It was an atmosphere of celebration, appreciation and heartfelt tributes as the Executive Chairman of the Ekiti State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Prof. Femi Akinwumi, alongside colleagues, associates and friends, honoured retired Director of Information, Mr Sunday Agunbiade, for his outstanding 28 years of dedicated service to the Ekiti State Civil Service.
The valedictory (pen-down) ceremony, held in Ado-Ekiti to mark Agunbiade's retirement from the Ministry of Information, drew glowing testimonials from public service leaders who described him as a consummate professional, an exceptional writer and a committed public servant.
Leading the tributes, Prof. Akinwumi described the retired director as a dependable and highly professional officer who carried out every assignment with diligence, integrity and uncommon commitment.
He praised Agunbiade's exceptional writing skills and remarkable ability to deliver quality assignments promptly, even under tight deadlines, noting that his wealth of experience would continue to benefit society in retirement.
He urged him to remain committed to the ideals of excellence that distinguished his career.
The Permanent Secretary of SUBEB, Mr Michael Omolayo, described Agunbiade as a seasoned and resourceful officer whose professionalism became evident from their first meeting.
Although they worked together for only a few months, Omolayo said the retired director's dedication, intellectual depth and strong work ethic made a lasting impression. He commended his contributions to projecting the activities of the Board and wished him good health, peace and greater accomplishments in retirement.
Also paying tribute, the Director of Information Services in the Ministry of Information, Mr Tope Babalola, described Agunbiade as a prolific communicator whose mastery of news writing earned him admiration across the public service.
Babalola noted that Agunbiade served meritoriously in every Ministry, Department and Agency where he was posted and further distinguished himself during his final assignment at SUBEB, where he produced more than 200 developmental news stories within three years.
The Director of Planning, Research and Statistics at SUBEB, Dr Kehinde Adeyemo, described the retiree as a humble, diligent and kind-hearted officer whose exemplary character and dedication to duty made him a role model for younger colleagues. She encouraged him to remain impactful in retirement, saying his legacy of selfless service would continue to inspire others.
In separate goodwill messages, Directors in the Ministry of Information, Mrs Omolara Alokan and Mrs Kemisola Ayokunle, extolled Agunbiade's commitment to excellence, discipline and professionalism.
Alokan described him as a passionate, hardworking and jovial officer whose positive disposition and dedication left an enduring mark on colleagues throughout his years of service.
Ayokunle, on her part, lauded his exceptional writing skills, dependability and unwavering commitment to duty, praying that his retirement would usher in greater fulfilment, sound health and continued success.
Responding, an emotional Agunbiade expressed profound appreciation to the management and staff of SUBEB, the Ministry of Information, colleagues, friends and well-wishers for the honour accorded him.
Reflecting on his career, he said the challenges he encountered over the years became stepping stones that shaped him into a better professional. He urged serving public officers to embrace diligence, integrity and professionalism, stressing that dedication to duty always attracts lasting rewards.
The ceremony climaxed with the presentation of gifts, goodwill messages and special prayers offered for the retired director as he begins a new chapter after nearly three decades of distinguished public service.
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