By Raymond Enoch
Taraba State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC), Commandant Edwin Ugwuja on Sunday, 19th June 2022 marked one year in office as well as celebrated his birth day in jalingo, the Taraba State capital.
The week-long Event which climaxed on Sunday began with a thanks giving mass at the Saint Augustine Catholic Church Dorowa, Jalingo after which the celebrant hosted friends, family and colleagues to a grand reception at his residence.
Commandant Ugwuja who was visibly excited thanked God for sparing his life, expressed joy for having had the opportunity to impact on humanity serving as the state commandant in a state like Taraba, where before now had issues of security concerns explained that with his contribution so far, the situation has improved.
“I don’t regret having come here to Taraba State, since I arrived, it’s been an eventful working time, I recall some of my most striking moments, one when I laid siege and rounded off some notorious cultist terrorizing the Taraba State University, TSU”
“Another opportunity to prove my determination to serve fatherland was when I and my team cracked down on some suspected criminal elements who were dealing on human parts in Taraba State, arrest of bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements terrorizing the state, knowing that my efforts has contributed to restoring peace and order in the society makes me feel fulfilled”
“But as they say, encouragement for hard work well done, is more work, I am determine to continue to put in my best, I will try to do more than I have done before, with God almighty taking the lead” he assured.
Parish priest of the Saint Augustine Catholic Church, Dorowa, Jalingo, Taraba State, Reverend Father Gregory Chivo said the celebrant who has been a dedicated member of the Catholic church has lived a life worthy of emulation, urged public officials to learn from the exemplary life set by Commandant Edwin Ugwuja who he said is humble, sincere, dedicated to work and yet committed to participating in all church activities, prayed God to grant him safety, good health and wisdom to continue to serve God and humanity.
Although it was not a day for long speeches as the arena was set for fanfare and merriment friends, colleagues and family members of the celebrant as well as staff of the Taraba State NSCDC Command turned out emass to rejoice with Commandant Edwin Ugwuja on the double barrel celebrations, Speakers took turns to eulogize a man they all described as a committed, dedicated and hardworking fellow.
In his remarks, Brigadier General J.A Faransa (Rtd.) described Commandant Edwin Ugwuja as an exceptional gallant officer of the NSCDC whose outstanding qualities has fostered strong bond within the various security formations across the state, he therefore made a toast to long life , sterling promotions and fulfilment in service as he continues to protect Tarabans.
For the Taraba State Director, Department of State Service (DSS), Mr. Ibrahim Saleh, commandant Ugwuja is a team player who has been able to maintain synergy with relevant security agencies in a bid to ensure a secured society.
On his part, the Comptroller, Taraba State Custom services, Chief Ukonu A. Ukonu said the celebrant barely a year in Taraba State, his marks have begun to make remarkable difference in the security architecture of the state wished him promotion as a motivation for his hard work.
The State Commander, National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA) Mr. Jadi Suleiman, said the celebrant is a professional to the core, who is always available to support his colleagues achieve any set goal when it concerns securing the state.
His Federal Fire Services counterpart, Commander Yakubu Samson Dungus described Ugbuja as an excellent, humane, and humble goal-getter who has brought synergy in the service of security in Taraba State since he assumed leadership of the NSCDC, wished him more fruitful years ahead in his future endeavors.
Also on hand to celebrate with the NSCDC Boss was the FRSC State sector commander, Corps commander Selina Larai Williams, who says she has had a cordial working relationship with the celebrant described him as a good team- player whose qualities has endeared him among his colleagues, wished him all the good tidings as he continues to serve humanity.
Taraba State Director of Television and Radio Services, Ministry of Information, Mr. Eliud Mathew Jen in his remarks said the celebrant who has impacted positively to Taraba Sate in terms of securing the State has left great legacy that will be built on even after his departure.
For his family members who were on hand to join in the celebration it was a confirmation of the virtues they have always known commandant Ugwuja with all their lives.
Commandant Oliver Ugwuja, a sibling and colleague of the celebrant who traveled from Abuja to join the celebration said it was not a surprise seeing the large crowd that turned out to celebrate his elder brother who he said took up the role of a father to him and their other siblings when they lost their father at their tender age.
“No sacrifice will ever be too much to show my elder brother how grateful I and our siblings are towards his magnanimity, where ever he goes, he leaves his foot prints in the sands of time, so, the testimonies I hear from Tarabans here today who have turned out to celebrate this great man, my elder brother only confirms his outstanding qualities I already know” he said.
For his Nephew, Peter Chesco Onuorah who came in all the way from Onitsha, Anambra State, “distance will not deter me from coming to show my uncle who is more like a father to me, how much I value and care for him, he has always been there for every one of us, coming to celebrate with him today is the least I could do to reciprocate his kindness”
“Taraba State is very far from the South East where I have travelled from, but am so excited that even here, everyone has spoken so well of my uncle who is a good man” Onuorah added.
His personal assistants, Iko Daniel, other staff of the Taraba State command of the NSCDC as well as dignitaries and guest who graced the occasion also showered encomiums on the Commandant.
Highlights of the occasion was the cutting of the birthday cake by the Taraba State commandant, Edwin Ugwuja who afterwards joined the life band in treating guest to good music and dancing.