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The Chairman, Oyo State Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Aderemi Ayodele, has called on the citizenry to get their PVCs ready and be determined to change the present narrative in the country by voting in a more competent, visionary, humane and energetic leader as President in 2023.
Ayodele stated this at the conference room of the commission on Thursday, during the sendforth programme organised in honour of one of its retiring staff, Mr. Isola Adetunji Okanlawon, who retired as an Assistant Chief Executive Officer (general duty), after clocking the mandatory age of 60 years.
The chairman noted that Nigerians must avoid the mistake of 2015, saying, “Nigeria’s economy under the present leadership had exacerbated compared to what was on ground in the 80s. In 2015, a bag of rice was around N7, 000, but now around N30, 000; exchange rate to a dollar was around N180 then, but today it’s over #600. Shall we then continue with this terrible mess? God forbid!”
Ayodele, who was represented on the occasion by the full time commissioner, Alh. AbdulAkeem Taiwo Oke, also appreciated God for making the day a reality, reminding the gathering that not all the people who planned such an event had the opportunity to grace it.
He further counselled the staff to always carry out their official duties with human face so that the state could wax stronger.
“You will all agree with me that Oyo State is one of the few states that make workers and pensioners welfare its top priority in the country today, and this is due to the humane nature of our dear governor who cannot stand the sight of suffering for the masses, ” he posited.
He prayed for the celebrant that he would get his entitlements in full, hale and hearty. The chairman also appreciated the family members of the retiree on behalf of the commission’s board members, management and staff.
Earlier in his opening remark, the NULGE Chairman, LGSC branch, Pastor Bankole Johnson, appreciated the staff for trooping out en masse to celebrate a worthy ambassador of the commission, Okanlawon, who he said demonstrated a high level of discipline, duty, honesty and dedication to service, enjoining them to borrow a leaf from the retiring staff.
Other speakers at the event include Mr. Baliamin Lukman Ojo (Establishment Officer), Mrs Taiwo Jimoh (Confidential Secretary), Mr. Ezekiel Oladele (a retiree) , among others.
Special prayers were offered for the celebrant and his family in both Islamic and Christian ways by Alfa Muideen Rahaman and Mr. Babayemi Kolawole, respectively.
Responding on behalf of the family, the celebrant, Okanlawon, appreciated the board members, management and staff of the commission for the kind gesture extended to him while in service and at retirement. He prayed for all his children that they would surpass him in terms of achievements in life.
The occasion had in attendance Alh. Ganiyu Wasiu (director of budget, planning, research and statistics); Mr. Adeola Oduola (director of education and social services); Alhaja Modinat Adeleke (internal auditor); Alh. Jelil Alade (deputy director of administration); Alh. Kunle Kareem (deputy director of education, Ido LG) and other principal officers of the commission.
Highlights of the programme include presentation of gifts, cutting of cake, taking of group photographs, among others.