LAPO's Spokesman, James Abhulimen, bows out after 24 years of service

Some staff of LAPO in a group photograph with James-Wisdom Abhulimen (m) and his wife during the retirement event organised for him by the organisation in Benin City.

…Colleagues, friends celebrate legacies

There were mixed feelings among members of the staff of Lift Above Poverty Organisation (LAPO) recently, as James-Wisdom Abhulimen, head, Corporate Communications of the organisation bowed out after 24 years of meritorious service.

Staff and friends of the Head of Communications converged on the LAPO Institute for a send-off ceremony to officially pull out the image maker of the organisation for over two decades from the establishment.

The venue which was packed with staff across the various departments of the LAPO Group as friends described the service of the retiree at the foremost Microfinance Bank in Nigeria as equal to none.

The well-attended retirement ceremony was marked by glowing tributes, as speakers took turns to extol Abhulimen’s professionalism, leadership acumen and immense contributions to the growth and reputation of LAPO.

Some of the speakers noted that his retirement would create a huge vacuum that would be difficult to fill, especially in the programme and Communication department where his wealth of experience and leadership skills was a topnotch.

The speakers, who described Abhulimen as a consummate communications strategist, noted that he played a pivotal role in shaping the organisation’s public image and strengthening its relationship with critical stakeholders across Nigeria and beyond.

Colleagues noted that his strategic initiatives in corporate communications significantly enhanced LAPO’s visibility, credibility and public trust, thereby advancing its core mandate of poverty alleviation and community empowerment.

“His understanding of corporate communications and ability to navigate complex challenges will be greatly missed,” one of his associates remarked, adding that his legacy of excellence and integrity has set a standard within the organization.

Some of the speakers, who extolled and eulogised the professionalism of the outgoing head of Communications, opined that his services in shaping the corporate image and the visibility of the activities of LAPO cannot be overemphasised.

Among those that spoke at the occasion are Tessa Anota, executive vice president, Livelihood & Social Protection; Philomena Elijah, executive director, Corporate Services; Honestus Ayo Obadior executive director, Health & Social Development, and Rosemary Okwuobi, head, Health & Special Projects.

In its farewell message, the management of LAPO, described the occasion as not merely a farewell, but a celebration of a life defined by service, impact, and an unwavering commitment to a cause greater than self.

The management, represented by Stella Kieran-Ibekwe, the Company’s Secretary and Legal Adviser, said that over the years, the retiree’s tireless efforts, innovative thinking, and steadfast commitment to excellence have left an indelible mark on the institution.

She said: “I stand before you today on behalf of the Management of Lift Above Poverty Organisation with a deep sense of gratitude and emotion, as we celebrate the retirement of an exceptional leader, Dr. James-Wisdom Abhulimen.

“Your guidance, mentorship, and passion have inspired countless colleagues and shaped the careers of many.

“Your contributions will continue to resonate within the organisation, and we remain profoundly grateful for the legacy you leave behind. Your wealth of knowledge, strategic insight, and collaborative spirit have been invaluable to our team. You have truly exemplified leadership, and your influence will be felt for many years to come.”

Kieran-Ibekwe further said: “As you embark on this new chapter of your life, we pause to reflect on your remarkable dedication, expertise, and leadership, all of which have been instrumental to the success of our organisation.

“Thank you once again for your outstanding service. We will always remain grateful for your dedication and contributions.

“May this new chapter bring you joy, rest, and the opportunity to pursue your passions—you have certainly earned it.”

In his response, Abhulimen, who is also the Edo State chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), commended the management of LAPO for the opportunity to serve the organisation.

Abhulimen particularly commended Godwin Ehigiamusoe, founder of LAPO, for the opportunity, stressing that he (Ehigiamusoe) not only built an institution, but built people, capacity, and legacies that would endure for years.

“Today, I stand before you with a heart full of gratitude, humility, and deep reflection as I formally take a bow from active service at the Lift Above Poverty Organisation (LAPO) after over two decades of an extraordinary journey.

“From the very first day I joined LAPO on October 11, 2002, as a Programme Officer I, in the Publications Unit, I did not merely take up a job, I embraced a mission to give voice to impact, to shape institutional narratives, and to build a communications system worthy of LAPO’s vision and legacy.

“Looking back, I can say with profound fulfilment that, by the grace of God and under visionary leadership, I contributed to institutionalising corporate communications across LAPO.

“What began as a functional support unit evolved into a strategic driver of visibility, credibility, and public trust.

“I had the rare privilege of serving as the oldest serving communications officer across the entire LAPO ecosystem, and beyond my core role, I worked across multiple institutions within the ecosystem to help build, align, and strengthen the LAPO brand,”, he stated.