….colleagues, subordinates shower encomium on the retiree
The Ekiti State Ministry of Youth Development on Tuesday organized a retirement ceremony to honour the former Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Ekiti State Chapter, Comrade Odunayo Adeoye who officially retired from the Ekiti State Civil Service after 35 years of meritorious service in line with public service regulations.
The ceremony, held at the Ministry of Youth Development, brought together top government officials, labour leaders, directors from various ministries, family members, colleagues, and well-wishers to celebrate the retiree’s contributions to youth development and labour advocacy in the state.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Kolalopo Olatunde thanked God for the life of the retiree and commended him for his dedication to public service.
He praised Comrade Adeoye Odunayo for his strong leadership within the labour movement, particularly his efforts in securing allowances and welfare improvements for workers.
Olatunde assured workers of continued support, urging them to always engage the union whenever challenges arises.
In a remark, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development, Mr. Wale Olaleye, described Comrade Odunayo as a resilient and disciplined officer whose commitment and professionalism positively shaped the ministry.
He explained that the ceremony was organised to appreciate Adesoye and another woman who retired for their integrity, diligence, and selfless service to Ekiti State.
“This is not just a ceremony but a moment of honour, gratitude, and reflection,” one of the hosts said. “We are here to appreciate years of hard work and commitment. Our retirees leave behind legacies that younger officers can learn from.”
In his valedictory message, the former TUC chairman, Comrade Odunayo Adeoye described his retirement as a blessing, saying his career in unionism and the ministry exposed him to international engagements in countries such as South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire, experiences he described as fulfilling and impactful.
“As a Youth Development Officer, I rose to the peak of my career as a Sub-County Director and built strong relationships with youths across Ekiti State and beyond,” he said. “Seeing people gather to celebrate this journey fills me with joy. I will never forget the Ekiti State Civil Service.
Also speaking, another retiree, Mrs. Omotayo Racheal expressed gratitude to God and the ministry, saying she spent over 20 years in the department without major challenges. She thanked her colleagues for their support and described the Permanent Secretary as welcoming and supportive.
Other speakers, including Mrs. Ajiboye Ajoke Yetunde, a Director at the Ministry of Youth Development, and Mr. Peter Ayilaran, Principal Youth Development Officer and Acting Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics, described Comrade Odunayo as humble, approachable, and dedicated. They noted that his leadership style fostered teamwork and mutual respect and that he leaves behind a strong legacy for younger officers.
The ceremony ends with gifts, goodwill messages, and special prayers for the retiree’s
Comrade Adesoye, a former chairman of the Trade Union Congress and Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, Ekiti State.
He started his civil service carrier in the defunct Ondo State as Youth Development Assistant and rose to the peak of his career has Substantive Director of Youth Development in the Ekiti State Civil Service.
An astute labour leader who fought tiredlessly for the well-being of Ekiti State workers and particularly the Association of Senior Civil Servant of Nigeria is retiring from the service after serving for 35 years meritoriously
