By Ezeaja Ikemefuna

The Director of Information and spokesman of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Joel Oruche is due to retire from the Federal Civil Service after over thirty years of meritorious service to the nation.

Dr Oruche, who joined service on 30th January 1992, will retire on the 29th of July, 2025, after attaining the mandatory age of sixty.

He assumed duty as Director of Information in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in April 2022.

Dr. Oruche has serviced in different MDAs, as Press Secretary / Resident Information Officer including Ecological Project Office, Federal Civil Service Commission, NEPAD, and Ministry of Defence.

In his tour of duty, Dr. Oruche made significant contributions towards publicizing government activities, for instance,while at Ecological Project Office, he initiated the Pre-Project Sensitization Programme which brought together government officials, project benefiting communities, contractors and other stakeholders for effective collaboration aimed at ending conflicts between communities and contractors which hitherto, stalled execution of projects, resulting in the abandonment of projects and worsening of ecological sites at extra cost to government.

At the Ministry of Agriculture, the outgoing director initiated the Annual Training Workshop for Agriculture Correspondents aimed at deepening their understanding of the Ministry’s activities with Directors and other Experts taking turns to brief the Participants.

In his valedictory speech on Monday, 28th of July 2025, Dr Oruche expressed his profound gratitude to all reporters who worked with him during his tour of duty in different Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) especially Agriculture Correspondents for their commitment and support.

He urged them to continue to support the department with the same level of commitment pledging to keep open his relationship with colleagues.

He revealed that the highlight of the Ceremony to mark his birthday and exit from Public Service will be presentation of his book titled: “where no one is oppressed’ the challenge of nation building in Nigeria” which is his humble contribution to nation building and national question slated for 31th July 2025 in Abuja.

Dr Joel Okwuchukwu Oruche is an intellectual philosopher,Educationist, and Information Management Expert, a researcher, novelist, and prolific writer with 18 published books.

His wealth of experience as a writer, teacher, and journalist will be missed by the department and, indeed, the ministry.

By David Owei, Bayelsa
The Bayelsa State Governor, Sen. Douye Diri has urged Corps members deployed the state to see their postings as stepping stone to greatness Corps members

Gov. Diri, who was represented by the Executive Assistant to the Governor on NYSC Matters, Dr. Wisdom Poyeri during the 2025 Batch A, Stream 1 closing ceremony held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Boro Town, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, also enjoined them to contribute their quota to the development of the state.
According to the Governor Diri, there are unlimited opportunities available for corps members who have positive mindsets for personal and community development.

“Just like you, the state is on a journey of incredible possibilities. We are expanding our outlook to make us one of the most desirable destinations for work, leisure and tourism.
We invite you to join us on this exciting journey.” Diri stated.

He described the warm reception and hospitality of the people of the state as unprecedented and urged the corps members to reciprocate this gesture by working hard in their various places of primary assignments.

“It goes without saying that you will find the people of Bayelsa warm and hospitable and thus, the government is fully committed to your security and welfare. Be assured that we will take measures to ensure that you can go about your legitimate business without let or hindrance.”

” Remember, the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. Go forth and make your mark as the world awaits.”

While wishing them happiness , success and love in the the state,, he declared the 2025 Batch A, Stream 1 orientation course closed.

Earlier, the State Coordinator, Mrs Okpalifo Obiageli Charity commended the corps members and camp officials for synergy and discipline that among other factors ensured a hitch free orientation course and enjoined the corps members to promptly report to their respective places of primary assignments.

She charged them to settle down render quality service to nation in the state and leave positive indelible marks in their respective host communities.

She also warned them against engaging in actions and omissions that will put their lives in danger and negatively affect their service year.

Particularly, she cautioned against the negative use of the social media, travelling at night and traveling across the river without life jacket.

She reminded them that primary assignment runs simultaneously with Community Development Service and urged them to identify the felt needs of host community, initiate and execute viable CDS projects that will address such needs to leave a legacy beneficial to the people.

She assured them that the Bayelsa State Government,along side the NYSC, has put together a reward system for corps members who distinguished themselves during the service year.

“During the period of this orientation course, you participated in the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development ( SAED) training. The time for you to build on that foundation and refine your chosen skill has come.”

” As you proceed to your places of Primary Assignments, please, do not let this foundation die; Identify a skill centre nearest to you so as to perfect on the skill you have acquired while on camp. The future of this county ‘s economy lies in your hands- do not waste this golden opportunity.” She explained

.She expressed sincere gratitude to the Bayelsa State Government for its commitment to the welfare and security of the corps members. She also appreciated collaborating partners and camp officials for their team spirit, and commitment throughout the
period of the orientation programme.

She called on all Corps Employers and traditional rulers in the state to ensure that corps lodges are habitable and secured for corps members .
She thanked God for a hitch free orientation course and prayed for journey mercies as camp officials, corps members and invited guests depart the camp to their various destinations.