It was a gathering of who is who in Ondo State yesterday Friday July 1, 2022 especially political class, traditional rulers, religious leaders, top government’s functionaries, labour leaders, local government Chief Executives and workers as well as family members when the International Events Centre, the Dome, Akure filled to the capacity to celebrate the retirement- the Pens Down and 60th Birthday Ceremony of Comrade Dr (Chief) Olubunmi Eniayewu.

‘BUNMI ENIAYEWU IS A QUINTESSENTIAL PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR, SAYS AIYEDATIWA

Ondo State Deputy Governor, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa while giving his adddress on behalf of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, acknowledged Dr. Eniayewu’s significant contributions to the state public service especially governance at grassroots.

While also wishing him well in his future endeavours, Akeredolu urged others to emulate him.

“I rejoice with a friend and a brother on the joyous occasion of his retirement and celebration of his 60th birthday” .

“Attaining the Diamond age, it is often said, marks the formal admittance into Elders’ Club, and for Dr Olubunmi Eniayewu JP, this indeed is an event which does not only define the worth of the Celebrant, it is also in a class of it’s own” .

In his good will message, Aiyedatiwa said, “nothing can be more exciting and fulfilling than for a man to enjoy a glorious retirement like this after a meritorious service to his father land, and to accompany same with a 60th Birthday Celebration of this magnitude, makes it more glorious” .

“We are here to celebrate a great man, and a retiring enigma whose impacts in the public service will be very difficult to erase” , declared, the Deputy Governor.

According to him, “we are here to celebrate not just a quintessential administrator, veteran labour leader, a social mobilizer and influencer, but also a motivational leader, a community developer, social crusader and socialite…. when you have all of these combined in one man, as we have in Dr Olubunmi Eniayewu, we must glorified God for his life” .

Speaking further, Aiyedatiwa charged the Celebrant on the need for him to join the present administration for the progress of the State.

“The road ahead is far and pregnant with possibilities, so here, we are calling on our brother and our friend, Dr Olubunmi Eniayewu to join the government of Ondo state led by Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, in our journey of reshaping our dear Sunshine State for the better,” Aiyedatiwa said.

One major highlight of the event is the handing over of Dr. Eniayewu to the State Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Engr Ade Adetimehim by the State NULGE President, Comrade Bola Taiwo who said Dr. Eniayewu needs to extend his administrative prowess to politics, stressing that he is a sellable material for the party in the state.

In a chat with topshot news, Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters and Special Duties, Mr Oluwadare Aragbaiye said the massive turnout of the people to the event is a testimony to the fact that Dr. Eniayewu is a good man just as he urged him to remain true to himself praying God to grant him more life.

Also speaking, Ondo State NULGE President, Comrade Bola Taiwo who is also a Commissioner at LG Service Commission while describing Dr. Eniayewu as a leader of all leaders also acknowledge that under his watch as the President of NULGE, the body witnessed massive reorganization.

Mrs Oluwasoyin Awosoye, the head of administration and next in command to the retired permanent secretary, Dr. Eniayewu while also giving an account of his steadwardship described him as an administrator per excellence who would be grearly missed.

Earlier in his address, Ondo State NLC Chairman and Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Comrade Sunday Adeleye said it was indeed a rare privilege to serve on the team to celebrate Dr Eniayewu, saying there is no replacement for the celebrant.

Comrade Adeleye while acknowledging his tireless fights for the welfare of workers in the state also used the opportunity to pray God to uphold him with good health.

The wife of the celebrant, Mrs. Caroline Oladoyin Eniayewu while thanking all the guests most especially union leaders for making the day a memorable one for her husband also extended her appreciation to the state government.

Giving his remarks shortly after observing the official Pens Down ceremony, Dr. Eniayewu who until his retirement, the Permanent Secretary, Local Government Service Pension Transitional Department and immediate past Ondo State President of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), appreciated the state government for the opportunity to serve.

Eniayewu particularly thanked all workers, other union leaders for their massive support saying he is humbled by the show of love he has been receiving from all sides.

In attendance at the event include Ondo State Head of Service, Pastor John Adeyemo, his wife, Jumoke; the Chairman of Local Government Service Commission, Hon Femi Idris; the Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperative Services, Deaconess Lola Fagbemi, Wife of the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mrs Sade Ale; APC Candidate for House of Representatives, Akoko South-East/South-West Federal Constituency, Otunba Adegboyega Adefarati; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Segun Odusanya among other dignitaries.