve the state.
He also thanked his superiors, colleagues, friends and associates who, in various ways, contributed to his successful career.
Accompanied by his wife, Theodora, and their children, Agbaike said he was “only bowing out of service” after 35 years of meritorious service.
He stressed that retirement would not sever his relationships with colleagues and friends, assuring that he would continue to interact and collaborate with them whenever necessary.
Agbaike also expressed gratitude to the organising committee for the reception and charged members of the Government House Press Corps to remain disciplined, dedicated and committed to their responsibilities.
He urged journalists to protect the credibility of the profession and remain conscious of the enormous responsibility entrusted to them to inform the public accurately and responsibly.
The ceremony featured tributes, presentation of gifts and goodwill messages from colleagues, friends and family members, marking the end of a career spanning more than three decades in public service.
