By JOHNSON EBIGIDE
Delta State Ministry of Trade and Investments witnessed a double celebration in Asaba with the birthday bash of the Commissioner for Trade and Investments in the state, Honourable Chika Ossai, and the sent forth party in honour of the retiring Permanent Secretary (PS) in the ministry, Mr. Ebipade Aloba.
The twin event which took off at the premises of the ministry located in the New Secretariat Complex, along the Popular Mariam Babangida Way in Asaba, the state capital, with the birthday celebration of the commissioner, had members of the staff and many distinguished invited guests as well as the cream of journalists in attendance.
There was enough to eat and drink and so much joy in the air. After the cutting of the birthday cake by the commissioner, assisted by his lovely wife and son, as well as management staff of the ministry, an elated Honourable Ossai, thanked all for finding time to attend his birthday celebration, saying that God had been wonderfully impacting positively in his life and the ministry under his watch.
The staff in their joyful mood, thereafter, presented several gifts to the commissioner who was shocked with their outpouring of love for him.
Then came the other side of the celebration, the sent forth ceremony in honour of the retiring PS. Reading the citation of the retiring PS, the Director of Small and Medium Enterprises (SME), Mr Pat Isichei, stated that the pedigree of the retiring PS was so elaborate that it would be near impossible to reel it out within the short time earmarked for the celebration, adding that Mr Aloba brought his wealth of knowledge and experience to bear positively in the management and development of the ministry.
The commissioner thanked the retiring PS for giving him the needed cooperation towards the actualisation of set goals, adding that Mr Aloba would be missed in the ministry, but that his professional assistance would be sort for from time to time. Other staff in the ministry also eulogised the quintessential essence of Mr. Aloba.
Present at the occasion were also the Peace Ambassador of the NUJ, Comrade Osita Biose, the Chairman of the NUJ in the state, who was represented by the Vice Chairman of the union and PRO of the celebrating ministry, Comrade Ogono Salvation, Andy Adaigbe, Chuks Eboagwu, Media aide to Honourable Ossai, among very many others.