Distinguished guests, respected retirees, elders of our profession, colleagues and friends, good evening.
Today, we are gathered not just for an end-of-year event, but for something deeper—a celebration of identity, unity, struggle, perseverance, and family.
Every day, officers in this Chapel carry the story of this State on their shoulders. We write, we produce, we publish, we explain, we clarify, we defend—we carry the truth like a lamp through the complexities of public perception. And sometimes, we even do it without fuel in our cars!
That is why today is special. Today we pause to breathe, to smile, to look around and say to each other: “You matter. Your contribution is priceless.”
This year’s theme—Bridging the Gap—was chosen deliberately. We want to bridge the gap between:
Government and the public,
Retirees and serving officers,
The past and the future,
Information management and modern journalism,
Talent and opportunity.
And most importantly, we want to bridge the emotional gap between us, because we are one family.
Distinguish ladies and gentlemen, when you see this crowd today, I want you to understand something: this Chapel is alive.
Despite zero funding at first, despite setbacks, despite doubts, despite running up and down and “borrowing energy from tomorrow to survive today,” this Chapel stood firm.
Let me thank our retirees specially:
You built the foundation we are standing on.
You planted trees whose shade we enjoy.
You taught us resilience, patience, loyalty to the State, and discipline.
Our young officers:
You carry fire in your eyes.
You are the bridge to a new era.
We must continue to sharpen ourselves—learn technology, improve our writing, protect our integrity and carry the truth proudly, no matter who is watching.
Today, we eat, we laugh, and we dance—not because we have solved every problem, but because hope is still alive.
We appreciate the Hon. Commissioner and top leadership for standing with us.
We appreciate retirees for answering our call.
We appreciate every Chapel member for unity, for sacrifice, and for believing in this dream.
As we move towards a new year, we must carry forward three commitments:
Truth must guide us always.
Professional growth must be continuous.
We must remain one family—no camps, no cliques, no bitterness.
Finally, to every member here today—if you contributed even one idea, one phone call, one step towards this gathering—know that the success of today carries your signature.
Thank you all.
May God bless this Chapel.
May God bless Kogi State.
And may God bless our future.
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