It was a night of commendations and testimonies on efficiency and dedicated service by distinguished guests in attendance at the send forth/retirement dinner held in honour of Mr Peter Osamuede Aghahowa who bows out from the National Pension Commission (PenCom) after cumulative 35 years of service.
The event Organised by the PenCom Management at the Emerald Hall of the A-Class Park, Maitama, Abuja, attracted distinguished personalities including Staff of the Commission, Central Bank of Nigeria, pension industry, friends and relations of the celebrant, among others. In fact, the 16th August, 2024 was a date not be forgotten in a hurry by Aghahowa family.
Apart from being treated to cultural dances, everyone in attendance were also entertained with sumptuous dinner. Further, the climax of the celebration was punctuated by cutting of retirement/60th birthday anniversary cake and the taking of various group photographs.
Speaking, the PenCom Commissioner for finance, Dr. Charles E. S. Emukowhate, who spoke on behalf of the Acting Director General of PenCom, Omolola Oloworaran, management and staff of the Commission, noted that Mr. Aghahowa is a dedicated excellent worker and a solution finder to any assignment given to him.
He said though, Aghahowa is retiring from service after 35 years of service which coincided with his 60th Birthday, but he is not tired because his skills and knowledge will certainly still be required in other endeavors.
He specifically wished Mr. Aghahowa well in his future endeavors even if he desires to venture into politics, observing that Aghahowa is talented, honest and very loyal to his boss.
Dr. Emukowhate further thanked him for his immense contributions to the growth of pension industry, particularly in PenCom. He also commended Mrs Aghahowa and children for their comportment and creating enabling environment at home which helped their retiring father to gave his best while in service.
Other dignitaries including his former colleagues in Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in their various comments in appreciation of the celebrant said he is very calm, dedicated gentleman who at various times headed Policy regulations, corporate communications and Research departments of the PenCom
In their assessments of the celebrant, he is “result oriented and very humane; he knows how to encourage people and achieve results. He’s a very calm person under any situation, very understanding but very firm. He’s very professional and can also raise his voice when there’s need for it.
“He is someone to emulate in terms of commitment to work and empathy. He perfect gentleman and very amiable person. He has a unique way of breaking down and simplifying a complex situation and achieve expected results. He has kind approach to issues and has empathy as one of his mantra.”
Members of the International Church of Christ (ICOC) Abuja, where Mr. Aghahowa worships, also testified to the humility and diligence of celebrant. They acknowledged that he has been a good ambassador of the Church and expressed joy that as he retires now, he would be more preoccupied with his contributions in teaching and pastoring in the church.
Earlier, in an opening marks, the Chief host, Mr Abdulkadir Mohammed Dahiru, who was Mr. Aghahowa’s successor as Head of Corporate Communications Department of PenCom, commended Mr. Aghahowa for his exemplary service.
In his response, after the climax of the event with the cutting of his retirement celebration cake, Mr. Aghahowa who was flanked by his wife and children, foremost expressed appreciation to God for granting him His grace.
“I want to thank God for the kind of grace He has given me. For those who are close to me, I’ve always told them that I’m a favoured child. I did enjoy God’s favour even in PenCom. Even at turbulent times, somehow, God was able to lead through those times.”
He expressed appreciation to his wife, whom he noted had always stood for him, most especially when he was in surveillance department which involved his travelling around. He also thanked his children for their supports to him.
On his achievements, he attributed it to the entire staff of PenCom, stressing that the Commission is blessed with good staff. He thanked them, saying that they had overwhelmed him with their various comments, commendations, gifts and so forth as he never expected it.