By Sylvester Iloba
History was made and a remarkable chapter closed in the Delta State Civil Service as Engr. Dr. Mrs. Juliet Aboloje, the first female Civil Engineer to be appointed Permanent Secretary, formally bowed out of service upon attaining the statutory retirement age of 60.
Engr. Aboloje retired as Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works (Highways and Urban Roads), having risen to the very pinnacle of her profession through decades of discipline, competence, and exemplary public service.
She was appointed Permanent Secretary in 2025 by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, a move widely celebrated as a milestone for gender inclusion and professional excellence in the state’s civil service.
A highly accomplished engineer, Engr. Aboloje holds both Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Engineering, and her career is marked by merit, resilience, and outstanding technical leadership.
Her retirement was marked with a send-forth and pulling-out ceremony organised by the Civil Engineering Family of the Ministry, where tributes poured in from government officials, colleagues, and professional peers.
Speaking at the event, the Honourable Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, described Engr. Aboloje as one of the finest professionals the Ministry has produced.
“She is one of the best—physically and intellectually. I am not given to flattering. If she was not competent, I would not be here,” Izeze declared.
He commended her immense contributions to the engineering profession, the Delta State Civil Service, and the administration of Governor Oborevwori, noting that she played a central role in the Ministry’s numerous achievements.
He further described her as a committed team player who consistently protected the interests of her subordinates.
Earlier, the celebrant, Engr. Dr. Mrs. Juliet Aboloje, reflected on her legacy, revealing that she was directly involved in the execution of several landmark infrastructure projects across the state.
These include the Effurun Flyover, Asaba Airport, PTI Flyover, DSC Flyover, Asaba–Ase Bridge, and the dualisation of Ughelli–Asaba Road (Sectors A, C1 and C2).
Other projects she listed include the Asaba Flood Control Scheme, Asaba/Ibusa–Benin Expressway Flyover, Kwale–Beneku Bridge and approach roads, among many others.
She expressed confidence in her successor and the Directors in the Ministry, affirming their capacity to sustain and advance the standards already established.
She also described her working relationship with the Honourable Commissioner as cordial and founded on mutual respect.
Engr. Aboloje thanked Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for creating a conducive work environment that enabled the Ministry to effectively deliver on its mandate.
Chairman of the occasion, Engr. Gabriel Fuludu, described her as a persevering professional, an excellent achiever, and an inspiration to younger engineers, particularly women, who aspire to leadership positions in the profession.
Other speakers, including Engr. Solomon Aghagba (Director, Highways), Engr. Victor Oputa (Director, Urban Roads), and Mr. Ohajomo Ideh (Director, Administration), praised her leadership style, professionalism, and dedication to duty.
The ceremony also featured a paper presentation titled “Retirement: A Transition, Not a Termination,” delivered by Engr. Sir Alexander Onichabor and presented by Engr. Emmanuel Oghorodje, who described retirement as a change in mode of service rather than an end to purposeful life.
The event climaxed with a colourful pulling-out ceremony, symbolising the formal exit of Engr. Dr. Mrs. Juliet Aboloje from active civil service, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, integrity, and trailblazing achievement.
