as HOS , Commissioner, Others Laud Celebrant’s Perseverance
Eminent personalities from various spheres of life, family members, and other well wishers gathered on Saturday to celebrate the outgoing Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Dr. Muftau Ayoola, who bowed out of the Oyo State Civil Service after 35 years of meritorious service to the pacesetter state.
Personalities who graced the retirement programme and 60th birthday celebration of the retiree, held at the Multi-purpose Hall of the International School Ibadan ( ISI), University of Ibadan, included the wife of the Alaafin of Oyo, Queen Ibiwumi Owoade; Oyo State Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, mni; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Oyo State, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun; and a member of the Oyo State House of Assembly. Hon. Abdulrahmon Olorunpoto.
Also in attendance were the chairman of the Oyo State Agency for the Control of AIDS , Dr. Gbola Adetunji, former head of service, Oyo State; Alhaji Tajudeen Aremu; Permanent Secretaries; Executive Secretaries;former INEC Resident Commissioner , Dr.AdeKunle Ogunmola , representatives of the Alumni of Olivet Baptist High School , Oyo; religious leaders; traditional rulers, among others.
Speaking at the event, the wife of the Alaafin of Oyo, Queen Ibiwumi Owoade, represented by Chief Adenike Akindele, called on the celebrant to reduce the number of his engagements and create time to rest as he begins another journey of life
In her remarks, the Oyo State Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, expressed delight at seeing the retiree quitting the service on a good note .
She lauded the leadership style of the outgoing permanent secretary, his contributions to the development of the culture and tourism sector of the state and mutual working relationship established with the political head of the ministry.
” I am happy that Dr. Ayoola retired from the service voluntarily, at a time when a challenge came up,he overcame it . I also thank God that the posting we did, his pairing with the Hon. Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, yielded positive results. To my colleagues, permanent secretaries , executive secretaries, thank you for celebrating one of us , we shall celebrate one another in good condition”
Eulogizing the celebrant for his uniqueness, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, emphasized the need for individuals to make good deeds their watch word.
Dr. Olatunbosun appreciated the Oyo State Head of Service for celebrating with the culture and tourism ministry despite her tight schedule, as well as other dignitaries present to honour the new retiree.
“I have worked with different permanent secretaries, Dr. Adebisi Muftau Ayoola is distinct , he is one out of many , I enjoyed working with him , his perseverance is second to none”
” We attended the same secondary school, Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo. He was my senior,despite that ,he was submissive and humbled. I thank the head of service for given us Dr . Ayoola at the ministry of culture and tourism”
Earlier, the chairman of the occasion, Chief Bayo Adesope (JP), an alumnus of Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo, submitted that challenges are parts of human life.
While appreciating the wife of the celebrant, Mrs. Winifred Ayoola for being a supporting pillar to her husband, Chief Adesope congratulated the retiree for ending his career without any blemish.
Speaking, the celebrant, Dr. Adebisi Ayoola thanked individuals and groups for their presence and gestures extended to him on the occasion.
The Chief Imam of the Ansarudeen Society of Nigeria, Oyo, Imam Bolaji Adeyemo delivered a sermon while Alhaji Daud Tijani prayed for the celebrant and well wishers.
Highlights of the events included cultural dance, presentation of gifts, cutting of cakes, citation of the retiree by Adedamola Ayoola, among others.
