By Olawale Lamina
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, has honoured Barr. Grace Agha-Ibe, fsi, as she retired from her position as Director, Proceeds of Crime Department (POCD), describing her exit as glorious and well-deserved after 24 years of dedicated service to the Commission.
A release issued and signed by the Commission’s Spokesperson J.Okor Odey, ANIPR stated that the event which coincided with Barr. Agha-Ibe’s birthday was organised by the Special Services Department of the ICPC, in recognition of her immense contributions to the Commission and the department where she spent a significant part of her career.
Colleagues, friends and well-wishers gathered to celebrate what many described as a career defined by discipline, integrity and mentorship.
Mrs. Phoebe Eke who stood as Master of Ceremonies, MC, welcomed guests and paid glowing tribute to the retiring Director.
She highlighted Barr. Agha-Ibe’s strong teaching skills, discipline and unwavering commitment to ensuring that every officer who worked with her experienced growth, improvement and professional satisfaction.
In his welcome address, Director of SSD, Prince Hassan Mohammed, said the department was celebrating “a great individual whose career is fulfilled.”
According to Prince Mohammed, the retiring Director put up a glorious career and that the department considered it a duty to honour her for her invaluable contributions to its growth and development.
He noted that the blueprint left behind by Barry. Agha-Ibe will continue to sustain the department’s progress, adding particularly that her retirement offers new opportunities to serve the nation in different capacities and expressed confidence that her future testimonies would remain a beacon of hope. He also appreciated members of the planning committee for organising the event.
Delivering a goodwill message, Acting Director, POCD, Mr George Lawal, described the occasion as truly wonderful . He stated that having known Agha-Ibe for 24 years, he would continue to appreciate her personality in two words he described as “firm and fair,” praying that God rewards the Director for her years of service and mentorship and expressed the hope that everyone present would one day experience a remarkable and honourable exit from the organization.
Also speaking at the ceremony, a senior officer of the Commission, Mr. Umar Babangida, who had not worked directly with her, recalled how she once handled a challenging matter with exceptional fairness and justice, an experience he said left a lasting impression on him.
Other colleagues who spoke in similar vein, including Mr. Dozie Ihezue described Barr Agha-Ibe as hardworking and meticulous, noting that her work ethic was difficult to match, even though she readily acknowledged and rewarded genuine effort.
On his part, the Acting Head of FID, Mr. Joshua Wakili, characterised her as tough yet deeply instructive, saying there was always a learning opportunity in every situation under her leadership. He described her as an expert administrator who constantly pursued perfection and imparted knowledge selflessly.
Mrs. Kemi Bamigbe described her as a no-nonsense leader with high standards, explaining that while tough moments were inevitable, they were driven by her insistence on thoroughness and excellence.
Mrs. Alice Bolarinwa acknowledged that while opinions about her disposition sometimes differed, her ability to mentor and run a tight ship shaped her career significantly. She added that Barr. Agha-Ibe was compassionate and deeply caring toward committed staff, and that she would be greatly missed.
Mr Nonso Asiwa noted that she had no issues with anyone willing to work, adding that those who got close to her often discovered a different perspective from outside perceptions. He commended her passion for excellence and prayed for greater accomplishments in the next phase of her life.
Mr Deolu Okunoren thanked the SSD for organising the ceremony and acknowledged the efforts of Prince Hassan Mohammed in making it a reality. He described the retiring Director as a mother and mentor who treated everyone as family, built a closely bonded team and demonstrated strong understanding of public service, integrity and goal-driven leadership.
Ms Favour Ubani also congratulated and praised her discernment, attention to details, consistent advice and genuine concern for subordinates, while reminiscing on their shared moments.
In her vote of thanks, Barr. Grace Agha-Ibe expressed profound gratitude for what she described as an incredible and overwhelming gesture. She said SSD remains one great family and that she would always consider herself a member.
She admitted that the emotional nature of the event moved her to tears, revealing that behind her stern façade lies a deeply emotional person shaped by life’s demands to be tough in order to achieve objectives without fail.
Reflecting on her 24-year journey, she attributed her achievements to God’s grace, recalling how she had travelled across the length and breadth of the country by road and air and had always been divinely protected.
She encouraged staff to remain focused on the primary reason for being in the Commission — work — assuring them that diligence and perseverance would always be recognised and rewarded in due time.
She urged them not to grumble or be discouraged in challenging seasons, emphasising that God’s timing is always the best. “Your time will come,” she assured, encouraging them to remain steadfast in faith and committed to excellence.
Concluding her remarks, she expressed deep affection for her colleagues, urging them to stay in touch and move forward positively.
She affirmed her intention to continue contributing her quota to national development, even in retirement, noting that there remains much work to be done for the nation.
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