By Onwe Wisdom | Pan Afric Reporters
The Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has described the retiring Director of Press and Public Relations, Benjamin Bem Goong, as a consummate gentleman and distinguished public servant whose 35 years of meritorious service have left lasting imprints on Nigeria’s public communication sector.
Speaking at Mr. Goong’s diamond jubilee and retirement celebration in Abuja on Thursday 16th October 2025, Mukhtar according to a press release e-signed by the ministry’s Head, Press and Public Relations Department, Oghenekevwe Uchechukwu commended his integrity, professionalism, and dedication, noting that serving across 17 Ministries, Departments and Agencies with an unblemished record was a rare achievement.
He expressed regret that Goong’s statutory retirement came just as the Ministry was beginning to benefit from his wealth of experience, assuring that he would continue to consult him for guidance.
The Minister urged the celebrant to use his retirement to impact his community positively, saying, “retirement is simply changing tyres after a long journey. Use the new ones to create value for your family, community and country.”
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, who was represented by the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics; and the Executive Secretary of Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny Echono; the Chief Judge of Benue State, Hon. Justice Maurice A. Ikpambese.
Others are former Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Paul Orhii; the National Coordinator of L-PRES, Dr. Sanusi Abubakar; as well as directors, colleagues, and friends of the celebrant, all of whom spoke glowingly of his exemplary service and professionalism.
