35 Years of Service Is No Small Feat, Says Wife of Oyo Deputy Gov at Ogbomoso Retirement Ceremony

The wife of the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Ajibola Ajibike Lawal, JP, has described 35 years in active public service as a remarkable achievement, as she congratulated Mrs Bola Folake Kayode on her retirement from local government service.

Speaking on Tuesday at Ogbomoso Town Hall, Oja’gbo, during a ceremony honoring Mrs Kayode, wife of former Housing Corporation coordinator Gbega Kayode, Mrs Lawal said reaching the milestone deserved recognition and celebration.

“Thirty-five years in active service is not a joke,” she said. “I congratulate you for achieving this milestone and for serving faithfully.”

Mrs Lawal, who said she retired from banking over 15 years ago, noted that Ogbomoso holds a special place for her family, as her husband graduated from Ogbomoso Grammar School.

She added that it is important for her to honor Mrs Kayode as she bowed out of service to join her husband, who retired from the Housing Corporation a few years earlier.

Describing retirement as “sweet,” she said it is a time to focus on personal well-being after years of service.

“Bola Kayode is retiring from government work, but she is not tired. This is the time to work on herself, worship God, and enjoy life,. When I retired from the bank, I realized I no longer had headaches. I now have time for myself, can sleep and wake whenever I wish, and travel without seeking permission”, she stated.

The wife of the Deputy Governor urged the retiree to dedicate more time to herself, her husband, children, and community, and prayed for good health and long life to enjoy the fruits of her labor.

In her appreciation messages, Mrs Kayode thanked God for seeing her through 35 years in service and expressed gratitude to her family.

She acknowledged the deputy governor and his wife for their support over the years, and thanked the staff, and guests who attended, including Alhaji Monsur Ejide.

She also commended the council chairman for his leadership and support to staff.

In his vote of thanks, Council Chairman Hon. George Ogunlade however congratulated Mrs Kayode on the feat and prayed for safe journeys home for all guests.

The event featured the presentation of gifts by local government staff, management, friends, and family, along with panegyrics, poems, and recitations in honor of the celebrant and the guest of honor.

Mrs Lawal was accompanied by Yeye Fauziyat Aderibigbe, Mrs Aderonke Bello, Mama Adegbayibi Adejoke, Alhaja Fauziyat Adelabu, and other dignitaries.