Conference Organizes Send forth Ceremony for Its Retired Directors, Commends Makinde’s Kind Gestures to Oyo Civil/Public Servants

The Conference of Directors of Education and Social Services in Oyo State Local Government Service on Monday, organized a send-forth ceremony for Retired Directors from the Department, at the open lobby of Oyo State Water Corporation Building, Secretariat, Ibadan.

In his welcome address, at the epoch making event, the conference president and director of Education and Social Services, Kajola local government, Comrade Samson Ojo, congratulated the retirees at the event for being opportune to be part of the first ever enlarged sendforth programme to be organized by the Conference. “Although we had organized a similar sendforth programme some years back for some of our retired colleagues, none has been as elaborate as this. The implication is that your set is very luck,” Com. Ojo stated.

He also reiterated that the send-forth was an avenue to appreciate the great deeds of the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde for bringing the dividends of good governance back to the civil/public service, hence the beautiful testimony of how civil/public servants have benefited from the tremendous positive gestures from his excellency in the last three and a half years, with the largesse equally extended to the senior citizens too.

Other speakers on the occasion were the director of Education and Social Services of Ibadan South West Local Government, Mr. Taiwo Oladejo, Chairman conference of HLGAs in the State, Deacon Taiwo Adewale, and the NUP Trustee 1, Deacon Ogunbiyi.

In his short remark on the occasion, the permanent secretary, Oyo State Local Government Service Commission, Mr. Akin Funmilayo, noted that the occasion called for special thanksgiving because all the retirees have been found worthy of honour culminating in recognition of their exemplary service and record of outstanding contributions to the growth and development of the state and the public service at large.

He stated that the retirees were privileged because they retired at a time when pensions and gratuities get paid regularly without delay.  “Unlike the previous era when you would have to wait for four or five years before you could come to pick up your cheque,” Mr. Funmilayo said.

Speaking further, the Permanent Secretary  said he was positive  that those who retired in 2019 are already receiving their cheques, which were attested to by the permanent secretary, local government staff pension board, Alh. Lukman Muraina. Mr. Akin Funmilayo then prayed for the retirees to enjoy their retirement and get the benefits that come with it in good health and sound mind.

In his goodwill message, the State Civil Service Commission Chairman, Alh. Kamardeen Aderibigbe, who was represented on the occasion by the Commission’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs Adejoke Eyitayo, expressed gratitude, to the retirees for their loyalty, commitment, perseverance and sacrifice throughout their years of service, imploring them to pay more attention to their health and wellness during this period, “because there will be less engagement now at retirement, which you must be cautious of; thus, you need to take more fruits and do some exercise.”

Speaking further, Mrs. Eyitayo enjoined them on the imperative of eating to live as against eating and drinking to enjoy, for the sake of their health. She finally called their attention to the various reasons why they should be grateful to God for all that He has done.

In his special charge delivered on the occasion, the Chairman Oyo State Local Government Service Commission, Dr. Remi Ayodele, congratulated all the retirees, averring that the present administration had put in place various measures to ensure prompt and regular payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities, adding that “when the Governor’s team came on board, there were lots of health cases on the ground from pensioners due to inability of the immediate past administration to pay gratuities, but since the emergence of his Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde-led administration, there have been prompt payments of salaries and pensions, and I can say authoritatively and unequivocally that there have been fewer health issues from the pensioners as the causes of the ailments have reduced drastically among retirees. “

He further said all issues that have to do with pensioners are being attended to promptly, as it is one of the priorities of the governor.

Responding on behalf of the retirees, a former acting director of Education and Social Services in Afijio West LCDA, Mrs. Anthonia Kehinde gave God the glory for sparing their lives to witness such a beautiful day and an auspicious occasion, affirming that it had been a beautiful journey.

“I must confess to you all that working with Oyo State at this time is a unique opportunity and privilege. God will continue to uphold our darling Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, and he will continue to rule Oyo state with the wisdom of God, and to the benefit of the people. We have gained a lot in our 35 years of meritorious service. Even though it was quite challenging, I must give thanks to God for the grace to end it well”, Mrs. Kehinde said.

The highlight of the programme was the presentation of plaques, certificates of meritorious service and gifts to the seven retirees, while the two former presidents of the Conference, Alakinyele of Akinyele, Oba James Odeniran and acting HLGA of Sooro LCDA, Mrs Omolara Aremu, as well as the incumbent president, Comrade Samson Ojo, were presented with plaques in honour and appreciation of their contributions to the progress and development of the Conference.

Adeola Oduola.

LGSC.