Mr. Ojo Ayodele Francis, a director in the office of Accountant General of Ondo State and Chairman of National Accountants, Ondo State branch who was described as dogged, courageous and intelligent officer has bowed out of the service of the state after 35 years of meritorious service without blemish.
His colourful pens down and retirement ceremony was held at St. Luke’s Event Centre, Idi-agba, Akure on Monday 5th of September, 2022 as digintaries from all walks of life graced the occasion.
Some of the personalities that spoke with the Democrat News Magazine, described Mr. Ojo Ayodele as a diligent, sincere and upright man throughout out his stayed in office for the past 35 years.
They noted that his impacts on the people and the system cannot be over emphasized calling all those are still in active service to emulate his quality service life.
While speaking with journalists shortly after the event, the celebrant, Mr. Ojo Ayodele Francis who was full of appreciation to God Almighty for the success of 35 years in the service he described as slippery terrain.
In his words: “I want to give thanks to God Almighty for allowing me to finish the service well without blemish. Many of us started in 1987 but some are on wheel chair and some are dead.
“I also want to use this opportunity to thank some individuals that supported me during my service years, like my mother, my wife and entire Ibilola Family. In the same way, I thank all my bosses that contributed to the success of my career.
He said: “Some of the days that I can not forget were the days people wrote series of petitions against me. They determined to destroy my career but God didn’t allow them to succeed.
“The recent ones that I could remember vividly were 30 pieces of petitions with different names, but God gave wisdom to Mr. Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to call on at least two of the petitioners to come and defend their claims but none of them showed up.
Ayodele pointed out that his major breakthrough in the service was the ratification of the age long bifurcation they have been clamouring for, over the years by the present government under the leadership of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
He said his service years was full of fighting for the Welfare of the downtrodden in all the places where had worked.
When asked what next after retirement, Ayodele noted that, he will like to seek the face of God before he venture into any business after retirement adding that he is ready to serve God more than before.
In her comment, the wife of the celebrant, Mrs Ayodele Victoria Emiola ascribed the success of her husband to mercy of God despite many challenges he faced during his service years.
She assured to that: “We shall not relent in our persistent prayer and dedication towards future successes. We know that God has been answering our prayers and he will continue to do.”
Ojo Ayodele Francis joined the service of Ondo State at age of 22 in 1987 and served in various ministries and rose through the ranks before he finally bowed out as a director from the office of Accountant General of Ondo State.
He is the current Chairman of Ondo State Chapter of Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) in 2020 till date.
He had OND, HND, PGD in Financial Management from the University of Ado Ekiti (UNAD) and MBA from Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba (AAUA).
He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Cost and Management Accountants, a member of Institute of Certified Accountants of Nigeria, member Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), member of Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Examiners, Associate Member, Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) and Fellow of Certified National Accountants (FCNA).
He is married and blessed with promising children.