By Diana Omueza
Mr Cyrus Nkangwung, a retired civil servant, has advised young public servants against pursuing quick gains, urging them to embrace integrity, self-development and service to humanity.
Nkangwung gave the advice on Saturday in Abuja at his 60th birthday and retirement thanksgiving and book presentation, marking his attainment of 60 years and exit from public service.
He said his autobiography documented his experiences and years of service, with lessons for younger generations on humanitarian service and the value of contributions beyond financial achievements.
According to him, wealth should not be measured solely by financial possessions, stressing that people remembered for meaningful contributions could earn lasting respect, even without owning houses or accumulating wealth.
“Money is not everything, but whatever you have done in the sense of time will stand and that’s what people will say something about.
“Invest in humanitarian services, those are the things that matter.
“God is the source of our wealth. He is the source of everything, and dedicating our lives to Him is more important,” he said.
Nkangwung, who was born on Sept. 19, 1966, expressed gratitude to God for preserving his life, providing for his family and enabling his children to attain university education before his retirement.
He advised younger civil servants to invest in personal development, remain patient and avoid activities capable of jeopardising their lives, careers and future.
He particularly cautioned young people against joining cult groups or engaging in wrongdoing for protection or material benefits, saying such choices could ultimately worsen their problems.
“This life is not about what you get now. Invest in yourself and be patient with God.
“The destiny of any person can only be destroyed by himself. So I tell the younger ones, if you put your hands into things that are not right, definitely you will suffer it.
“The only thing you should part with is service to God, you should pray too, that is what I believe in,” he said.
He encouraged people to appreciate each day as it came, rather than allowing past experiences or allowing anxieties about tomorrow to prevent them from recognising and enjoying their present blessings.
The retiree said one major lesson he had learnt from public service was the importance of sincerity, explaining that he had always believed in speaking the truth, including when dealing with people close to him.
Nkangwung said his retirement does not signify an end to service, but another opportunity to reflect on his experiences and encourage others to use their abilities positively for society.
Rt. Rev. Duke Akamisoko, the Bishop of the Diocese of Kubwa, said Nkangwung’s 60 years should be viewed through his past, present and future, describing time as irreversible.
Akamisoko, said 60 years represented about 21,900 days and approximately 525,000 hours, all of which had already been spent by the celebrant urging him to live for the next hours and days to come.
He urged Nkangwung and the his well wishers to reflect on their past with gratitude rather than regret, saying experiences and difficulties encountered along life’s journey shaped present circumstances which constitutes a man’s history.
The bishop said people often focused on things they had not achieved or possessed, while forgetting the blessings they had received and the benefits of God’s intervention.
“History is divided into three parts and the life of a man is divided into three parts, you have the past, the present, and the future.
“As I am talking now, as you are sitting here, time is on you, whether you use it well or you don’t use it, time is going,” he said.
Akamisoko said the past could not be cancelled because it remained part of every person’s life, adding that difficult experiences could contribute to shaping the person someone eventually became but should not determine a person’s total being.
He cited Romans 8:28, noting that all things work together for good for those who love God, and urged the celebrant to recognise the lessons contained in his past experiences and outlive them to complete his history.
Mrs Grace Nkangwung, wife of the celebrant and a Comptroller of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), expressed gratitude to God for enabling her husband to serve the nation and retire from active service
She described her husband as a philanthropist who lived without regrets, saying his willingness to sacrifice for others had remained a notable part of his character.
She urged women to support their husbands through prayer, financial assistance and other forms of encouragement, stressing that peace at home could positively influence their husbands’ activities.
“He can sacrifice everything of his to make sure that the other side of the people are happy.
“As someone who has stood beside her husband from the beginning, I urge women to be supportive in whatever capacity, in prayers, in finance, they should support their husbands especially at home front.
“Because when there is peace at home, it will be shown on him,” she said.
Mr Awajiigbana Nkangwung, the celebrant’s first son who spoke on behalf of his siblings, described his father as diligent, selfless and sacrificial, saying he had watched him serve others at home, in the church and public service.
“I have watched my father serve people selflessly, both in service, at home, in the church and everywhere.
“He is a role model to me. I hope to reach his level and someday exceed that point,” he said.
Mr Celestine Chowuba, a representative of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) Gombe Office, who spoke on behalf of the celebrants colleagues described Nkangwung as a philanthropist who sacrificed personal interests for humanity.
Similarly, Mr Raph Ngnam, a retired staff member and former colleague, described the celebrant as a nice and gentlemanly person who had lived a sacrificial and exemplary life.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the highlight of the celebration was the launch and presentation of Nkangwung’s book, which captures his experiences, years of service, lessons and reflections from his career in public service. NAN