The Ekiti State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, has commended the retired Director in charge of the Newsroom, Ministry of Information, Mr. Abiodun Olajide, for his outstanding contributions to public communication and government information management during his 28 years of meritorious service.
Olatunbosun gave the commendation at a pen-down ceremony organised in honour of Olajide in Ado-Ekiti, describing him as an "information powerhouse" whose dedication, professionalism and integrity left an indelible mark on the ministry and the state public service.
The Commissioner said Olajide played a pivotal role in communicating government policies, programmes and activities to the people, particularly through his more than two decades of anchoring the government's public affairs programmes, Ekiti State Update and its Yoruba version, Itesiwaju Ipinle Ekiti.
He also credited the retired director with championing the translation of government news bulletins into Yoruba, making official information more accessible to grassroots communities.
Describing Olajide as one of the finest Information Officers to have served the state, Olatunbosun said he combined the discipline of a journalist with the compassion of a pastor, ensuring accuracy, fairness and professionalism in the discharge of his duties.
He urged the retiree to remain available to mentor younger officers, assuring him that the doors of the ministry would always remain open to him.
Also speaking, the Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Mrs. Adesola Fadiran, described Olajide as a "man of the people" whose diligence, courage, loyalty and commitment distinguished his career.
Fadiran commended his passion for excellence and the positive impact he made on colleagues, expressing confidence that retirement would usher in greater accomplishments for him.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Engr. Doyin Ojelabi-Pedro, praised Olajide's professionalism, diligence and willingness to support colleagues and younger officers.
Similarly, the Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Gbenga Adaramola, described the retired director as a consummate professional who exemplified honesty, diligence and integrity throughout his career.
In his remarks, Olajide's former teacher and retired Permanent Secretary, Mr. S. A. Adebayo, recalled teaching him as a secondary school student in the mid-1980s and expressed pride in his accomplishments in the civil service.
He prayed for God's continued guidance and a fulfilling retirement for the celebrant.
Earlier, the Director of Information Services, Mr. Tope Babalola, said Olajide's career was defined by integrity, professionalism, selfless service and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Babalola noted that Olajide joined the then Directorate of Information in 1999 and distinguished himself as a dependable officer who approached every assignment with dedication and a strong sense of responsibility.
He added that the retired director served with distinction in various government establishments before retiring as Director in charge of the Newsroom.
In a goodwill message on behalf of directors in the ministry, Mrs. Bolanle Tedela lauded Olajide's exemplary conduct in service and prayed that God would grant him good health, long life and abundant blessings.
The Chairman of Mercy Avenue Landlords Association, Mr. Ojo, described the retired director as a dependable resident, a reliable neighbour and a cheerful giver, while a pastor from Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor David, expressed joy over the glowing tributes paid to the celebrant.
Responding, Olajide expressed gratitude to God for sustaining him throughout his career and appreciated the Ekiti State Government, the Ministry of Information, colleagues, family members, friends and church members for honouring him.
He also acknowledged the role played by his former teacher, Mr. Adebayo, in shaping his character and career.
The retired director urged public servants and senior professionals to mentor younger generations and uphold the values of integrity, discipline and professionalism, describing his
commitment to ethical principles throughout his career as his greatest achievement despite the challenges of public service.
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