By Babatunde Ayedoju

It was a joyous atmosphere on Thursday as staff and friends of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) bade farewell to five of their colleagues at the commission’s office in Akure.

The five retirees honoured at the ceremony included Mr Wale Mafolabomi, Director of Youth, Women Development, and Poverty Alleviation; Chief Julius Babatunde, Director of Internal Audit; Mr John Ogunfeyijimi, Assistant Director of Electrical Works; Mr Bayowa Olowookere, Chief Motor Driver and Mechanic; and Mrs Ibiyemi Adebayo, Chief Clerical Officer.

In her opening address, the Secretary and Acting Chairman of OSOPADEC, Princess Abike Bayo- Ilawole, congratulated the retirees, describing the event not only as the end of an era but also as the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

Bayi-Ilawole, while paying glowing tributes to colleagues who had passed away in service, said, “We do not only celebrate the achievements of our staff who are retiring today; we also appreciate their sacrifices, challenges, and how they overcame them.

“Your legacy will live on through the lives you have touched. We will miss you, but we hope you and your loved ones enjoy the fruits of your labour.”

She urged the audience to strive to leave a good legacy wherever they found themselves.

In his exhortation, Engineer Olubunmi Filani spoke on the topic “An Appointed Time,” stressing the need for everyone to make good use of their time, as they would one day account for it.

Former Permanent Secretary of the Commission, Dr Mann Ali, who gave a goodwill message, described the retirees as conscientious, dutiful, and committed officers who had always performed their duties diligently.

While wishing them the best in their future endeavours, Dr Ali encouraged other staff members to continue supporting their leaders as a key to growth and development.

In his appreciation, one of the retirees, Chief Babatunde, thanked all the staff he had worked with, describing them as wonderful people and expressing how much he would miss them.

Another retiree, Mr Mafolabomi, also appreciated his colleagues and the management of the commission, highlighting the role of prayer in his career success.

He said, “All I am doing here is praying. Prayer is the key. I graduated in 1991 when there was an embargo on employment. I fasted for seven days, and a few days later, I got a job in Lagos.

“I later worked in the North. When I returned to Ondo State, I got another job immediately. It’s the power of prayer.”

The event featured the reading of citations for the retirees, an official pen-down ceremony, the presentation of gifts, and musical performances.