After 35 years with the Delta State Civil Service, Director General of the Delta State Sports Commission, Mr. Festus Ohwojero, retired on Wednesday amid accolades and words of commendations from his colleagues.

Ohwojero joined the Sports Council in the old Bendel State, where, fresh from secondary school, he was offered a job as a swimming pool attendant.

He rose through the ranks, serving in the Technical Department as a swimming pool attendant, Administration Department as a Clerical Officer, Financial Department as Account Officer, and Audit Department as Director Auditor before becoming the Director General of the Sports Commission. His journey highlights the possibility of achieving great things through commitment and perseverance. Ohwojero was also among the seven pioneer directors when the Sports Commission was created in 2008.

At a farewell ceremony organised by the management of the Sports Commission on Wednesday in Asaba, Ohwojero expressed his sincere appreciation to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his unwavering support during his tenure as DG. He also extended his thanks to the Sports Commission Chairman, Onoriode Oborevwori, for his dedication to ensuring the well-being of staff of the commission.

Ohwojero, visibly moved by the outpouring of encomium from colleagues and well-wishers, recounted his humble beginnings, as he reminisced on his journey from Benin City in the old Bendel State, saying: “When I was offered a job as a swimming pool attendant in the defunct Bendel State Sports Council by my uncle, Sir M. E. Agboro, little did I know then that this opportunity would lead me on a remarkable journey to the top of the Sports Commission.”

In his parting words, Ohwojero urged the management and staff of the commission to extend the same level of cooperation they provided him to the incoming Director General, just as he emphasised the importance of unity and collaboration in ensuring the continued success of the Sports Commission.

Staff took turns to express their admiration and respect for Ohwojero, recognising his exceptional leadership and commitment to the commission’s growth. They lauded him as the first DG to have ascended from the rank and file to the highest position, a testament to his dedication and the trust he earned throughout his career.

To the staff, Ohwojero’s retirement marks the end of an era, but his legacy of dedication and service will continue to inspire future generations of sports professionals in Delta State.

On his part, the Executive Chairman of Delta State Sports Commission, Oborevwori described Ohwojero as a quintessential Sports administrator whose administrative acumen would continue to reverberate in the commission.

He said that working with Ohwojero was a delightful experience as it was seamless and enjoyable despite the short period of time they spent together.

Oborevwori said that the outgone Director General was an intelligent and dedicated member of staff who was always ready to offer his expertise and knowledge towards taking the state Sports Commission to a higher pedestal.

The highlight of the send forth was a presentation of 70-inch plasma TV to Ohwojero by the Sports Commission Chairman on behalf of the management and staff .