EXCELLENT SERVICE: PRINCE OLUSEGUN OMOJUWA BOWS OUT OF THE CIVIL SERVICE TO GO INTO COMMUNITY SERVICE .
Torrent of accolades, gifts, encomiums and testimonies were poured in, in recognition and appreciation of Prince Olusegun Omojuwa, the Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Local Government Loans Board for his quality service and impacts in the body of polity of the civil service of Ondo State as he excellently bowed out after untainted 35 years of meritorious service.
At his retirement ceremony, held within the premises of Ondo State Local Government Service Commission, Akure, eminent Nigerians from within Ondo State and beyond were present to celebrate with Prince Omojuwa whom they described as an embodiment of humility, intelligence and a man endowed with the aura of peace.
Some of the personalities present at the event include the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, his counterpart in the Local Government and Chieftaincy Affair, Alhaji Aminu Takuro, the Head of Service, Pastor Kayode Ogundele, HRM the Odede of Igbogunrin , Oba (Dr.) Philips Kalejaye JP, Chairman Ondo State Local Government Service Commission, Chief Femi Idris and Commissioners on the board of the Commission.
Other dignitaries include, Ondo State representative to the NDDC, Barr. Gbenga Edema, Chairman of the Forum of Permanent Sercretaries, Chief Bunmi Alade, Permanent Secretary of Ondo State Local Government Service Commission, Mrs. Nike Ogunsola and a host of others.
Speaking with the Democrat News Magazine, the President of NULGE in Ondo State Comrade Bola Taiwo described Prince Omojuwa as complete good example in the community, office, church and at work place, adding that all and sundry should emulate his quality life in all ramifications.
Also in his comment, former Deputy President of NULGE, Pastor Marcus Akinduko said: “The life of Prince Segun Omojuwa is a testimony to all and sundry, this is what I have been saying that you must do good to all those you meet while you are growing up because when you grow old they may provide you with walking stick. We have heard how Prince Omojuwa made selfless service to better the lives of all those who came in contact with him in the course of his service years.”
Hon Poroye Biyi, a Director on the Board of Alpha 3D said: “He has a kind of receptive manner that makes people comfortable around him. He believes so much in community development, honest and lover people. He is a committed leader, very practical and blunt.
“No doubt is going to be a sound instrument in the polity of Ondo State and Nigeria, he always doing everything within his capacity to make people better and happy”.
Mr Kenneth Odusola, Press Secretary in the office of the Deputy Governor said: “Because of length of time in the Civil Service or age he has to retire but he still has a lot to offer and some of us in government we are still calling him back to government to join hands to lift this state and rebuild this nation.
“What is important is that people of this nature are very rare to find in this country- a dedicated goal getter and achiever. I only prayed that he will enjoy his retirement in good health”.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka noted: “Prince Segun Omojuwa is well known to me. We worked together at the level of Local Government; he was HPM when I was a Chairman of my Local Government about 25 year ago.
“He has been an amiable personality who has an innate political capacity to lead as he had worked in various departments at the level of the Local Government; I am welcoming him into politics. As he pens down today, he should join us in politics, we know he has a lot of values to inject into the political system of the country.”
Also in a chat with Democrat News Magazine, Permanent Secretary of Cabinet and Special Services Department, Governor’s Office, Mr. Adeyemi Adeyemo thanked God for his quality service saying that he has been doing his work diligently and that he served in various places before his retirement.
He pointed that Omojuwa is an asset to Ondo State and Nigeria recommended to governments at all levels to serve in higher capacity for the development of the country.
His elder sister, Mrs. Idogun Funmilayo Iretiola described Prince Omojuwa as a reliable son of the family who, through dedication and consistent hard work brought honour and glory to the family in all aspects of his life from youth.
In his chat with journalists, Oba Philips Kalejaye said Prince Segun Omojuwa has been a good ambassador of his family, community and Ondo State whose life has been inspiration to younger generation.
Oba Kalejaye therefore called on the people that are still in the service of government at all levels to emulate the virtues of Omojuwa.
In his valedictory speech titled ‘BYEBYE TO TENSION, WELCOME PENSION,’ Prince Olusegun Omojuwa said it was a significant moment in the journey of his life and he expressed his exceeding gladness and thanks to the Almighty God, for how far He has taken him.
“Let me thank most importantly, His Excellency, the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, who the Lord used to appoint me as Permanent Secretary in the Public Service of Ondo State. Mr. Governor deserves all the accolades for ensuring that the process of appointing Permanent Secretaries in Ondo State is merit driven. This appreciation by implication extends to the Deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for being an able and loyal lieutenant to Mr. Governor. History will never forget you as a personable personality, whose love and kindness for me is immeasurable.
