Encomiums gathered and rained endlessly in torrents on the former Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau (CAB) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Mrs. Felicia Ngozi Onwuegbuchulam, as she honourably bowed out of the Commission’s employment and service at the mandatory retirement age of 60 years.
At the well-attended valedictory meeting, organised in her honour by the Commission in Abuja on Tuesday (17/03/2020), the management and staff of the Commission, family members, and friends gathered to appreciate her significant contribution to NCC corporate governance process which bolstered the regulatory strides of the Commission over the years.
Described by many, with the approval of all, as a decidedly dedicated, kind, yet forthright staff, Onwuegbuchulam, popularly called 'Mrs O', conducted herself in a motherly manner, was pleasant and had a deep passion for excellence and professionalism. She is equally noted for her transparency, integrity, humility and benevolence.
Addressing the excited gathering during the valedictory programme, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, who was full of gratitude to the outgoing director, described her as “one of the most innovative management staff of the Commission.”
According to Danbatta, Onwuegbuchulam introduced a lot of innovations in the last department she worked to ensure effective delivery of Commission’s mandate especially to strengthen consumer protection in the telecom industry.
“I must say, without any equivocation, that we will greatly miss her as she retires from the service of the Commission. The reason is not far-fetched having introduced a lot of innovations in all the departments where she had the privilege to serve while in the Commission, she has really advanced the delivery of NCC’s regulatory mandates,” Danbatta said with candour, enthusiasm and gratitude.
The EVC prayed for Onwuegbuchulam, beseeching God to grant her a successful and memorable retirement life and success in all her future endeavours. Danbatta also wished the outgoing Director sound health, and assured that where her wealth of experience is needed, the Commission will not hesitate to get in touch with her.
“You have served the Commission very creditably. There is no doubt that we will miss you in the Commission but we are happy you have left indelible marks as an innovative staff of the Commission,” the EVC said.
Other staff of the Commission also took turns to speak so glowingly of the exceptional leadership Onwuegbuchulam provided as colleagues and while they worked with her at different departments in the Commission.
Among those who spoke greatly about Onwuegbuchulam is Yetunde Akinloye, Director, Legal and Regulatory Services; Abigail Solanke, Director, Corporate Planning, Strategy and Risk Management; Ephraim Nwokonneya, Director, Projects; Reuben Mouka, Deputy Director, Policy Competition and Economy Analysis; Tokunbo Oyeleye, Deputy Director, New Media and Information Security; and Duro Okodu, Senior Manager, Projects, among others.
Onwuegbuchulan, a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), fellow of the West African Society for Communication and Administration (WASCA), and member, Association of Business Managers and Administration of Nigeria, joined the service of the Commission in 1993.
She has worked in Finance Services Department, Audit Department and the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) before her deployment to Consumer Affairs Bureau (CAB). She was designated as Director, CAB in March 2018, a position she held until her retirement today.