By Esther Odidi
Staff members of the Directorate of Public Affairs and Communication (DIPAC), Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), have celebrated two of their colleagues, Mr. Bakji and Mr. Otitoju, in grand style, showering encomiums on the duo for their exceptional commitment, friendliness, diligence and invaluable contributions to the Directorate.
The joint birthday celebration, which was held on Monday, August 17, 2026, at the DIPAC office, brought together members of staff who gathered to honour the celebrants, whose birthdays fell on Sunday, August 16, 2026.
The celebration, which was marked by an atmosphere of conviviality, appreciation and camaraderie, saw members of staff taking turns to speak about the personalities and qualities of the celebrants.
Leading the tributes was the Director of DIPAC, Dr. Sunday Saanu, who commended both celebrants for their dedication to duty and the positive relationships they have cultivated within the Directorate.
Staff members described Mr. Bakji as a warm, amiable and dependable personality whose approachable disposition has endeared him to colleagues. He was particularly commended for his willingness to assist others and his readiness to make himself available whenever his colleagues require his support.
His maturity and experience were also highlighted, with members of staff expressing their profound respect and appreciation for the role he plays within the Directorate. His friendly disposition, humility and accommodating nature were identified as some of the qualities that distinguish him among his colleagues.
Similarly, Mr. Otitoju received commendations for his remarkable industriousness, commitment to duty and willingness to go beyond the call of responsibility in assisting others.
Colleagues recounted instances in which Otitoju had willingly offered his support even when his presence was not necessarily required in his official capacity as an Information Officer. His readiness to assist, they noted, reflects his strong sense of responsibility and commitment to the collective success of the Directorate.
The celebration therefore served not only as a birthday ceremony but also as an avenue for colleagues to publicly acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of the two staff members to the growth and effectiveness of DIPAC.
In his remarks, the Director, Dr. Sunday Saanu, also used the occasion to encourage members of staff to cultivate the habit of reading and continuous learning, particularly in the areas of English language, communication and vocabulary development.
He stressed the importance of effective communication in the work of public affairs professionals, noting that information officers and communication practitioners must continually broaden their knowledge and improve their command of language.
The Director encouraged staff members to pay close attention to the vocabulary and expressions used by professional journalists and other communication practitioners, particularly when reading news reports, interviews and other media content.
According to him, continuous reading would expose staff to new expressions, improve their vocabulary and enhance their ability to communicate effectively in the discharge of their professional responsibilities.
Mrs Oluwanifemi Agboola presented birthday gift to the Celebrants
The emphasis on continuous learning further underscored the significance of intellectual development in public communication, where clarity, precision and effective use of language remain indispensable to the successful dissemination of information.
The celebration later proceeded in a convivial atmosphere, with staff members sharing food and drinks as part of the festivities. The celebrants and their colleagues were treated to pounded yam and egusi soup, egg rolls and soft drinks, further adding colour and warmth to the occasion.
The gathering was marked by laughter, goodwill and expressions of affection as members of staff celebrated the two colleagues and wished them continued success in their personal and professional endeavours.
The staff of DIPAC collectively wished Mr. Bakji and Mr. Otitoju long life, prosperity, sound health, fulfilment and greater accomplishments in the years ahead.
The celebration ultimately provided an opportunity for the Directorate to reinforce the spirit of unity, mutual appreciation and collegiality among its members, while recognising the contributions of individuals whose dedication continues to strengthen the workplace.
Photo credit : Esther Odidi
