Mr Joseph Nwachukwu, the Deputy State Commandant of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ebonyi Command, has bowed out of service after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 60.

Nwachukwu, who began his career with NDLEA in 2001, was honoured at a colourful send-off ceremony held on Wednesday at the command’s headquarters in Abakaliki.

In his tribute, Mr Okechukwu Nkere, the State Commandant of NDLEA, described the retiree as a humble, refined and dedicated officer whose contributions shaped the agency’s work in Ebonyi and beyond.

“You see, it’s not easy for someone to serve his fatherland and retire in peace. A lot of those who started the journey do not complete it.

“But your commitment, patience and passion ensured that things were done well.

“God has preserved you, and you are bowing out in good health and sound mind,” Nkere remarked.

Earlier, Mr Ome Enyuche, the Deputy Commandant in charge of Drug Demand Reduction, commended Nwachukwu’s impactful service to the agency.

“We are not gathered here because of misfortune; we are here to celebrate a successful career. He came, he saw and he conquered,” he said.

In his remarks, the retiree, while thanking his colleagues and guests for the honour done to him, urged the NDLEA personnel to continue to uphold integrity and high ethical standards in the discharge of their duties.

He prayed for God’s guidance for the agency’s staff members in their efforts at ridding the country of illicit and banned drugs.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nwachukwu, the husband of Mrs Jacinta Nwachukwu, an Assistant Editor with NAN in Abuja, had served in several state commands of NDLEA, including Borno, Plateau, Kogi and Enugu. (NAN)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq