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Sir Stephen Yahaya Iyodo Ocheje was born on the 12th of May, 1952, at Egume in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State.
He started his primary school education at St. Peters Primary School, Egume, in 1962. He later attended the prestigious Our Lady of Schools Teachers College, Anyigba, in 1969. He also attended the School of Basic Studies, Ugbokolo, Benue State.
Sir Stephen Yahaya Iyodo Ocheje also went to the famous Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he was awarded a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology in 1982.
He did his National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) in 1982 through 1983. He became a holder of Postgraduate Diploma in Education from the same Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
He started his work career from his former college, Our Lady of Schools Teachers College, Anyigba, as a Teacher with an additional assignment as Exam Officer from year 1983 through year 1988.
Sir Stephen Yahaya Iyodo Ocheje later moved to the federal level in 1989 at the Ministry of Police Affairs in Lagos as Principal Police Officer.
While at the Ministry, he attended two mandatory professional courses at the Administrative Staff College, Topo, Badagary, Lagos. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria ( IPMAN).
He then later moved to the Ministry of Aviation in Abuja 2001. While in the Aviation Ministry, he attended various courses including AVSEC Hostage Negotiation Course in Nairobi, Kenya, Microsoft Office and Networking in Cairo, Egypt. Computer Application, Problem Solving and Decision Making in University of Ibadan, Executive Time and Stress Management, Nelspruit, South Africa, among others.
Sir Stephen Yahaya Iyodo Ocheje moved to the Federal Civil Service Commission, Abuja, in charge of Appointment, Promotion and Discipline (APD). He was later Head of Training in the Commission as Assistant Director before his mandatory retirement on 12th of May, 2012.
Sir Stephen Yahaya Iyodo Ocheje exudes uncommon attributes and leadership skills which include humility, discipline, forthrightness and tolerance. He abhors bigotry under any guise.
His passion for peace has never been misunderstood by anyone.
A man so revered for his mentoring templates. To some people, he is a leader that leads by example; an ideal leader who looks like a super hero, strong and brimming with confidence. But humility holds greater power, albeit silently, these are rare qualities imbibed in Sir Stephen Yahaya Iyodo Ocheje.
He belongs to the class of people that makea things to happen, not those that wait for things to happen or those that watch things to happen around them.
He is creative, energetic and meticulous in all his endeavors. A diamond vessel of honour. His commitment to humanitarianism is quite legendary.
As you deservedly celebrate this glorious day, may God Almighty who has richly prospered you and ordered your every steps in the past continue to bless you with good health, more wisdom and knowledge to serve and fulfill the purpose for which you were created.
Happy birthday wishes to “Captain” as you are fondly called in the work of God. May all your efforts produce immense success in all areas of your life.
You epitomise humility, integrity, and hard work.
Wishing you many years of impact and significance.
Have the best wishes for the years ahead Sir Stephen Yahaya Iyodo Ocheje
By:
*Mohammed Atojoko*
HOD, Tax Education,
Kogi State Internal Revenue Service Headquarters, Lokoja, Kogi State & A Member, American Biographical Society.
