Information Officers in Ekiti State have held a valedictory editorial meeting in honour of their late colleague, Mr. Femi Kehinde Bamisaye, who passed away on January 26, 2026, barely two months to his retirement from the State Civil Service. He was 59.
Speaking at the emotional-laden event in Ado-Ekiti, the Director of Information Services, Mr. Tope Babalola, described the late officer as an exceptional professional, loyal colleague and true patriot who devoted over 34 years of meritorious service to the state.
“Today, with heavy hearts yet deep gratitude to God for a life well spent, we gather to honour and celebrate an exceptional professional, a loyal colleague and a true patriot — Mr. Femi Kehinde Bamisaye,” he said.
Mr. Babalola noted that the deceased embodied dedication, diligence and honour in public service, leaving indelible marks in every office where he served.
He traced Bamisaye’s career from Ekiti East Local Government Area to the Ministry of Special Duties, the Ekiti State Micro Credit Agency, the Office of the Secretary to the State Government and the Ministry of Budget.
The Director further highlighted his remarkable service at the Office of the Head of Service, where he worked under three different Heads of Service — a testament to his professionalism, reliability and strong institutional memory.
According to Mr. Babalola, “Ekiti State has lost a committed officer, the Information Cadre has lost a pillar and we have all lost a friend.”
Also speaking, the Directorin Charge of the Newsroom, Ministry of Information, Mr. David Olajide, described the late Bamisaye as a committed and experienced officer whose impact in the newsroom and the Ministry at large was immeasurable.
Mr. Olajide, who worked closely with him for about 20 years, attested to his dedication, humility and unwavering support for colleagues. He added that despite his seniority, Bamisaye always subjected his stories to further review to ensure they were error-free before transmission — a quality he described as true humility.
He emphasised that it is not the length of years that matters, but the positive impact one makes, urging colleagues to emulate his exemplary life and remain supportive of the family he left behind.
In his remarks, the Director of Press, Ministry of Works, Mr. Adekunle Adeniyi, described the news of Bamisaye’s death as a rude shock to the Information family and beyond.
Mr. Adeniyi said the late officer was known for his calm disposition, humility and readiness to support colleagues, noting that his dedication, integrity and professionalism earned him admiration from both senior officers and subordinates.
The Information Officer in the Office of the Wife of the Governor, Mr. Abiodun Olofe, described January 26 as a “black Monday” in the Ministry of Information, expressing sadness that a senior colleague preparing for retirement in March passed on unexpectedly.
He described the deceased as a humble and exemplary boss who lived a life worthy of emulation.
In his tribute, the Information Officer, Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Rotimi Feyisina, referred to the late Bamisaye as a great ambassador of the Ministry of Information and an encyclopedia of the civil service.
He noted that hardly any proposal generated in ministries where he served went out without his input, describing him as painstaking, cerebral and deeply committed to duty.
Mr. Feyisina also recalled his concern for colleagues’ welfare, stating that he consistently ensured issues affecting officers were properly documented and pursued to logical conclusions.
Similarly, the Information Officer, Ministry of Health and Human Services and Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), State Information Chapel, Mr. Wale Obelewaji, said the deceased made significant impacts in both the civil service and the union.
He described him as a strong advocate of due process and public service rules, emphasising his belief that official matters should always be properly documented rather than handled verbally.
Mr. Obelewaji noted that Bamisaye once served as Treasurer of the NUJ State Council and was a committed unionist who mentored and carried colleagues along.
Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of the Chapel, Mrs. Sade Ogunrinlade, described the late officer as selfless, visionary and devoted, with a rare gift for problem-solving.
She said though his death was painful, the Information family takes solace in the belief that he has gone to rest in the bosom of the Lord.
Colleagues at the ceremony described Mr. Bamisaye as a bridge between policy and the people — a dependable professional who strengthened institutional systems, mentored younger officers and upheld high standards of integrity.
Responding on behalf of the family, one of his children, Mr. Marvelous Bamisaye, appreciated the Information Officers for organising the valedictory meeting and for the honour accorded to his father.
He said his father always spoke highly of his colleagues and remained passionate about the Information profession until his passing.
The meeting ended with prayers for the repose of his soul and for divine comfort and provision for the family he left behind.
Until his demise, Mr. Bamisaye served as Director of Press in the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development as well as in Office of the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion.
He was also a long-standing member of the Editorial board of the Ekiti Civil Service Journal ,the Fountain Bureaucrat
