NPC Honours Immediate Past DG, Dr. Raji-Mustapha, Legacy of Service
Editor
The National Productivity Centre (NPC) has held a sendforth ceremony in honour of Dr. Nasir Olaitan Raji-Mustapha, the immediate past Director-General, in recognition of his dedicated service to the Centre and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The colourful ceremony, hosted by the current Director-General, Dr. Baffa Babba Dan’Agundi, took place at the NPC headquarters conference room and was attended by management staff, former Director-General Dr. Kashim Yunusa Akor, special guests, family, and friends.
The atmosphere was one of gratitude, marked by tributes to Dr. Raji-Mustapha’s visionary leadership and transformative contributions to productivity and national development.
In his remarks, Dr. Dan’Agundi recalled the promise he made upon assuming office to organise a befitting sendforth for his predecessor.
“Today, Allah has made it possible for me to celebrate you. There is nothing more important than leaving a place and being told you have done well. I have built on the legacy you and Dr. Akor left behind, and all the accolades I receive on staff welfare are grounded in your foundation,” he said.
The Director-General also emphasised the importance of motivation in boosting staff morale, disclosing new welfare initiatives at the Centre.
“Lack of proper reward systems kill productivity. That is why we have introduced incentives to enhance performance. As long as I remain Director-General, every retiring Head of Department will go home with a car as a parting gift,” he declared.
Former Director-General, Dr. Kashim Yunusa Akor, described Dr. Raji-Mustapha as a man of integrity with whom he worked seamlessly for eight years.
“Like every father wishes his son to do better, I am proud that Dr. Raji improved on what I achieved, and I am glad Dr. Dan’Agundi is doing even better. Whatever we have achieved to bring NPC to the front burner of national discourse has been a collective effort,” he noted, urging the incumbent DG to prioritise staff welfare so he too would be celebrated at the end of his tenure.
Responding, Dr. Raji-Mustapha expressed deep appreciation to the Centre, pledging his continued commitment to advancing productivity in Nigeria.
“I am proud of what you are doing in the Centre. Motivation is the key to productivity. Two things improve productivity: the willingness to do the work and the ability to do the work,” he said, appealing for the completion and approval of the NPC Condition of Service to further enhance staff welfare.
The high point of the ceremony was the presentation of a brand-new car to Dr. Raji-Mustapha as a parting gift by the Director-General. Similar gifts were also presented to recently retired Director/HOD Mrs. Rosemary Omoyeme Esekhagbe and soon-to-retire Director/HOD Dr. (Mrs.) Titilola Oshati. Certificates of Service and Awards of Honour were equally given to retirees in recognition of their contributions.
The event was a fitting tribute to Dr. Raji-Mustapha’s exemplary leadership and service, leaving an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire NPC staff and stakeholders in pursuit of Nigeria’s productivity goals.
