The Lagos State Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Rabiu Olowo, has tasked civil servants to emulate the diligence and dedication of the former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Oyeyemi Ayoola, who retired statutorily after 35 years of active service recently.
Speaking during the last day in office ceremony for the retiring Permanent Secretary, Olowo described the outgoing Permanent Secretary as a resourceful, enthusiastic and responsible civil servant who discharged her duties diligently.
He pointed out that Mrs. Ayoola served selflessly without expecting any compensation from anyone, saying that God has a way of rewarding hard work and dedication to public service.
“The exit of the retiree comes with mixed feelings as she would be sorely missed for her wealth of experience and accounting prowess. I am happy on one side because she has put in 35 years of meritorious service, full of impacts. On the other hand, I’m sad because the relationship we had was very short and I will forever treasure these memories”, the Commissioner said.
Dr. Olowo said Ayoola exemplified hard work, passion and dedication to service, which is reflected in the improvement recorded in the payment of the Land Use Charge.
Earlier, the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, in his Goodwill Message wished the retired Permanent Secretary well, just as he welcomed her to the Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries where she can continue to lend her voice to the development of the State.
The Head of Service, represented by Mrs. Omotayo Bukola Adeniji from the Public Service Office, Post Service Unit, also noted that the retiring PS distinguished herself during her active years in service, imploring her to remain available to give back to the State and the entire Public Service when the need arises.
The Executive Chairman, Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Ayodele Subair, acknowledged the professionalism displayed by the retiree, saying that the retired Permanent Secretary knows her onions.
Responding, Mrs. Oyeyemi Ayoola, thanked everyone for making her tenure as Permanent Secretary a memorable one, saying “I am happy to inform you all that l will do the same thing all over again when called upon because I see public service as a rare privilege”.
She, however, advised public servants to remain focused, committed and avoid constant unproductive talks while also encouraging them to embrace insurance plans that will benefit them in future.
Her words: “There are so many things you can still do while in service, I was already an entrepreneur as far back as 2004, so start planning and saving to make a good career”.
The retirement event was graced by the Permanent Secretaries, top government officials and other dignitaries.
