….……says she is a chip off the old block.
The Chairman, Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) Prof. Tunji Olaopa has described Mrs. Dere Awosika exemplary achievements post-retirement as remarkable saying that as a chip off the old block, she embodies the values of a renowned Nigerian family with a pedigree that stands tall in the annals of public service in Nigeria.
Olaopa made this remark when he received, on a courtesy visit, a retired federal permanent secretary, Dr. (Mrs) Dere Awosika, in his office in Abuja. He said after Mrs. Awosika’s successful public service career, she progressed to assume the position of the chairperson of the board of directors of one of Nigeria’s leading banks, Access Bank Plc, and also, an honorary consul of the Czech Republic after retirement. He explained that she was a source of inspiration to upcoming civil servants that beyond years of toiling as bureaucrats, there can be a distinguished life after retirement.
Olaopa, who was at the event with his Hon. Commissioners representing Adamawa, Gombe and Taraba States-Dr. Ibrahim Jalo Daudu; Jigawa and Kano States-Ambassador Aminu Nagebu, including Akwa Ibom and Cross River States-Bar. Ededet Eyoma and Kogi and Kwara States-Mrs. Rukiyat Odekunle; extolled Awosika’s professionalism and hardwork, saying that at a personal level, he knew Awosika as a woman of deep Christian values who lives her life with the fear of God and integrity, which inspired him greatly. “You inspired me personally during our time together in service,” Olaopa said.
While acknowledging Awosika as an accomplished federal permanent secretary and his senior in the service, he said he was very happy to receive her in his office as a role model for women and career senior civil servants that worth celebrating.
He prayed that she would continue to grow in grace, prosper in health, and the lord continue to uphold her with many more decades of service to the country.
Speaking earlier, Dr. Awosika said that the visit was to commend Olaopa’s leadership at the Commission. She equally added that her courtesy call was also to acknowledge the positive changes taking place under Olaopa’s stewardship.
She stated that the Commission was the fabric of the country’s governance, as the private sector depends on the government, which is being managed by the civil service.
Awosika informed that she was glad to be a civil servant because it allowed her to serve anywhere, explaining that the Commission builds the public service and that the private sector depends on the government for its operational success. She said civil servants understand the issues that the private sector wants the government to address.
She said she was glad to be a civil servant because it allowed her to serve anywhere; saying that she supports the Commission’s various reforms, which are making it to come alive.
The event ends with the taking of a photograph of both Prof. Tunji Olaopa and Dr. (Mrs.) Dere Awosika followed with a group photograph involving the Hon. Commissioners.
Signed
Taiwo Hassan
Head (Press & Public Relations)
11th October, 2025.
