The National Productivity Centre (NPC) has honoured its immediate past Director-General, Dr. Nasir Olaitan Raji-Mustapha, in recognition of his dedicated service to the Centre and the nation.
According to a statement by Amezhi Apia, Director of Media and Special Duties, the event was organized to celebrate the numerous contributions of the former Director-General, particularly in enhancing productivity and national development during his tenure.
The ceremony, hosted by the current Director-General, Dr. Baffa Babba Dan’Agundi, took place at the NPC headquarters’ conference room. It was attended by key stakeholders including former Director-General Dr. Kashim Yunusa Akor, management staff, special guests, as well as family and friends of the celebrant. The atmosphere reflected deep gratitude and respect for Dr. Raji-Mustapha’s impactful leadership.
Speakers at the event highlighted Dr. Raji-Mustapha’s visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to excellence, and tireless efforts that significantly advanced the Centre’s mission. His role as a catalyst for positive change within the organisation was particularly emphasized.
In his address, Dr. Dan’Agundi thanked God for the opportunity to fulfill a promise made a year ago to hold a proper sendforth ceremony for his predecessor.
“Today, Allah has made it possible for me to be with you and other invited guests to celebrate you. I sincerely thank you for accepting this invitation,” he said.
“There is nothing more important to me than leaving a place and hearing that you did well. We are praying for you,” the Director-General added.
Dr. Dan’Agundi also acknowledged the foundational work laid by Dr. Raji-Mustapha and his predecessor, Dr. Akor, noting that many of the staff welfare initiatives were established by them.
Expressing appreciation to Dr. Kashim Akor, he said, “There is no day I speak with him that he does not advise me on how to move the Centre forward.”
Addressing productivity challenges, Dr. Dan’Agundi stressed the importance of reward systems, stating, “Lack of proper reward systems kills productivity. That is why we have introduced many incentives to boost staff performance.”
He further promised, “As long as I remain Director-General, any retiring Head of Department will go home with a car as a parting gift.”
In his remarks, Dr. Kashim Yunusa Akor, who handed over to Dr. Raji-Mustapha, commended his integrity and leadership.
“He served under me for eight years, and I have never doubted his integrity. Like every father, I wish my son to do better than me. I am happy that Dr. Raji improved on what I started, and the new Director-General is doing even better,” Dr. Akor said.
He credited the achievements of the NPC to collective effort and encouraged Dr. Dan’Agundi to continue enhancing staff welfare to earn similar recognition upon his retirement.
Dr. Raji-Mustapha expressed heartfelt appreciation and reaffirmed his ongoing commitment to Nigeria’s productivity and development beyond his tenure.
Addressing the Director-General, he said, “I’m proud of what you are doing in the Centre. Motivation is the key to productivity. Without it, there can be no progress. Productivity depends on your willingness and ability to work.”
He appealed to Dr. Dan’Agundi to ensure the NPC’s Condition of Service is completed and approved and to further improve staff welfare.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of a car as a parting gift to Dr. Raji-Mustapha by Dr. Dan’Agundi. Cars were also presented to recently retired Director/Head of Department Mrs. Rosemary Omoyeme Esekhagbe and soon-to-retire Director/Head of Department Dr. (Mrs.) Titilola Oshati. Certificates of Service and Awards of Honour were given to recent retirees as tokens of appreciation and gratitude from the Centre.
