By Adebayo Olodan
Former Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Sports and Youth Development in Kwara State, Elder Ayobola Samuel said throughout his 35 years in civil service, he was never absent from office nor issued no query.
Elder Samuel made the disclosure yesterday during a thanksgiving service to celebrate his retirement at the 2nd ECWA Church, Amilengbe area of Ilorin, the state capital.
In attendance were traditional rulers from Kwara South, the Head of Service (HoS), Mrs Susan Modupe Oluwole, clerics, members of the State Executive Council, council chairmen and Permanent Secretaries.
Speaking at the event, Elder Samuel who is the Asiwaju of Koro, Ekiti local government said, “Throughout my 35 years in service I was never absent from office for once unless I am on official assignment.
“Also, I was issued no query all through and it was not that I was exceptional but I received grace from God”.
Elder Samuel who is the immediate past Focal Person of the Federal Government’s intervention programme however appreciated God, his parents, immediate family, colleagues and church members for their support throughout his service years.
He advised other civil servants and career offices to be diligent and to discharge their responsibilities with transparency and sincerity at all times.
Earlier, the Pastor of 2nd ECWA, Rev. Sunday Owoeye (JP), said success is not by perfection, smartness nor brilliancy but it is God who determines the successful ones.
“Let us all stop ascribing the work of God to ourselves but to the Lord. We always look for miracles but when such miracle comes, we forget it is the Lord’s doing.
“Whatever God has given to you, use it to bless people. There is always a reason why you are blessed by God among the multitude of people,” he said.
Speaking further, Owoeye said, Elder Samuel throughout his 35 years of service maintained an unblemished record.
“I knew him from his time at UNICEF, Pilgrims Board, Ministry of Works and Transport, Ministry of Sports, Ministry of Women Affairs among others and I can tell you that he recorded remarkable achievements all through.”
Among dignitaries present were; the former governor of Bauchi State, Chief Theophilus Bamigboye, former member of Kwara State House of Assembly, Mrs Cecilia Ore, President, Kwara United FC, Prince Oladimeji Thompson.
