Abuja Capital of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was agog recently, as Immediate-past Director-General of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) Olorogun Dr Rufus Eseoghene Ebegba KSJI, his wife; Lady Chief Mrs Immaculata Ebegba, children, family members, friends, colleagues, associates and well-wishers to St Anthony’s Catholic Church, Angwangede, Jikwoyi, Abuja for a thanksgiving service to commemorate his retirement from service, after two successful tenures as Head of the Agency, as well as, the Promotion of Lady Chief Immaculata Ebegba (LSJI), to the rank of Director in the Federal Civil Service.
The service which was officiated by Rev Father Japhet Marshal, alongside Rev Father Moses Jimbili and Rev Father John Aneabo, had in attendance top Government functionaries, Members of the ruling All Progressives Congress, high-ranking members the Federal Civil Service, the Knighthood Order of St John International (KSJI), The Director General Dr. Mrs Agnes Yemisi Asagbra of the National Biosafety Management Agency and staff of the Agency.
Others include Staff of the Ministries of Intergovernmental Affairs and Special Duties, Works and Housing, as well as Some members of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) FCT Command, Brig. Gen. Mustapher Onoyeveta(Rtd).
In his remarks during the Thanksgiving Mass, Dr Ebegba expressed his appreciation to God Almighty for the gift of life and for the grace of accomplishments, which dotted his years of service to his fatherland, having began his life with nothing but a determination to give his children and family the background that he never had, while asserting the miraculous outcome of life for him.
Speaking further, he said “ when I became DG/CEO of the National Biosafety Management Agency it was a time of mixed feelings, because I experienced life from a different perspective. I lost and gained some friends, I felt the pressure of being responsible for a newly created Agency, I also saw an opportunity to make my own sincere contribution to build the nation.
“ In all, I’m grateful to you all who have come to celebrate the summation of my Service experience, even as I’m convinced that I was able to add value and make impact in the Biosafety Sector for Nigeria, Africa and the International Community.
” The journey was not easy, neither was it always rosy, but through the Grace, Mercy and Kindness of God Almighty through Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, I overcame”.
The Biosafety Expert also thanked his wife Immaculata Ebegba for her support. He praised her intellect, while expressing happiness over her new rank.
He said “ I want to also celebrate my wife who has stayed with me through the thick and thin moments of life, building our home and working through it all.
” Today, she has been promoted to the rank of Director, and this adds to my joy. She is a woman of substance who has a conscience, and will seek to do what is right”.
In conclusion, Dr Ebegba after leading the thanksgiving dance urged the people to put in their best for society and support the spread of the gospel.
He said “ As we thank God today, the story of St Anthony’s Catholic Church where we stand, is also an evidence of God’s faithfulness. The inspiration and determination behind this place was for an edifice where to pray and for miracles to happen .
“ As humans, we must give our best to what we do, and avoid things that will endanger our safety and peace of mind. The country may not be easy and things may be dire to some extent, however we must believe in God and work on ourselves to stay on the path of positivity, he added.
At the close of the Mass, guests were treated to a reception at RimHills Hotel And Events Centre, Jikwoyi.
Other Guests at the event include Brig Gen and Lady Chijioke Ugwuoke; Supreme Subordinate 2nd Vice supreme Subordinate President KSJI Nigeria, Dr Sunday Izu, Noble Sister Onyeziligbo Past Supreme Subordinate, President Ladies Auxiliary Nigeria.
Others include the Mrs Dorcas Arakama fmr director Federal Civil Service, Alhaji Kamil Bello (NMDPRA), Noble Sister Florence Chike; Abuja Grand President, Ladies Auxiliary, Knight of St John International, Traditional leaders, amongst others.
According to Lady (Chief) Mrs Immaculata Rufus Ebegba, ” We are here to thank God for my Promotion to the Director Cadre of the Federal Civil Service, as well as my husband’s retirement and successful tenure completion as Director-General of the National Biosafety Management Agency NBMA.
Beaming with smiles, she continued ” I’m proud of my husband because he really worked hard to establish the NBMA as an institution, and to bring it to where it is today. We are thankful to God Almighty”.
Dr Ebegba served the Federal Government in different capacities including Assistand Director, Deputy Director, Director and DG/CEO.
He made strong reforms, while also setting-up the NBMA with over 300 staff, establishing Zonal Offices across the country, creating the first Biosecurity Policy and Action Plan 2022-2026.
Rufus Ebegba Media Office.
