The South-West Zonal office of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), was enveloped with mixed feelings on Friday, 1st of September 2023 as the Zonal Director, Mr. James Omozuanvbo Imohiosen bade farewell to the Institute. This event took place at the premises of the South West Zonal Office, 20, Oke-Eda, Akure.

In her remark, the Ag Zonal Head, Mrs. Ruth Oyenekan described Mr. Imohiosen as a gentleman to the core, calm and peaceful. She said in the cause of discharging his duties as the zonal director, he exhibited good qualities of a leader that brought peace, love and oneness among members of staff.

In his goodwill message, the former NICO director of Orientation and Cultural Affairs Department, Prince Bamidele Olusa described Mr. Imohiosen as an amazing man who has been his friend even when he was in service. While thanking the outgoing director for his selfless service and contribution, he encouraged members of staff to sustain the peaceful nature that the zone is known for and to cooperate with the Ag. Zonal head to enable her build on the good legacy Mr. Imohiosen is leaving behind. Concluding his remark, the former NICO director admonished members of staff to think of the future before taking any action.

Also speaking, was the Branch Manager, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Akure, Mr. Jimoh S. Muhammed, who was duly represented by the Deputy Branch Manager, Mr. Bayo Odenusi. In his remark, Mr. Odenusi described the outgoing director as a gentleman and an easy going fellow which he admires from afar. He also advised members of staff to prepare for their retirement while still in service. Finally, he wrapped up his remark by praying for good life after retirement for Mr. James Imohiosen.

In her goodwill message, the head, Budget Unit, Mrs. Owan Funmilola described the zonal director as a peaceful man who relates with everyone as a father and not a boss. She spoke of him as one who gives everyone a benefit of doubt despite what has been said concerning them.

Still in the euphoria of goodwill messages, the head, Research and Documentation Department, Mr. Emeji Chukwuemeka, commended the outgoing zonal director for a job well done. He said the story of his personal achievements in the institute would not be complete without acknowledging Mr. Imohiosen. He thanked him for his impact on each and everyone both in official capacity and personal life.

On his part, Mr. Ofuafo Testimony, a representative of the recently transferred staff from Akure to Benin office expressed his gratitude to God almighty for the life of the outgoing zonal director and prayed that God will open doors for him as he progresses in life.

In the same vein, other members of staff that gave their goodwill messages expressed their gratitude to the outgoing zonal director for the fatherly role he played in sustaining the unity and oneness in the zone.

In his response, Mr. Imohiosen who was overflowing with emotions said he was emotional not because he was leaving the service but knowing full well that he was going to miss the family he has built in NICO south west zone. He admonished members of staff to improve on themselves in order to secure the future in NICO. In his words, “Please my beloved, improve on yourselves, the NICO of tomorrow is in your hands”. Still speaking, the outgoing zonal director thanked everyone for the respect and cooperation accorded to him and passionately appealed to members of staff to give same to the Ag. zonal head.

As part of the ceremony, the outgoing Zonal Director, Mr. James Omozuanvbo Imohiosen officially handed over the mantle of leadership to Mrs. Ruth Oyenekan, who until Friday 1st of September 2023 was the head, Orientation and Cultural Affairs Department.

The highlights of the event were a toast to successful retirement and presentation of gift to the outgoing Zonal Director. The presentation of gift which was done on behalf of other members of staff by the Ag. head, Mrs. Ruth Oyenekan; head, Budget Unit, Mrs. Funmilola Owan and the head, Human Resource Management, Mrs. Ogechukwu Emeji left the outgoing Zonal Director astonished as he was not expecting such expression of love from members of staff.

In her vote of thanks, the head, Human Resource Management, Mrs. Ogechukwu Emeji thanked all dignitaries present for honouring the outgoing Zonal Director with their presence. She also expressed her profound appreciation to staffers of the Institute within and outside the zone for gracing the occasion with their support, love and presence.

Among other dignitaries were the former NICO director of Orientation and Cultural Affairs Department, Prince Bamidele Olusa; the Branch Manager, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Akure, Mr. Jimoh S. Muhammed, who was duly represented by the Deputy Branch Manager, Mr. Bayo Odenusi and a representative of the Imohiosen’s family, Mr. Michael Douglas.

The ceremony was not without refreshment as guests and members of staff were treated to a mouth-watering meal and other delicacies, thereafter a group photograph to sustain the memory of the event was taken.

Corporate Affairs Unit
NICO, SWZ