By Adaora Abibe, Temidayo Igwebuike
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) held a formal send-off ceremony on Friday 4th July, 2025, to honour three distinguished directors retiring after decades of exemplary service to the Council.
The event, hosted at the RMRDC headquarter Abuja, was presided over by the Director General, Professor Nnanyelugo Martins Ike-Muonso, and attended by senior management, staff, family members, and well-wishers.
The retiring directors include: Director, Research and Demonstration Plant Complex Department (RDPC); Dr. John Obekpa, Overseeing Director of the same department; Mr. Ali Dahuwa Abdulhamid and Director of the Administrative and Human Resources Department, Mr. Suraj Lawal Gusau, were celebrated for their outstanding contributions to the Council’s mission and institutional development.
In his remarks, Professor Ike-Muonso paid glowing tributes to each of the retirees, describing them as pillars of integrity, professionalism, and dedication. He praised Dr. Obekpa for his forthrightness and unwavering commitment, noting that his absence would leave a significant void within the Council.
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He further commended, Mr. Abdulhamid for his intellectual depth and dual role as both a scientist and Islamic scholar, stating that his insights had greatly enriched internal discourse. On Mr. Suraj, the Director-General highlighted his impeccable administrative leadership and ethical conduct, describing him as a model civil servant and mentor to younger staff.
“Their legacies are imprinted in the very culture of this Council,” Prof. Ike-Muonso said. “We owe them a debt of gratitude for their selfless service and commitment to excellence.”
Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Mr. Suraj expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Council’s leadership and colleagues for their support over the years. Reflecting on his 33 years and one month in service, he spoke of the skills and experiences he gained, which he now applies in running two consultancy firms.
He urged staff to remain committed to their duties, uphold integrity, and embrace the positive changes taking place under the current leadership. “This is a time of opportunity,” he said. “With new initiatives like the proposed Value Addition Bill, tax incentives approval etc, there’s a lot of work ahead, but also immense potential for growth.”
The event featured tributes and goodwill messages from staff, many of whom shared personal stories about the mentorship and support they received from the departing directors. Colleagues recalled moments of resilience, teamwork, and leadership that shaped the Council’s progress. It also showcased the presentation of gifts and tokens of appreciation by the DG Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso and other staff.
