By Stella Odueme
The Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, has commended the immediate past Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Mr Adeladan Rafiu Olarinre, for his integrity, dedication and outstanding contributions to public service.
Goronyo gave the commendation on Wednesday in Abuja at a retirement ceremony organised in honour of Adeladan, who retired after 35 years of meritorious service in the Federal Civil Service.
Representing the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, the Minister of State described the retired Permanent Secretary as a hardworking, sincere and God-fearing administrator whose commitment to duty contributed significantly to the ministry's achievements.
According to a statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations, .Mohammed A. Ahmed, he said he had the privilege of working closely with Adeladan at both the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and the Federal Ministry of Works, giving him firsthand knowledge of his leadership qualities and professional dedication.
According to him, Adeladan was deeply committed to his responsibilities and often devoted long hours to ensuring effective coordination and implementation of the ministry's programmes.
Goronyo noted that his contributions were instrumental to the ministry's efforts in delivering President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda through infrastructure development across the six geopolitical zones.
He particularly acknowledged his behind-the-scenes role in the flag-off of several road projects and the implementation of the four Renewed Hope Legacy Road Projects.
Describing him as a quiet achiever and a man of his word, the minister assured him of continued support beyond retirement.
In his welcome address, the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Muhammed Aminu Ahmed, apologised for the delay in organising the ceremony, explaining that the event, initially scheduled for August, was postponed until Adeladan was persuaded to accept the honour.
Ahmed described the former Permanent Secretary as an accessible and accommodating leader whose open-door policy provided staff with guidance, direction and opportunities for professional growth.
Also speaking, the Director of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. David Yiltong Dechi, and the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mrs Emily Osunde, praised Adeladan's administrative competence, diligence and positive impact on the ministry.
Dechi described the occasion as a deserved recognition of an accomplished professional, using the Hausa expression, "Yabon gwani ya zama dole," meaning that the achievements of a skilled professional deserve commendation.
Similarly, a retired Director of Public Procurement, Alhaji Yusuf Argungu, described Adeladan as a versatile administrator, peacemaker and result-oriented professional whose achievements provided an example for others to emulate.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdulkareem Ozi, emphasised the importance of preparing for retirement from the beginning of one's career.
He noted that the impressive turnout of colleagues and dignitaries at the ceremony reflected the retired Permanent Secretary's character, professional accomplishments and positive relationships built over the years.
In his response, Adeladan expressed gratitude to Almighty God for granting him a successful career in the public service. He also appreciated his parents for their upbringing, love and sacrifices.
The ceremony featured the presentation of gifts on behalf of the ministers and management staff, the cutting of a retirement cake, cultural performances, the presentation of his citation and a documentary showcasing his career and achievements.
The event attracted several Permanent Secretaries and senior government officials, including Alhaji Danjuma Sanusi of the Federal Ministry of Finance and Fatimah Sugra Mahmoud of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
Adeladan's retirement marks the end of 35 years of service, characterised by discipline, humility, institutional loyalty and purposeful leadership.