After 35 years of meritorious service spanning the military and democratic eras, Mr Johnson Agbaike, a Deputy Director of Information and former Public Relations Officer, Government House, Asaba, has bowed out of the Delta State Civil Service.
Agbaike, who retired on August 28, 2026, was described by the Chairman of the Delta State Bureau for Pensions, Sir Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje, as a “living archive” of the state’s civil service and the last serving officer whose career began in the defunct Bendel State Civil Service before the creation of Delta and Edo States in 1991.
Speaking at a retirement ceremony organised in Agbaike’s honour by staff of the Press Unit, Government House, Asaba, on Monday, Ogidi-Gbegbaje said the retiree had served under several military and democratic governors, commissioners for information, chief press secretaries and public relations officers, witnessing major transitions and reforms in the public service.
He said Agbaike distinguished himself throughout his career through professionalism, accuracy, discretion, loyalty and commitment to duty, particularly in the government house press unit, where he contributed to documenting government policies, projecting programmes and communicating government activities to the public.
According to him, Agbaike’s legacy extends beyond official records to the younger officers he mentored, many of whom now form part of the state’s press corps, saying that the retiree’s career exemplified integrity, discipline and responsible public service.
Leading tributes, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, represented by a retired Functioning Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Mr Harold Ojji, described Agbaike as a dedicated public servant whose impact was evident in the quality of his work and commitment to service.
Aniagwu said retirement was not the end of active contribution to society, but an opportunity for Agbaike to deploy his experience, knowledge and wisdom to further benefit the people, commending him for mentoring others. He urged him to remain humble and continue learning in the next chapter of his life.
The Commissioner thanked God for Agbaike’s good health and prayed for divine guidance, preservation and blessings as he begins his retirement, stressing that after decades of service, it was time for him to enjoy the fruits of his labour.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, represented by the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Media, Dr Nelson Egware, also joined other speakers in celebrating Agbaike’s contribution to the public service.
Ahon described Agbaike as a dedicated, loyal, reliable and committed person, who does not compromise his duties for anything, adding that the retiree is a humble and dependable friend.
Other dignitaries, 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, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Delta State Council, Mr Churchill Oyovwe, commended the retiree for his outstanding contributions to the civil service.
Responding, an emotional Agbaike recalled that his career began as a Level Four officer in the then Bendel State Civil Service, attributing his progression over the years to the grace of God, perseverance and dedication.
He expressed appreciation to all former governors of the state, particularly the present Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, for giving him opportunity to serve, as well as his superiors, colleagues and friends who contributed to his success.
Agbaike, who was accompanied by his wife, Theodora, and their children, said he was “only bowing out of service” after 35 years of meritorious service, stressing that he would continue to relate and collaborate with colleagues and friends in the years ahead.
He thanked the organising committee for the retirement reception and urged members of the Press Corps to remain dedicated, disciplined and committed to their responsibilities.
The retiree also charged journalists to protect the credibility of the profession and remain conscious of the responsibility entrusted to them in informing the public.
The ceremony featured tributes, presentation of gifts and expressions of appreciation from colleagues, friends and family members who celebrated Agbaike’s long and distinguished career in the Delta State public service.
