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A DISTINGUISHED EXIT: Construction Division Celebrates Engr. Bello Kabir as He Retires from FCT Civil Service After 34 Years of Meritorious Service

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A Seasoned Civil and Structural Engineer, Fountain of Knowledge, Mentor, Role Model and Distinguished Patriot Exits Active Service After More Than Three Decades of Dedicated Service

It was a day filled with deep emotions, heartfelt tributes, fond memories and profound appreciation as staff of the Construction Division, Department of Public Building, which organized the valedictory session at the Director’s Conference Room, alongside staff from other divisions within the Department, other departments of the Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA, and the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, joined colleagues, professional associates, friends and well-wishers to honour a distinguished son of the FCT Civil Service, Engr. Bello Kabir, on the occasion of his retirement from active service upon attaining the mandatory retirement age of 60 years.

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2nd Left: Engr. Bello Kabir

 

The valedictory ceremony was not merely a farewell. It was a celebration of a remarkable career, a distinguished professional journey and an enduring legacy built over more than three decades of service to the Federal Capital Territory and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Having joined the FCT Civil Service on 17th January 1992, Engr. Bello Kabir devoted a substantial part of his productive years to the development of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. His story gives truth to the saying that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a first step. What started as a single step on that January day has become a remarkable journey of more than three decades, marked by growth, versatility and impact. As a seasoned Civil and Structural Engineer, and a truly versatile professional who is adept in many areas of the built environment, he distinguished himself through professionalism, technical competence, diligence and an unwavering commitment to duty.

Throughout his career, he participated in the delivery and supervision of multiple complex and high-value projects, bringing to bear his wealth of technical knowledge, experience, expertise and meticulous attention to detail. His ability to handle demanding assignments with precision and distinction earned him the respect of colleagues and professionals across the construction and built environment sectors. He was a man who believed that any work worth doing was worth doing well.

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Beyond his technical accomplishments, however, Engr. Bello Kabir will be remembered even more profoundly for the person he is. He is calm, brilliant, humble, approachable and principled, yet uncompromising whenever professional standards, quality of work and the interest of the organisation were at stake.

He was a fountain of knowledge, a mentor to many and a role model to countless professionals and staff who had the rare privilege of working with him. His office and professional interactions became, for many, an informal school where experience was generously shared, mistakes were corrected with patience, standards were upheld and younger professionals were encouraged to grow.

The depth of his impact became particularly evident during the valedictory ceremony, as staff from various divisions and departments gathered to celebrate a quintessential colleague whose contribution to the Construction Division, the Department of Public Building, the FCDA and the wider built environment will remain deeply appreciated and fondly remembered.

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The atmosphere was understandably emotional. For many colleagues, the occasion represented the difficult moment of saying farewell to a rare professional whose presence, counsel and institutional memory had become an invaluable part of the Department. Tears and emotions flowed freely as colleagues reflected on the years of working alongside him and the vacuum his retirement will inevitably create.

The occasion was graced by the presence of the Acting Director, Department of Public Building, who represented the Director, alongside Deputy Directors, Assistant Directors, Heads of Administration and Human Resources, senior members of staff, professional colleagues and other distinguished personnel who came together to honour the retiring engineer.

In an atmosphere of warmth and appreciation, encomiums were showered on the celebrant. His colleagues and associates spoke glowingly of his professionalism, integrity, humility, technical depth, discipline and remarkable contribution to the development of the Federal Capital Territory.

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The celebration also featured memorable moments, including the presentation of priceless gifts, the filling of the citation register, entertainment and refreshments, and the ceremonial cutting of the retirement cake. Each moment added another beautiful chapter to an occasion that many will remember for years to come.

Indeed, the gathering demonstrated a timeless principle, honour is given to whom honour is due.

In his emotional valedictory address, Engr. Bello Kabir expressed profound gratitude to Almighty Allah for bringing him safely to such an important milestone. He appreciated the management of the FCDA, his directors, supervisors, colleagues and everyone who contributed to his successful career.

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He also extended an apology to anyone he may have offended knowingly or unknowingly in the course of his duties and equally offered forgiveness to those who may have offended him. His message reflected the humility, maturity and sense of humanity that have characterised his professional journey.

While bidding farewell to active service, he made it clear that retirement should not be viewed as an end, but as the beginning of another chapter. He leaves the Civil Service with gratitude, satisfaction in having served his country and a wealth of experiences and memories accumulated over more than three decades.

