AVOID PRIORITISING IMMEDIATE GAINS, EMULATE AIKULOLA, HEALTH MINISTER ADVISES WORKERS

  

Civil servants have been advised to avoid prioritising immediate gains in the discharge of their duties but focus on impactful service delivery which would later translate into long-term benefits.

This advice was given by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako in Abeokuta during the 60th birthday/Retirement and Biography Unveiling Ceremony held in celebration of the retired Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olu. Ola. Aikulola.

Dr. Salako who was the Chairman of the occasion noted that workers need to emulate the retired Permanent Secretary noting that Dr. Aikulola was an exemplar of discipline, hard work, determination, focus and dependability who prioritised people-focused benefits instead of personal or short term gains.

“ Dr. Olubola Olakunle Aikulola exemplifies a lot of things. Today we are going to be launching his biography which I think will be a lesson to a lot of people. His life and Biography will challenge  a lot  of our young ones who most of the times look for immediate benefits. Bola does not look for immediate benefits. He looks at the long term, he looks at first how things would benefit the people. He is assured that when the people benefit he as well will benefit,” the Minister for State said.

He charged the celebrant to continue contributing his quota to the development of the country and humanity at large.

In his remarks, the State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya described the celebrant as a turbo-engine in the civil service saying the retired Permanent Secretary  served meritoriously, gave his best and excelled in all the assignments given to him and contributed to the growth of the Civil Service.

“You  have been a source of inspiration to quiet a number of civil servants, you impacted their world positively and that is why you are being celebrated today,” the Head of Service stated.

He called on the celebrant to continue to give back to the Civil Service while charging those in active service to rededicate themselves to the service of the State.

Speaking, Special Adviser to the Minister of Finance and Co-ordinating Minister of the Economy and Immediate-Past Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Kikelomo Longe said Dr. Aikulola was a consistently dependable and principled administrator who worked harmoniously with her and helped her  to succeed in public service adding that the period of working together helped the Gateway State and industries navigate the COVID-19 challenges.

Also speaking, a former Head of Service, Princess Iyabode  Odulate described  Dr. Aikulola as an excellent Officer who served exceptionally as her speech writer for eight years urging workers to give their best and be humane in their conduct stating that workers would reap the reward of their efforts.

Reviewing Dr. Aikulola’s biography titled, “ Olu. Ola. Aikulola : in our eyes” before its unveiling, Dr. Kolawole Amos, said the book was an account of indelible impacts and legacy of the celebrants on individuals and communities  presented in an informative, engaging, entertaining and insightful manner.

Responding, Dr. Aikulola commended the Minister of State, Dr. Salako, the Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, retired Head of Service, Princess Iyabode Odulate, former Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Kikelomo Longe, retired and serving  Permanent Secretaries and everyone who graced the occasion.