The Ekiti State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB),has celebrated the retirement of Mr. Afolabi Adebiyi after 35 meritorious years in the civil service of Ekiti State.
Speaking at the valedictory get – together organized in honour of the retired Permanent Secretary at SUBEB premises in Ado Ekiti, the Executive Chairman of SUBEB, Prof. Femi Akinwumi described him as a principled, industrious and honest administrator who would not allow his personal interest above the collective interest of the organization he served.
Prof. Akinwumi said that although, Mr. Adebiyi worked at SUBEB for a short period, yet he was able to leave behind him an indelible foot prints of hard work and dedication worthy of emulation by the entire management and staff of the Board.
He noted that the Iworoko Ekiti born retired Permanent Secretary was very nice to everyone, even though he was firm and always adhered strictly to the civil service regulations, a legacy he usually preached to his subordinates.
The SUBEB boss also extolled the leadership qualities of Mr. Adebiyi who worked conscientiously for the progress and development of basic education in the state during his time as the Permanent Secretary of the Board.
Prof. Akinwumi therefore prayed for the retired Permanent Secretary that the almighty God will continue to bless him and make his retirement enjoyable and rewarding.
He advised him to venture into activities that will neither make him stressful nor bored, adding that he still has the agility to make him useful for himself, his family and the society.
Also in their different comments to commend the virtues of the retired civil service giant, the SUBEB Commissioners for Project Management and Human Resources Management, Barr.(Dr) Kayode Adeoye and Dr.(Mrs) Olufunke Fajobi respectively said Mr. Adebiyi was a dogged and reliable board secretary whose professional advice was an impetuous engine that drove the vehicle of the Board successfully.
Both commissioners felicitated with the retired PS, stressing that his sterling qualities along his career progression earned him the opportunity to reach the enviable height of the civil service and retired with unspotted reputations.
They wished him long life in good health and more opportunities that would make him useful to God and humanity in future, urging him to always see himself as a member and friend of SUBEB family.
Other people at the event eulogized the retired high ranked officer for his traceable and unforgettable landmark achievements in the civil service, particularly at SUBEB where he penned up.
Mr. Adebiyi who graduated from the University of Ilorin in 1988 was employed into the civil service of the old Ondo State on September 21, 1989 as an Inspector of Taxes grade II with Internal Revenue Division of the then Ondo State Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, worked in different parts of the state before his deployment to Ekiti State following the creation of the new state in 1996 and he rose through the ranks until his appointment as Permanent Secretary in January 2020.
A very high profiled and seasoned professional, Mr. Adebiyi, member Chatered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria CITN, served in different capacities at many Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the state and retired as Permanent Secretary, Ekiti SUBEB after the completion of the mandatory 35 years in service.
