PHOTOS: SGF Praises Director Baba Agaka on Retirement from the Presidency

SGF Praises Director Baba Agaka on Retirement from the Presidency In a heartfelt gathering, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, paid tribute to retiring Director Baba Agaka, who has overseen the Affairs of Former Heads of State in the Presidency. The event highlighted Baba’s exemplary service and encapsulated the emotions surrounding this significant milestone in his life. The SGF was represented at the farewell ceremony by the Permanent Secretary of the General Services Office (GSO), Dr. Nnamdi Maurice Mbaeri. He described Baba Agaka as more than just a director; he was an esteemed figure in the public service community. Dr. Mbaeri reflected on Baba’s vibrant personality and charisma, which shone through during his professional journey.

The emotional atmosphere of the event was palpable as speakers emphasized the profound impact of Baba’s retirement, noting his passion for excellence and unwavering dedication to his work. Dr. Mbaeri praised Baba’s exceptional qualities: his meticulous attention to detail, calm demeanor, and unparalleled integrity—all of which earned him immense respect within his department. He recounted Baba’s impressive rise to the position of Director of the Former Heads of State Matters Directorate, achieved through exemplary performance and a strong rapport with past presidents and dignitaries. A personal anecdote shared by Dr. Mbaeri illustrated the emotional difficulty of bidding farewell to Baba, underscoring the values of transparency, maturity, and integrity that he embodied. He acknowledged the presence of esteemed leaders in attendance who gathered to honor Baba’s retirement, expressing concern about the challenge of finding a suitable successor given Baba’s exceptional qualities and contributions. Other directors and speakers echoed Dr. Mbaeri’s sentiments, emphasizing Baba’s influential leadership and the enduring impression he left on colleagues and subordinates. They recounted stories of his commitment to service and his skill in fostering relationships with key stakeholders, further underlining the value of these connections. The speakers expressed deep gratitude for Baba’s contributions and wished him well in his retirement, while also acknowledging his wife’s unwavering support throughout his career. They hoped that Baba’s legacy would continue to inspire his colleagues and that he would embrace a fulfilling retirement.

In his response, Baba Agaka thanked the audience for their cooperation, emphasizing that his achievements were the result of collective effort. He gave special recognition to the guiding support provided by the SGF and the Permanent Secretary throughout his tenure. Baba discussed the challenges he faced while working with high-ranking officials, stressing the importance of vigilance and readiness in public service, especially during critical moments. He credited his successes to divine support and recognized his wife’s steadfast encouragement. Reflecting on his professional journey, Baba recounted his early years at the National Salaries and Wages Commission and his eventual role in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. He expressed gratitude towards influential figures who supported him during his tenure in the Cabinet Affairs Office and the Presidency. The farewell event was characterized by warmth, gratitude, and heartfelt reflections, celebrating a distinguished career and a promising future ahead for Director Baba Agaka in his retirement. Some of the guests at the event including representatives of former Heads of State, Directors in the public and private sectors and family members, including Baba’s senior brother, Alhaji Ismail Agaka who is a Federal Commissioner at the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC). Alhaji Iliyasu Mohammed Babatunde Agaka, a member of the Third Estate of Ilorin Emirate, was born on February 26, 1965 in Kano. After completing his secondary education at Barewa College, Zaria, he obtained a B.Sc. in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 1988. His early commitment to national development was evident during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Bauchi State, where he worked with MAMSER and INEC in 1989. Agaka’s career in the Federal Civil Service began in 1990, and he steadily rose through the ranks, eventually attaining the position of Director in 2019. Over the years, he contributed to key ministries, including Women Affairs, Environment & Housing, Police Affairs, Internal Affairs, Transport, and Niger Delta Affairs. He also served as Personal Assistant to the Chairman of the National Salaries & Wages Commission (1995-2000) and as Special Assistant to the Ministers of Environment & Housing (2007-2008) and Police Affairs (2008-2009).

From 2014 to 2025, Agaka served as Director of State Protocol and Affairs of Former Heads of State in the Presidency, playing a pivotal role in various Presidential Committees. He was the Secretary for the Presidential Committee on Diplomatic Missions Worldwide, as well as for the Protocol Sub-Committees for Nigeria’s Independence Anniversary (2017-2025) and the 2019 and 2023 Presidential Inaugurations. His expertise in protocol and state affairs was instrumental in organizing high-profile national events and fostering diplomatic relations. In recognition of his meritorious service, President Muhammadu Buhari conferred upon him the prestigious title of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2023. Outside of his professional endeavors, Agaka enjoys reading and watching documentary films and his career has taken him to several countries. A dedicated family man, he is married to Hajiya Fatima and is blessed with four children and two grandchildren. Baba Agaka’s legacy in Nigeria’s civil service inspires many, as he plays a crucial role in shaping national administration and governance. By PRNigeria