By Favour Nnabugwu

The retirement of highly resected director of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency, (SMEDAN), Engr. David Ozigi was celebrated by friends, family and associates gathered together in Abuja

The Registrar of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Engr. Prof. Adisa A. Bello, FNSE, who spoke on the topic Character and Integrity in Professional Practice’,  described professional integrity as the practice of maintaining ethical behaviour, strong adherence to moral and ethical principles and values such as honesty, honour, dependability and trustworthiness.

He further outlined the importance of integrity in the work place to be beneficial to both the individual and the organisation, stating that the individual gains respect, trust and confidence of his peers and bosses, thus integrity in the workplace ultimately guarantees overall success.

He stated that some of the characteristics of a man of character and integrity includes valuing other peoples time, giving credit to where credit is due. They are always honest and never take advantage of others. They give most people the benefit of doubt, they believe in others and trust others.

Prof. Adisa A. Bello described the celebrant as an epitome of Character and Integrity. He went down memory to 1985 when he had his first contact with Engr. Ozigi who was his lecturer at ATBU Bauchi where he taught Strength of Materials.

He further described all the former students of ATBU Bauchi that were taught by Engr, Ozigi as being very fortunate. Engr. Ozigi took his time even outside his scheduled lecture hours to ensure that everyone understood the courses he taught, stating that Engr. Ozigi was however very strict with compliance to instructions, punctuality and thoroughness.

Engr. Ozigi has impacted positively on many peoples lives and he maintains his composure in virtually everywhere he is. He further described Engr. Ozigi as a gentle man a lot of youth still look up to and need to emulate his character and integrity.

In his remarks the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr. Tasiu Gidari Saad-Wudil, FNSE stated that the celebrant was a lecturer at ATBU Bauchi in the 80s (when he was a student) and was noted for hard work and strictness.

He added that he was therefore not surprised that his children are doing excellently well in their academics. He further stated that as the Chief Examiner for the recruitment of new members into NSE Maitama chapter, he was very delighted to find out that the celebrant is a member of the chapter.

Maitama chapter has maintained a very good record in the recruitment of members without compromising experience and performance required for membership. Engr. Ozigi as an examiner contributed immensely to the enviable record of the branch in that regard. Engr. Wudil concluded by praying that may God Almighty reward the celebrant abundantly for the positive virtues he has impacted on the lives of some of his former students.

Pastor Joseph Seyi Malomo, Chaplain of the Aso Chapel gave Charge

titled ” God does not believe in RETIREMENT but in Completion of Life Call” drawing his texts from Exodus 7:7; Deuteronomy 34:7 and 2 Timothy 1:9. He remarked as follows:  We gather to celebrate Engr Ozigi who has had a successful 35 years career as a civil servant; We should however, note that God does not believe in retirement amongst others.