By Josephine Oguntoyinbo
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Families, friends and well wishers  have extolled the virtues of the former Director, Development Control and Enforcement in the State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Revd.(Mrs) Mariam Ann Ologun, as she bowed out of office, after thirty five years of active meritorious service.

Speaking at the event held at the OSDPC Multipurpose Event centre in Akure at the weekend, the Commissioner in the ministry, Prince Solagbade Amodeni commended the celebrant for  having worked for thirty five years without blemish, saying it is a  privilege and a great accomplishment.

Amodeni, who was also the chaimam of the occasion urged people to always leave an indelible mark in whatever position they find themselves.

“No doubt in my mind,  the celebrant will continue to go places. The ministry has achieved a lot  despite paucity of funds in the state. I commend your diligence and cooperation.

“I thank you and all staff of the ministry  for believing in the reformative idea of the present administration in the state which has brought about positive change in town planning and urban development of the state”.

While urging men not to be jittery about their wives’ achievements but always support  them to succeed, he charged women to equally  be submissive no matter what they are.

Also speaking, the President, Nigeria Institute of Town Planners NITP, Prof. Kayode Omole who described the former director as an embodiment of humility and hardworking informed that she has served in various capacities at the state level of the institute and performed excellently.

Represented by the Treasurer of NITP Mr Olufayo Olusola, the President posited that Mrs Ologun is a professioner to the core whom her contributions to the town planning in Nigeria cannot be forgotten.

The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Sunday Agbotoba  and his counterpart in the ministry of women affairs, Mr Alaba Adeyemi, described the former director as a go getter and understanding woman who worked with them.

They prayed for God’s guardian in her future endeavours as she bows out of service.

In separate interviews with The Hope Metro, family members, clergies, and some civil servants in the state, who graced the occasion  affirmed that the celebrant is a straight forward person, down to heart, and a team player who is worthy of emulation.

In her vote of thanks,  the celebrant,  Mrs Ologun thanked God for sparing her life to attain the age of 60 years and for giving her the grace to work for 35 years in the civil service in good health.

She thanked those who came to celebrate with her,  while she particularly applauded the  staff of the ministry who worked with her as a team to achieved                                   the set goal.

Highlight of the occasion included the celebration of her 60th birthday and the unveiling of  her Non-Governmental  Organisation (NGO) called Centre for Women under privileged in landed property.

An indigene of Okene, in Kogi state and married to an Oka-Akoko man in Ondo State, Mrs Ologun started her career as an Assistant Planning Officer  in Kaduna State Ministry of Lands, Survey, and Country Planning, before her service was transferred to Ondo State in the year 2001.