News
FCSC praises Awosika for her notable achievements after retirement and her outstanding career in public service
Joel Ajayi
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.
In a statement Signed FCSC Head Press & Public Relations Taiwo Hassan on Friday in Abuja where 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.
Foreign news
Algeria’s Glorious Revolution: Embassy Marks 72nd Anniversary in Abuja
Joel Ajayi
The Embassy of Algeria in Nigeria has commemorated the 72nd anniversary of the country’s Glorious Revolution of November 1, 1954, with a reception in Abuja, highlighting Algeria’s liberation struggle and strengthening diplomatic relations with Nigeria.
The event, held on November 9, 2026, at Continental Suites Hotel, attracted prominent personalities, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, members of the Federal Government, senior government officials, heads of diplomatic missions and other friends of Algeria.
Speaking at the reception, Algeria’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Hocine Mezoued, welcomed guests and paid tribute to the country’s freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during the struggle for independence.
He described the November 1, 1954 revolution as the foundation of modern Algeria, noting that the sacrifices of the nation’s martyrs made it possible for the country to reclaim its sovereignty.
On Algeria’s development agenda, Mezoued said President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s administration had continued to pursue economic reforms, diversification and national development under its New Algeria vision.
He noted that the country was recording progress in non-hydrocarbon exports, while improvements in the business environment had boosted investor confidence and attracted significant foreign investments.
On foreign policy, the ambassador reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to non-interference, respect for national sovereignty, peaceful conflict resolution and the right of peoples to self-determination.
Addressing security challenges in the Sahel, he stressed that lasting peace could not be achieved through military measures alone, insisting that economic development, inclusive dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes remained essential.
Turning to Nigeria-Algeria relations, Mezoued described the partnership as one founded on shared values and the commitment of both countries’ leaders to advancing African development.
He identified the Trans-Saharan Highway, Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and Trans-Saharan Fibre Optic Backbone as major strategic projects receiving attention from both countries.
The ambassador also disclosed that Algeria had continued to provide scholarships to Nigerian students to strengthen human capital development and capacity building.
He further announced that Air Algérie expanded its Nigerian operations on October 26, 2026, with the introduction of two weekly flights to Lagos, expressing confidence that the service would boost trade and tourism.
Looking ahead, Mezoued said 2027 would offer fresh opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly through the fifth Joint High Bi-National Commission scheduled to hold in Abuja.
He expressed optimism that the meeting would provide an opportunity to assess existing partnerships, identify new areas of cooperation and move Nigeria-Algeria relations towards a more practical and results-driven phase.
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