Christianah Alade(Intern)
A member of Penpushing platform, Kehinde Akinola has gloriously retired as Permanent Secretary in the Ogun State Civil Service having served meritoriously for thirty-five years, a mandatory rule of service.
Penpushing reports that Akinola served as the first female Chief Procol Officer in the state under the administration of outgoing Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun before her elevation to the post of Permanent Secretary in Bureau of Protocol and Ceremonials,
The retiree was on Friday joined by Deputy Governor, Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele, who led government delegation, families, friends and well-wishers among other dignitaries to rejoice with Akinola as she bowed out from service.
Penpushing further reports that others include Ogun State Head of Service, Olanrewaju Saka, Mrs Lydia Fajounbo who led the Permanent Secretaries, Tokunbo Talabi(Secretary to State Government), Dr Toyin Taiwo(former Chief of Staff) and Speaker of Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Oludaisi Elemide
The others on roll call are Prince Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji (Founder Penpushing Media), Dr Wole Dosunmu (renowned Ogun State Government Compere), Mrs Seun Boye (Chairman Ogun State Chapter Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and her husband Dehinde Boye) , Oluwasesan Fagbayi(Commissioner for Tourism and Culture) and Engr Tommy Akintomide with wife, Taiwo, a twin sister of the retiree
Penpushing also reports that a thanksgiving service was held at The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) in Onikolobo area of Abeokuta with many describing Akinola as a model public servant whose legacy was built on patience, diligence and humility.
The resident pastor of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) , Rev. Bolade Oke in his exhortation offered prayers for the retiree, asking God to grant her long life, good health and a fulfilling retirement.
Penpushing reports that Ogun State Deputy Governor in her remarks praised Akinola’s resilience, competence and accommodating spirit, noting that her ability to deliver results under demanding conditions distinguished her in the state civil service.
“Beyond her competence, she had compassion. She is very accommodating and she brings everyone together to the right place at the right time. She is a dependable officer who consistently delivered despite working under a perfectionist’, Salako-Oyedele stated.
Penpushing further reports that speaking at the event, Secretary to State Government described the retired permanent secretary as an exceptionally hardworking officer whose commitment stood out throughout her years in service.
“So hardworking was she that while assignments were being carried out, we saw more of her than even her Permanent Secretary. I became closer to Mrs. Akinola because of her dedication and outstanding service’, Talabi emphasised.
Penpushing also reports that the Speaker in his speech at the service recalled knowing Akinola for over three decades, saying her appearance, character and commitment had remained unchanged.
“Since 1992 or 1993 that I have known her, she has not changed. We can all see the grace of God upon her life as a result of her diligence in the Lord. I urge her to remain true to herself even in retirement’, Elemide added.
Penpushing reports that on her part, Chairperson of the Ogun State Permanent Secretary, affirmed that the immediate past retired Permanent Secretary contributed to her personal growth in the service and taught her the values of patience and contentment.
“I easily react at the slightest provocation, but she always reminded me to remain calm and patient. Those are two lessons she taught me that I will never forget’, Fajounbo disclosed.
Penpushing further reports that her children, Fisayo and Temiloluwa Akinola, in their remarks described their mother as their role model and the best mother ever, as well as a woman carried by grace
“I don’t have half of her patient spirit, but I admire her and I want to be like her, a woman carried by grace who had been blessed with remarkable people throughout her life’, the children said separately.
Penpushing also reports that responding, the retiree thanked God for guiding her throughout her career and equally expressed appreciation to guests who attended the thanksgiving service, to rejoice with her.
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