His words to those remaining in service were equally instructive, to continue serving with integrity, professionalism, humility and commitment, remembering that positions are temporary, while the impact made on people and the legacy left behind can endure for generations.

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His remarkable journey can aptly be captured in his own reflective words:

I came into the service with hope, I served with commitment, and I leave with gratitude.

Those words perhaps best summarise the career of a man whose professional journey has been defined by dedication, service and responsibility.

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As Engr. Bello Kabir formally exits the FCT Civil Service, his departure marks not simply the retirement of an employee, but the conclusion of an important chapter in the professional history of the Construction Division and the Department of Public Building.

The built environment has gained from his knowledge. The Civil Service has benefited from his years of commitment. His colleagues have benefited from his mentorship. And the many professionals who crossed his path carry with them lessons, memories and experiences that will continue to live on.

As he proceeds into this new chapter of life, may Almighty Allah reward his years of service, grant him sound health, peace, fulfilment and abundant blessings, and grant him and his family many more fruitful and rewarding years ahead.

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Congratulations on a successful and honourable retirement, Engr. Bello Kabir.

Your service was significant.
Your impact was undeniable.
Your mentorship was invaluable.
Your legacy will endure.

Indeed, a rare gem is exiting active service, but a legacy remains.

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Long live the FCT Civil Service.
Long live the Federal Capital Development Authority.
Long live the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Contributed by Bldr. Maidabino, Construction Division, Department of Public Building, Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA, Abuja – 30th September, 2026.

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Nigeria

REIGNING WITH CHRIST IN MY KINGDOM BY HER MAJESTY, DR. JOSEPHINE DIETE-SPIFF ESQ, JP, QUEEN OF TWON BRASS KINGDOM, BAYELSA STATE, NIGERIA.

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(SERIES THREE)

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SOME OF MY NOTABLE HUMANITARIAN ENDEAVORS

• Donation of Water boreholes, tanks, generators, and channels to Marine Base Community, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

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• Procurement of a 500 KVA transformer from NDDC for
Mgbesilaru Community, Port Harcourt environs, as my corporate social responsibility in my school environment.

• Procurement of local government assistance to fix community roads on behalf of the Mgbesilaru community.

• Major maintenance of Kwuru-kwuru, Mgbesilaru, Community Road .

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• Scholarship Awards to indigenes of the Mgbesilaru community.

• Scholarship Awards to 5 Indigenes of Twon Brass Kingdom, from 2016 – 2022, for six years.

• Scholarship Award to 20 Twon Brass Kingdom, Bayelsa State indigenes from 2017-2023 for six years. I procured through the NAOC Joint Venture.

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• Scholarship awards to orphans and skilled/talented children in Bayelsa and Rivers States.

• Trained youths in free skill acquisition programs.

• Assisted in providing free medical services to Twon Brass Community.

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• Scholarship Awards to children of members of my Widows’
Foundation.

• Catered for the physically challenged through food, clothing, and accommodation.

• Catering for widows, older adults, and orphans of over 20 communities in the Niger Delta, specifically Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta State.

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• Employer of labor for more than a hundred staff.

• Assisted in the procurement of empowerment and self-sustaining equipment for Twon Brass Indigenous people .

• Donation of 200 Desks and Chairs to Twon Brass Community Schools

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• Assisted in the procurement of the building of a Cold Room for women of Twon Brass Kingdom through NAOC JV

• Supported building projects and donated chairs to churches across Nigeria.

• Provided Jobs for over 50 Youths of Twon Brass Kingdom
through the foundation platform.

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OVERCOMING TEMPTATIONS AND CORRUPTION

Temptations and Corruption are the bane of authority. In leadership, one is enticed in many ways to lose focus. Power corrupts, but those without the fear of God and who are greedy fall prey.

According to Enrich Fromm, “greed is a bottomless pit which exhausts the person in an endless effort to satisfy the need without ever reaching satisfaction,” and to Lao-tzu, “there is no calamity greater than lavish desires, there is no greater guilt than discontentment, and there is no greater disaster than greed.” Also, the Bible says in 1 Timothy 6:9 AMP: But those who [are not financially ethical and] crave to get rich [with a compulsive, greedy longing for wealth], fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction [leading to personal misery].

