DIRECTOR-GENERAL, Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), Dr. John O. Asein, has appointed the recently retired Director, Public Affairs Department (DPA), Mr. Vincent A. Oyefeso as a Special Copyright Inspector, describing him as an indefatigable and hardworking public servant whose professionalism, sense of commitment and passion for the job stood him out.
The DG disclosed this during a send-forth ceremony held 9th December 2022 at the NCC Headquarters in honour of the retired Director, following his meritorious retirement from the Commission and the Public Service on attainment of the 60 years mandatory retirement age on 5th December 2022.
Extolling the virtues of the retired DPA, the DG remarked: “We cannot but have accolades for Mr. Oyefeso, the passion he exhibits for the job because of the Commission and the need to serve his country is quite commendable. We are indeed proud of you having served three Director-Generals of the NCC in your capacity as a professional. He has worked under friendly and challenging environments but one thing that stands him out is his passion and commitment to duty.”
Dr. Asein, noted that Mr. Oyefeso’s retirement was a wonderful moment to reflect on. “I have learnt in the course of working with him that when there is work to do, it has to be done. We cannot but thank you for the successful years of service to the Commission and we enjoin you to continue to work with the Commission even in retirement because there are still some unfinished works to be done.
He thanked the family of the retired DPA for their understanding in standing by him despite the demands of the job. ‘’We appreciate all your efforts. Remember that anywhere you go, NCC will always open the door for you and henceforth, you now have the status of a VIP whenever you come to the Commission”, he stated.
In line with the provisions of section 38 of the Copyright Act, the Director-General invested the recently retired DPA as a Special Copyright Inspector and presented him with a plaque, a certificate of meritorious service to the Commission and a 576 liters Scanfrost Chest Freezer gift.
The occasion’s Chairman, former Director, Legal, NCC, Mr. Jacob Fagbemi, commended the DG for the initiative of honouring retired Directors of the Commission as a worthy course and prayed for its sustenance. He tasked the DG to ensure that the recently passed Copyright Bill was assented to before the end of this Administration.
Mr. Fagbemi applauded the newly retired DPA as a man with no impossibility in his approach to the job. “As you proceed into another phase of life, God will continually help and sustain you”, he prayed
In his response, the DG pledged that the legacy of honouring staff members on retirement would be sustained and taken higher beyond the present level of celebration. He assured that the Commission was working assiduously to get the new Copyright Bill assented to by the President. He enjoined all staff members still in Service that “this is the time to start preparing to remain strong and mentally alert and be useful to yourself beyond the Commission, to improve yourself, your capacity and your service to the nation”.
Speaking on behalf of the Management Staff, the Director, Regulatory, Mr. Augustine Amodu, said, “We are losing a great man with vision and ability to do his work. As we bid you goodbye following your retirement, we still need your guidance, and don’t fail to come to us when there is need”.
In the same vein, the Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Mrs. Ijeoma Egbunike, remarked that the retirement would be highly felt in the Department, “but we are grateful that he retired peacefully and in sound health”. She commended the DPA for being a force on the job and promised that the indelible marks and discipline he left in the Department to promote team spirit and get the job done would be sustained.
In his valedictory remarks, the former DPA, expressed his gratitude to the DG, the entire Management and staff on the outpouring of commendations on him and thanked the Commission for honouring him. He noted that the driving force for his passion on the job was the mandate of the Commission, the need to imbibe team spirit and not condoning mediocrity. He tasked all staff on the need to build and maintain competence; diligence and loyalty on the job, to keep hopes alive irrespective of the challenges and be intentionally committed to making impact in the system.
Highlights of the send forth programme were the presentation of an Award plaque for meritorious service to the Commission; cutting of the 60th anniversary cake for the retired DPA and presentation of a special retirement gift to him by the DG on behalf of the Commission.
Amos Abutu
For: Director-General
