By Charles Ayodele
The Executive Chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government of Ekiti State, Hon. Gbenga Oluwatuyi, has commended one of the staff, Chief Mrs Adijat Bimbo Yusuf, who recently retired after many years of meritorious service.
The Chairman, ably represented by the Acting Head of Local Government Administration (HLA) Prince Adegoke Odimeji, gave the commendation during the get together organised in honour of the retiree at the Local Government Secretariat Headquarters in Igede-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
The Council boss who gave kudos to Chief Mrs. Yusuf for maintaining outstanding career all through her years of service said her absence would be deeply felt. “It will not be the same here without her. The Local Government Administration is grateful to have worked with her,” said he, while wishing her success in her next phase of life.
Similarly, the Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ekiti State Chapter, Comr. Kolapo Olatunde, Chairman of the NLC, has described Mrs.Yusuf as a diligent and loyal officer. Recalling their working together between 2019 and 2022 when she was a member of the Administrative Council of the NLC, he lauded her commitment to excellence saying she is a shining example of what public service should be,” Kolapo remarked.
The Chairman of the occasion, Barr. Akinyemi Borode, equally commended the retiree’s integrity. He said she is an intellectual officer whose career was marked by dedication and that her exemplary service serves as a model for young and upcoming officers.
On his part, the State Chairman of Local Government Information Chapel, Prince Taiwo Ajibola thanked God for Chief Mrs Bimbo Yusuf by saying that she started well, ended well and strong. He prayed that she would enjoy her retirement by serving God the more.
Speaking on behalf of other directors, Mrs. Kehinde Akode congratulated Mrs. Yusuf on her remarkable achievements and prayed for divine guidance in her future endeavours.
Friends and colleagues reminisced about her times in service. Showered her with encomium for her dedication and professionalism.
Mrs. Yusuf, who served as the Director of Information and Civic Orientation at Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, retired after 35 years of meritorious service. She was widely praised for her dedication and contributions to the public service in Ekiti State.
The retirement ceremony was followed by a thanksgiving service at Christ Miracle Church Ministry (CMCM), Grace Assembly, Textile, Basiri, Ado Ekiti, where the officiating minister, Pastor Kolawole Afolayan, advised the celebrant to continue her legacy of service.
“I thank God for the grace you received to serve diligently. I urge you to maintain your virtues and serve God even more in this new phase of your life”. Said the pastor.
In her appreciation speech, Chief (Mrs) Adijat Bimbo Yusuf expressed gratitude for the honour accorded her as she acknowledged the support of her colleagues in NUJ, NLC, NULGE, NAWOJ, families, and friends throughout her career years.
She further urged Local Government staff to uphold professionalism and embrace opportunities for self-improvement, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and development.
“Being local government staff does not mean we should be local in intellect and intelligence. We must seek every opportunity to develop ourselves, learn, and study more.
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including Otunba Kayode Ajibola, retired Deputy Controller of Nigerian Customs; Deaconess Abike Fadimu, a Veteran journalist; Prince Sola Adetule, her Mentor, Members of Progressive Pen Profession, Members of NAWOJ, Chief Olu Oree, Onijesa of Ifaki; Chief Idowu Olofinkua from the USA; Mrs. Funke Olarewaju from Lagos; Engr. Yunisa Sule; Hon. Bayo Famoroti, Secretary to Isokan LCDA; Pastor Mrs. Precious Ajayi; Alhaja Anike Omolade; Deaconess Fatimo Babalola; Mr. and Mrs. Kola Sule; Dr. Funmilola Kolawole from ABUAD.
Others are; Mr.Johnson Enoch Ojo, Mrs Ogunrinde, Marriage Officer,,Chief Adenike Adedayo, Arowoseso of Ilero, Ifaki, Members of Fantastic Ladies, Mrs Shade Iyabo Gboyega, Mr Dare Otele, Directors of Information across local governments in the state, among others.
Highlight of the occasion was presentation of gift items to the celebrant by various groups, including information officers from all local governments in the state, the Department of Information and Civic Orientation, and directors from Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, CMCM Church, Grace Assembly Ado,individuals etc.