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As a queen, I encountered temptations and corruption. My saving grace is that I was born again before I became queen, was grounded in the word of God, and feared God. These put me on a pedestal of victory over these evils. Most times, it was overwhelming. The enemy never gives up, and we should not be ignorant of his plans to pull us down and entice us to disobey God. When the enemy cannot get us to compromise, they attack us, our marriage, children, and even businesses. These attacks come in different forms, but I thank God for the gift of the holy spirit, who is always there as our helper and supports us when we are weak. The key is to fear God and obey his commands; he will take care of us. God always comes through as he did for me.

Suitably, Romans 8:31 AMP says, “What then shall we say to all these things?
If God is for us, who can be [successful] against us?”

In our relationship with God and His word, we should learn obedience and that wealth comes from above, so we should not be prepared to lose eternity for what man can give us because, with God, we lack nothing. Most importantly, God is with us, and they can do us nothing. Accordingly, 1 John 4:4 NLT says: “But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world”.

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SPIRITUAL ENCOUNTERS

I worked in a dangerous terrain. As an evangelist called by God in 1999, I was born again and spirit-filled in 1979 while still in secondary school. I had to deal with forces of darkness as a queen. I was constantly in battle, but those were not insurmountable, and the Lord asked me to fast every Thursday and pray every midnight, an assignment I still obey.

In my sojourn as Queen, I had many encounters with the Lord and the enemy, sometimes using people, but thanks be to God, I am still here. It was a constant battle to take me out of the Kingdom and my marriage. They told me I wouldn’t last a year in my marriage, but it’s been 32 years. It is great to be a Christian and a servant of God because God is faithful and will protect His own. I learned to see the end of every matter before it happened. I learned to trust God and exercise my Faith, without which God cannot be pleased, and God has shown me great mercies and love that I still cannot comprehend the depth of this love for me.

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SELECTED TESTIMONIES:

The Rats Experience
A few months after my marriage, we started having strange occurrences. Firstly, it was with Rats. These rats fell from the ceiling over our bed, despite no holes in the ceiling, in the middle of the night while we slept. They would wake us up, and we would start chasing them, trying to kill them to the extent that my King and I had to sleep with wooden clubs to chase after them. While praying and worshiping God a couple of days later, I commanded all the rats to die in Jesus’ Name. That night, the rats didn’t show up; the following day, we both offered a thanksgiving service to God for the deliverance. A few days later, the rats began to smell, and we discovered that they were scattered in hidden places in our bedroom, but dead. I swept them out, and that was the end of that occurrence.

The Monkey Experience
There were other encounters, but for space, I will focus on the monkey issue that happened a few years into my marriage. A few months after my twin babies were born, we had an experience that kept us stunned. My husband and my three babies became very ill. We visited the doctor, who ran several tests but could not determine the cause. The pediatrician in charge of the children disappeared, and we could not reach her. The matter was even more bewildering when my daughter, the first of the twins, kept screaming at night because she saw strange objects on everyone. I had to wear plain white clothes so she would allow me to carry her.

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I then declared a time of prayer and fasting to get God’s attention on my predicament. I prayed and worshiped that night, and the Lord opened my eyes in the morning. I saw a monkey through the curtain on my bedroom window holding on to the protector (metal protective work) reins of my bedroom balcony, right in the middle of a serene Government Reserved Area in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. I opened the door to the balcony, and lo and behold, there was a full-grown black-haired monkey. I quickly closed the door and called my cook and stewards to ascertain how the monkey got there. The steward had no clue, but the cook said he had seen the monkey for a while and kept forgetting to mention it.

I lived in a semi-detached house, so you had to look up from the gate to see the balcony to my bedroom, and because we always drove into the compound, we never noticed it. So, I decided to wait until my husband got home to know what to do. But I had the urge to pray, so I said that since we do not need a monkey as a tenant, I commanded the monkey to fall and die in Jesus’ Name, and the monkey fell; at that time, I thought it jumped. When my King returned, and I told him of the incident, he decided we should look at it together, but when we opened the door, we found the monkey on the ground, dead!

Later that night, when I checked on my kids in their room to bring down their fever with a cloth and room-temperature water, as was now routine, they were fine and the fever was gone. My husband also woke up without a fever. We then went to the hospital to see the doctor, who declared everyone healthy. That was how God delivered my family from an unknown ailment, and my daughter stopped her strange behavior. To God be all the glory, as we never forget to give him thanks.

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There were other strange occurrences in the dreams and in my kingdom, but time and space will fail me to give it all. Thankfully, we were delivered from them all because God is with us.

 

TO BE CONTINUED…

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First Published by:

The Ambassadors Magazine
African Christian Fellowship, Houston, Texas Chapter, United States.
@ 2024

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