The General Manager of the Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency (EKSEMA), Mr Oludare Asaolu, has retired from the Ekiti State Public Service after 28 years of service.
Asaolu’s retirement was marked on Friday at a ceremony held at the agency’s headquarters in Ado-Ekiti, followed by a reception at the TCU Cooperative Event Centre, along Ilawe Road, Ado-Ekiti.
The ceremony attracted government officials, traditional rulers, serving and retired public servants, colleagues, family members and other stakeholders who gathered to celebrate his contributions to public administration and emergency management.
Among the dignitaries were the Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi; immediate past Head of Service, Mr Sunday Komolafe; former Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr Peju Babafemi; and immediate past Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Rt Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun.
Others included the Olugbole of Ugbole-Ekiti, Oba Emmanuel Ajayi Adetiloye; General Manager of the Broadcasting Service of Ekiti State, Chief Olu Popoola; and Chairman of the Forum of General Managers, Mr Babasoji Awe.
In their goodwill messages, the speakers described Asaolu as a dedicated and proactive public servant whose leadership contributed significantly to emergency preparedness, disaster response and the protection of lives and property in the state.
They particularly commended his interventions during flooding, rainstorms and fire outbreaks, noting that his prompt response to emergencies and coordination of relief operations demonstrated his commitment to the safety and welfare of residents.
Speaking on behalf of the agency’s staff, the Director of Administration and Supplies, Mr Olalekan Ajidara, described the ceremony as an opportunity to celebrate a public servant whose 28 years of service had left a lasting impact on the state.
Ajidara said Asaolu joined the state public service in 1998 as an Agricultural Officer and had served in different capacities before becoming the General Manager of EKSEMA.
He commended the retiring General Manager’s leadership and commitment to the agency’s statutory responsibilities, including emergency preparedness, disaster response, relief distribution and rehabilitation.
The director, who disclosed that he had worked with Asaolu for only about three weeks, said the brief period had provided him with an opportunity to appreciate his leadership qualities and benefit from his wealth of experience.
In his retirement address, Asaolu expressed gratitude to God for enabling him to complete his public service career, describing retirement as the beginning of a new chapter rather than an end to his commitment to humanity.
He recalled that his career in the Ekiti State Public Service began in 1998 as a young Agricultural Officer, adding that he never imagined rising to head a frontline agency such as EKSEMA.
The retiring General Manager described his years at the agency as the crowning glory of his career, noting that its responsibilities went beyond administrative functions to saving lives and restoring hope to disaster victims.
According to him, EKSEMA responded to flooding, fire outbreaks, rainstorms, building collapses and other emergencies across the 16 local government areas of the state during his tenure, while providing relief materials to thousands of affected residents.
Asaolu appreciated Gov. Biodun Oyebanji for the opportunity to serve as General Manager, while acknowledging the support of the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, whose compassion and encouragement, he said, made his responsibilities easier.
He also commended the Head of Service, Dr Olomojobi, whom he described as a mentor and pillar of support, for her guidance, discipline and encouragement throughout his tenure.
The retiring official reserved special appreciation for the directors and staff of EKSEMA, describing them as the driving force behind the agency’s achievements.
He recalled their sacrifices during emergency operations, including working in flooded communities and responding to distress calls at odd hours.
Asaolu also appreciated his wife and children for their patience, prayers and understanding, particularly when emergency assignments kept him away from home.
He urged civil servants still in active service to uphold integrity, diligence and professionalism, cautioning against the pursuit of quick success at the expense of commitment to duty.
He further advised public servants to place the interest of Ekiti above personal considerations, expressing confidence that dedication and faithfulness would ultimately