By Shulamite Owhoekevbo
The Delta State Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Mininim Oseji, has paid glowing tribute to the Permanent Secretary in the Directorate of Culture and Tourism, Mrs. Angalaere Arthur Prest-Umukoro, who has retired after 34 years of meritorious service, describing her exit as both inspiring and triumphant.
Mrs. Prest-Umukoro, who visited the Head of Service to formally announce her retirement, expressed deep gratitude for the support and encouragement she received during her career, especially in her trying moments. She thanked God for the grace to conclude her journey in the civil service in good health, despite earlier health challenges.
In her remarks, Dr. Oseji praised the retiring Permanent Secretary for her resilience, administrative excellence, and sterling contributions across different ministries. She noted that Mrs. Prest-Umukoro had not only served with distinction as a Director and later as a Permanent Secretary but had also left a legacy of integrity and professionalism.
“I am particularly delighted that you have overcome health challenges to be here today. Your story is one of strength, courage, and commitment to duty,” Dr. Oseji said warmly.
Recalling her journey, Mrs. Prest-Umukoro revealed that she began her journey in the Civil Service with the defunct Bendel State Civil Service Commission (CSC) on October 22,1990, and upon the creation of Delta State, she moved to Asaba where her remarkable career continued. In 1992, she was converted to Finance Officer II and posted to the Directorate of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. There, she diligently served under Permanent Secretaries Owafili Lawson and later Sir Okey Ofili, laying the foundation for the sterling service that would define her career.
From 2000, she brought her expertise to the Ministry of Works, and following the restructuring that created the Ministries of Works, Transport, Energy, and Housing, she was redeployed to the Ministry of Transport where she served faithfully until 2006. Her journey later took her back to the Directorate of Local Government Affairs as Director of Administration and Finance, where her leadership and dedication left a lasting impact.
Over the years, she became a pillar in several ministries, including Information, Health, Asaba Airport, and Establishment and Pensions. Between 2011 and 2016, she was often called upon to serve as Acting Permanent Secretary in the Establishment and Pensions Department whenever the need arose. With humility and excellence, she worked under Sir Okey Ofili, Sir O. P. Origho, and later Reginald Bayoko as Heads of Service, proving herself a dependable and trusted hand in the service.
Her career reached its peak when she was posted to the Ministry of Health as Director of Administration, and on May 5, 2018, she was deservedly appointed as Permanent Secretary. She was subsequently deployed to the Directorate of Culture and Tourism, where she served with distinction until her retirement.
Her story is one of resilience, loyalty, and selfless service. Through every posting, she left behind footprints of dedication, touching lives and uplifting the institutions she was entrusted with. Hers was not just a career—it was a life of service, crowned with honor.
Offering heartfelt advice, she urged civil servants to separate personal interests from official responsibilities, embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and always mentor others to sustain excellence in the public service.
The emotional ceremony was attended by members of the College of Permanent Secretaries, including Mr. Maxwell Awuse (Office of the Head of Service), Prince Gregory Ejowhomu (Bureau for Special Duties), Mrs. Felicia Reno-Orugbo (Ministry of Energy), Mr. Michael Diden (Ministry of Trade and Investment), and Mr. Anthony Usenu, Director of Public Service Matters, Office of the Head of Service.