It was an atmosphere filled with joy and celebration at the Professor Robert Ajayi Boroffice Conference Hall of the National Space Research and Development Agency, NASRDA, venue of the 65th birthday and retirement ceremony of a foremost Engineer and Space Scientist, Professor Spencer Ojogba Onuh.
The event which witnessed the assembly of the Agency’s members of staff, family members, friends, and well-wishers was organised by the management and staff of the Centre for Satellite Technology Development, CSTD in Abuja.
While speaking at the event, the Director General, National Space Research and Development Agency, NASRDA, Dr. Halilu Ahmad Shaba described Professor Spencer Onuh as a thorough breed Professional who has contributed immensely to the development of space science and technology in the country.
Dr. Shaba who was represented by the Director, Ground Station and Mission Control, Dr. Halidu Ibrahim further explained the personality of Professor Onuh, describing him as a man of many parts, a role model and team player who has made significant impact in capacity building and advancing the course of human development especially within the space science and technology ecosystem.
According to him, The Celebrant over the years displayed a very high sense of responsibility and expertise in the course of discharging his duties especially while he held Sway at the CSTD which is considered as the heartbeat of the Space Agency.
He added that the Agency will not cut ties with the celebrant because of his knowledge and expertise but will ensure that the relationship is sustained despite his retirement from active service.
Speaking earlier, the Director and Chief Executive of the Centre for Space Technology Development, CSTD, Dr. Sadiq Umar described the celebrant as a boss and role model, under whose tutelage he had garnered the requisite knowledge and expertise to effectively pilot the affairs of the Centre to a greater height.
He added that the exemplary leadership style of the celebrant has impacted positively on the members of staff at the Centre, making them distinct and outstanding especially amongst their contemporaries.
Also speaking during the ceremony, the Director, Planning, Policy and Research, PPR, Dr Francis Chizea while congratulating the celebrant on his successful retirement from active service, encouraged the management and staff of the Agency to follow the path of Professor Onuh by displaying a high sense of responsibility and laying down principles and legacies that are worthy of emulation.
In his congratulatory message, the Director, Engineering and Space Systems, ESS, Dr. Olufemi Agboola described the celebrant as an embodiment of knowledge and discipline and one who will never be discouraged until he achieves his goals and objectives.
In his remarks, the Director, Media and Corporate Communication, Dr. Felix Ale, described the celebrant as a man with a very good heart who is always willing to contribute his quota to the success of every meaningful project and engagement.
Presenting the certificate of retirement to Professor Onuh, the Ag Director, Administration, Hajiya Bilkisu Talatu Ahmed congratulated him for serving meritoriously and bowing out of service honourably.
While extolling the virtues of the celebrant in their good will messages, other directors of the agency drawn from the Headquarters, Centers and Laboratories took turns to celebrate a man they described as an embodiment of wisdom and humility that should be emulated by all and sundry, especially in the course of their respective career practices.
They described Professor Onuh as a bridge builder and an intellectual asset who has used his expertise to mobilize people into achieving definite goals and objectives for the advancement of the agency. According to them, his name will be written boldly in the sand of time because of his immense contribution to the actualization of the Agency’s mandate.
In his vote of thanks, the highly elated Professor Onuh was full of joy and appreciated the management and Staff of the Space Agency for mobilizing resources to celebrate his birthday and successful retirement from active service.
Professor Onuh who went down memory lane on the journey of his life, appreciated God for his achievements, which, according to him, were the result of hard work, dedication, commitment, and selfless service to God and humanity.
He further pledged his continuous support for the activities of the agency by providing expert advice and making meaningful contributions whenever he was called upon.
The high point of the ceremony was the cutting of the birthday cum retirement cake, which was done by the celebrant who was supported by the Directors present, as well as the presentation of retirement certificate to him. Until his retirement from service, Professor Spencer Ojogba Onuh held several appointive positions within the agency, prominent among them being the Director, Centre for Satellite Technology Development, CSTD, as well as the Research Director and Head of Department at the Institute of Space Science and Engineering, ISSE.
Below are pictures from the ceremony for your viewing pleasure.
Daniel Abdullahi,
Media and Corporate Communications.