“I must also have a word of gratitude for our amiable and dynamic Head of Service, Pastor K. O Ogundele for finding time out of his tight schedule to grace this occasion. Sir, it is on record that your appointment as Head of Service ushered in a new tempo of optimism in the public service of Ondo State. As the Head of bureaucracy, you have continued to show unparalleled leadership. We have learnt so much from your simplicity without losing focus, humility devoid of laizefaire and audacity to handle issues with utmost fairness to all stakeholders. It is my humble conviction that, under your leadership, the bureaucracy of Ondo State will assume its rightful place under the sun.
“Moreover, permit me to express my gratitude to the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Femi Idris. I must place on record that Hon. Femi Idris is a man I first met as the Chairman of Owo Local Government, by which time I was a Senior Personnel Officer. He cuts the image of a man who carries on the business of leadership with so much candour and thoroughness. He’s not a man sold to excuses.
When as a young man he was elected as the Chairman of Owo Local Government, he was always interested in the well-being of both his people and workers. It is little wonder that he is a difference maker who has earned the confidence and blessing of Mr. Governor to be appointed and reappointed as the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission. It is a unique feat, first of its kind!
I have this perpetual inkling that God is not done with you sir; He is taking you higher. You already have your signature of credible performance in the public service and you are loved by all and sundry. As Chairman of the Loans Board, I will forever cherish the cordial and progressive relationship we enjoyed from you during my tenure as Permanent Secretary of the Board.
Gentlemen and Ladies, time limitations will not permit me to delve into the story of my life, or at least my career in the Local Government Service. That would probably be an issue for documentation whenever I’m opportune to chronicle same in black and white. Suffice, however, to reiterate that it has been God all the way. While I give Him all the glory, I must appreciate some of my mentors, bosses and trainers under whom I learnt a lot and who provided the motivation and experiences which saw me to the peak of my career. I will not forget people like the Late Chief Femi Ogundayo, the man who actually motivated me to sit for ASCON examination through which I was converted to the Administrative Officers Cadre. Along the line I came in contact with other motivators like Barr B.J Lawani, Chief Akintade, Barr Ade Akinbosade, Pastor (Mrs.) Odunayo Ketiku, Late P.I Owo, Chief Bunmi Eniayewu, Dr. Dare Olipede, and Chief Remi Oni to mention a few. These individuals and many more that space will not permit me to mention impacted positively on my career. For instance, I must not shy away from acknowledging my stint in the Local Government Service Commission, under Barr Ade Akinbosade and Pastor(Mrs.) Odunayo Ketitu as the most glorious period in my career. It was an era when we worked like most assiduously! They had so much trust in many of us that worked with them, gave room for innovative thinking and platforms to unleash our talents. I’m always fascinated by their doggedness, personal conviction, administrative acumen, and audacity of purpose!
At this juncture, I like to appreciate all the staff of the Loans Board, from the Head of Loans Board, Dr (Mrs.) Mercy Femi-Idris to the least officer, for your support and cooperation during my stay in the Board. The show of love and solidarity has been overwhelming since my first day as Permanent Secretary of the Board. You are wonderful people! I pray that you will attain greater heights in life, and God will always send you help from above.
To members of his family, Omojuwa said: “Also very deserving of my appreciation are my families, both immediate and extended for their love, understanding and support all through these years. I thank you sir, my Royal Father, HRM Oba (Dr) P.O Kalejaye, JP, the Odede of Igboegunrin for being a source of inspiration and for standing towards me in loco parentis. A load of gratitude to my elder sister, Mrs. Idogun Funmilayo. You will always take a lucid chapter in the story of my life for standing with me through thick and thin. We lost our mother at a very young age, but when the time was ripe, she easily reincarnated in you and empowered you to fill that gap. You are forever loved and cherished ma.
To all the Permanent Secretaries, my colleagues/friends in the Local Government bureaucracy and other numerous guests that have come to share with us in the joy of today, I thank you for your love and solidarity. Things of celebrations will never cease in your lives in Jesus name.
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, I’m exceedingly happy to join the league of senior citizens today and more importantly to say bye to tension and welcome to pension. Retirement seems a good thing to look forward to. And to really savour the joy of it, we must all prepare to leave one day and always have it at the back of our mind that a life which is empty of purpose at 60 will not suddenly become filled on retirement. I pray God
to make my retirement and your retirement just another of these reinventions, another chance to do new things and be another version of ourselves.”
Omojuwa therefore promised to go back to community development, where he started his career from and urged the civil servants that are still in active service to imbibe all that have been said about him at the occasion.
After presentation of gifts and group photographs, the dancing floor was opened where the celebrant and his family members showed their dancing skills.