Information Officers in Ekiti State have honoured the Director of Newsroom, State Ministry of Information, Mr Abiodun Olajide, at a valedictory editorial meeting to mark his retirement from the state civil service.
Olajide, who retires on Monday after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 60 and completing 28 years of service, was lauded by colleagues for his contributions to public communication, mentorship and professional development.
The Director of Information Services, Mr Tope Babalola, described Olajide as a committed and dependable public servant whose career was defined by professionalism, loyalty and dedication to duty.
Babalola said their professional relationship began in 1999 when Olajide moved from the State Teaching Service Commission to the Ministry of Information, adding that their bond became stronger after the ministry’s restructuring and the redeployment of officers in October 2023.
He described the retiring director as a thorough and responsible officer who handled assignments with diligence and earned the respect of colleagues and superiors.
According to Babalola, Olajide played important roles in government communication through public enlightenment programmes such as Ekiti State Update/Ìtẹ̀síwájú Ìpínlẹ̀ Èkìtì and Feedback on Government Developmental Activities, which were aired on local radio and televisions in the State for almost two decades
He said the programmes helped to explain government policies, programmes and achievements to the public while improving the relationship between government and citizens.
Babalola also highlighted Olajide’s contribution to the state’s flagship television programme, Ekiti on the Move, where he served on the production team.
He said the retiring director’s experience, editorial knowledge and attention to detail helped improve the quality and credibility of the programme, which showcases government activities to viewers within and outside the state.
Babalola praised Olajide’s leadership as Director of the Newsroom, describing him as a mentor who supported younger officers through humility, patience and knowledge sharing.
He said Olajide would be remembered for his outstanding service, integrity and positive impact on the Information Services Department and the Ekiti State Government.
Several of Olajide’s colleagues, who started their careers with him in the department as well as other Directors in the Ministry also paid tribute to him at the well attended event .
They included Mrs Bolanle Tedela, Director of Information, Ministry of Finance; Mr Segun Olatoye, Director of Information, Social Investment Agency; Mrs Lara Alokan, Director of Information, Pension Commission; Mr Kunle Babalola, Director of Information, Office of the Governor; Mr Charles Ademolaju, Director of Information, Teaching Service Commission; Mr Adekunle Adeniyi, Director of Information, Ministry of Works and Mrs Oladunni Ayeni, Director of Information, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
They described him as hardworking, dedicated and accommodating, while praying for good health, long life and continued blessings for him and his family.
Speaking on behalf of other Information Officers in the Ministry , Mr Abiodun Olofe, Information Officer in the Office of the Wife of the Governor, described Olajide as a disciplined and principled officer who upheld professional standards.
In a goodwill Message ,the Secretary of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ekiti State Council, Comrade O’Seun Ogunsakin, described Olajide as an impactful leader who helped many officers discover their abilities.
Ogunsakin said the retiring director had mentored capable successors, reducing concerns about any leadership gap following his retirement.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the NUJ Information Chapel, Comrade Wale Obelewaji, described Olajide’s years in service as a period marked by dedication, integrity and excellence.
He said the retiring director led with compassion, guided younger officers and inspired colleagues through his leadership style.
In his response,the Retiring Director, Mr Abiodun Olajide thanked God for granting him a successful and fulfilling career in the Ekiti State Civil Service.
He attributed his achievements to teamwork, hard work, discipline and divine guidance urging anyone he might have offended in the course of his official duties to forgive him, noting that his decisions were always guided by professionalism and adherence to due process.
Olajide urged Information Officers to remain committed to hard work, integrity, faith and excellence in serving the public.
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