Friends, family extol Akinwalere’s 
virtues as he bows out of service

By Femi Atolagbe
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It was pomp and pageantry as friends and family extolled the virtues of the retired longest serving Permanent Secretary in Ondo State public service, Dr Adedeji Akinwalere.

The elaborate ceremony held at the Ondo State Development and Property Hall Ijapo, in Akure saw friends, family and acquaintances showered encomiums on the retired PS.

Chairman of the occasion and Special Adviser to Ondo State Governor on Union Matters, Mr Alaba Isijola described Akinwalere as a dutiful and never tired civil servant

“Akinwalere  started his career from local government, having worked in different Ministries, he later came back to retire as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affair.”

Member representing Irele/ Okitipupa Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Mr Gboluga Ikengboju, said Akinwalere  remain one of the finest Permanent Secretaries ever produced from his community.

“I’m happy to join others to celebrate an icon, who served for 32 years unblemished, he is fantastic and a super personality, we are proud of him”.

Southwest chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, Olorogun Eddy Olafeso said Akinwalere was the founding  architect of today’s civil service in the state.

“We are privileged to have him served in all those positions he served, he has been grounded for the life ahead of him, the society is waiting for him to contribute more”

The National Vice President of NULGE South West, Mr Famoofo Oludare described Akinwalere  as a calm, collected and unassuming leader.

Mr Akinwalere while responding thanked all and sundry for their words of encouragement

Akinwalere stressed further that “it is heartwarming that such struggles were never in vain, I’m retiring now and  new policy guideline came in place initiated by the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) which is trying to give power to local government to manage their finances.