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By Akpekwu Imbufe, Bureau Chief South-South
The Management and Staffs of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority, (NDBDA) gathered to honor their own as she retires from the service after thiry-five years in service to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Sharing her experience, Seminialayi stated that it was joyous to work with the NDBDA and during her time with the Authority, she saw her immediate staff as part of her extended family. Though retired, she hoped to maintain ties with them to keep the flames of the relationships they built alive.
In a moving tribute to Seminialayi, Blessing Chinda stated that “The departure of Pastor (Mrs.) Girlie Alaputa Siminialayi from active service is not a mere bidding of farewell to a departmental head but a celebration of the legacy of an institution, a spiritual anchor, and a maternal shield.
Averring, he stated: “She leaves behind an empty office, but a deeply filled department of men and women whose lives have been permanently reshaped by her presence.”
Various terms were used to describe the retiring head of department of laboratory, one of which called her a “Minister at the Helm of Authority.” This description said she carried her faith not as a title, but as a lifestyle.
As a godly woman and a true minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ, whose leadership was defined by a rare corporate righteousness, more that it brought light into a space that often tests integrity, ensuring that the atmosphere under her watch was guided by divine wisdom;
”Yet, for all your spiritual depth and high official standing, your most disarming trait remains your completely unassuming personality.
You had the exceptional ability to sit comfortably with directors and, in the next breath, relate seamlessly with the most junior staff on the floor. To you, everyone possessed inherent value, regardless of their rank or level.”
Others spoke of her as “The Compassionate Problem-Solver and Pillar of Principle. “The doors to your office were never just entryways to a superior; they were ports of refuge. You are a woman of immense compassion, someone who never looked away from pain or distress. Whenever anyone faced a professional roadblock or a deep personal crisis, you did not just offer sympathy—you proffered concrete solutions;
”Amazingly, this deep kindness never compromised your standard of excellence.
You stand today as a thorough and impeccable administrator who never bent the rules for convenience. You taught us that it is entirely possible to have a soft heart while maintaining ironclad administrative discipline.” They said.
Yet still, her staff said of being “Resilient, Dogged, and Voice for the Voiceless. ‘True leadership is tested by what it is willing to risk for others. Your resilience is legendary. You are a dogged fighter for justice, truth, and equity. Where others whispered in the corridors, your rare courage enabled you to look authority in the eye and speak truth to power on behalf of your department and your people. It was this fierce, protective edge that shielded so many of us from organizational storms.”
Seminialayi was also called “A Counselor of Efficacious Wisdom. The staffs said: “To sit with you was to receive a masterclass in life. Your wise counsel cut across the boundaries of office politics, professional engineering, and the deep, silent challenges of family life. Your advice was never generic; it was always efficacious, yielding real, transformative results.”
Her colleagues spoke of being “A living testament to your guidance, wisdom, both officially and privately. The milestones we have reached and the stability we enjoyed are fruits of the seeds you sowed into our lived.”
There were also tears of joy on “A Legacy of Strategic Impact she left behind. “Your influence is written in the success stories of the staff you reared. There are promotions, achievements, and professional heights celebrated within this department today that would have been completely impossible without your push, your endorsement, and your structural scaffolding.
You did not just build a career; you built people;
’Naturally, a leader of such uncompromising principles and unyielding truth will not please everyone. In all these years, some may have misunderstood or even resented your stance. But to those of us who knew your heart—we, your children in the service—our love for you is absolute, unshakeable, and deep;
You will always remain “Our Jewel of Inestimable Price. As you step out of these corridors, please carry this truth in your heart: to us, you are, and will always remain, our jewel of inestimable price. You gave us your best years, your sharpest insights, your constant prayers, and your fierce protection.
Thank you for holding the line. Thank you for being our boss, our mentor, our pastor, and our mother.”
As Seminialayi departs for her next chapter of your life, there were prayers for the overflow of God’s grace with robust health, divine rest, and the supernatural rewards of a laborer who served both God and humanity with all her heart.
There were also gifts presentations with the Special Assistant to the Managing Director/CEO of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority on Blue Economy, Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo, presenting a gift on behalf of the Head of Hydrology & Blue Economy department, Mr. Odes Solomon Sakanwi and Deputy Director in the department, Mrs. Choice Bekanwa making her personal presentation at the occasion.
In attendance were directors and staff of the NDBDA, and well-wishers who came to send her forth.
