The Management and Staff of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Tuesday trooped out to bid the Director of Communication and Public Relations of the Bureau, Mr. Sunday Ichedi farewell following his retirement from service.
In an affectionate send-off and birthday ceremony organized in his honour by the staff of his department in Abuja, Mr. Ichedi was celebrated for his remarkable career and invaluable contributions to the Bureau and the nation.
He was commended for using his many years of experience and knowledge as Statistician and Communication Expert, to create a robust relationship with all and sundry, especially, the media, which contributed significantly to the overall positive image and favourable public perception of NBS.
The staff, classmates, friends and well wishers present at the event all took turns to praise Mr. Ichedi’s humility and dedication to work.
Speaking, Mr. Ichedi expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the staff for putting the event together, and for their cooperation, support and professionalism during his tenure as Director of Communication and Public Relations at the Bureau.
While assuring the staff that he would not be missed as he would be interfacing with them from time to time, the retired Director urged them to continue to work hard for the growth of NBS and the nation’s economy.
Mr. Ichedi, Sunday Joel, a renowned statistician and communication expert, was born on March 18, 1965, in Odugbo town, APA Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria.
He began his educational journey at Saint Michael’s Primary School, Odugbo, in 1970, completing his primary education in 1977.
He then attended Saint John’s Secondary School, Amoke, from 1977 to 1982. After completing his secondary education, he enrolled in the School of Basic Studies, Makurdi, where he obtained his “A” Certificate in 1985.
Mr. Ichedi pursued higher education at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics in 1988. He also completed his mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program at the Ministry of Finance Kano State.
Throughout his career, Mr. Ichedi has acquired various certifications and professional diplomas, including: Postgraduate Diploma in Statistics from the University of Ibadan (UI), Postgraduate Diploma in Advertising and Public Relations from the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ), Abuja, Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism from IIJ, Abuja, Professional Diploma from the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) with specialization in Advertising and Public Relations from Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Master’s of Science in Economics from Nasarawa State University (NSUK), and Proficiency in French from the Institute Francais, Abuja.
Research and Professional Experience
Mr. Ichedi has conducted extensive research in various fields, including: Impact of Second Tier Foreign Exchange Market on Inflation in Nigeria, Evaluation of the Methodology for Computing CPI in FOS, Practice of PR in Government Offices: A Case Study of NBS, The Role of APCON in Advertising in Nigeria, and Impact of Herders-Farmers Conflict on the Livelihood of the People of Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.
Throughout his illustrious career, Mr. Ichedi has held various positions, including: Head, Information Services Unit, FOS, Head, Public Affairs and International Relations Unit, Director of Communication and Public Relations, NBS, Country Coordinator, African Statistics Year Book, Nigeria, Country Coordinator, Infrastructure Statistics, Nigeria and Coordinator, Statistical Literacy Project, Nigeria.
Professional Affiliations and Travel Experience
Mr. Ichedi is a member of several professional associations, including: Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Chartered Institute of Statisticians, African Statistics Association, and Chartered Institute of Management.
He has traveled extensively, visiting countries such as the United States, China, France, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Tunisia, Egypt, Namibia, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Zambia, and Ethiopia.
Mr. Ichedi’s remarkable career spanning over three decades is a testament to his dedication, expertise, and passion for statistics and communication.
