The Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, and permanent secretaries across the state civil service have extolled the virtues of the Chairman, Body of Permanent Secretaries, and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olu Aikulola, who is set to retire statutorily from service on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.
The tributes were showered on Aikulola during a special valedictory session organised in his honour by the Body of Permanent Secretaries.
The event, held at the Bureau of Political Affairs and Administration Conference Room, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, also featured the formal handover of leadership of the Body.
In his remarks, the Head of Service described Aikulola as a man of wisdom, focus, and simplicity, whose leadership and mentorship had left an enduring mark on the state’s civil service.
“Dr. Aikulola has been a man of integrity, intelligence, and exceptional management skills. The Ogun State Civil Service will continue to benefit from his wealth of experience even in retirement,” Onasanya said.
He recalled standing by the retiring permanent secretary during a difficult phase of his career, citing his proven record of honesty and dedication.
“He went through a challenging period, which he shared with me, and I stood by him based on his track record and outstanding qualities. In the end, he was exonerated. Dr. Aikulola, I am proud of you,” Onasanya stated.
The Head of Service commended Aikulola’s short but impactful tenure as Chairman of the Body of Permanent Secretaries, noting his introduction of a Code of Conduct for the group and his efforts to strengthen unity among members.
In his tribute, the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Public Service Reforms, Mr. Oyejola Oyeneye, recounted meeting Aikulola during his days as a Zonal Education Officer and lauded his innovation and commitment to public service.
He recalled that Aikulola’s developmental initiative, tagged LINKAGES, had attracted the support of the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, for the rehabilitation of schools in the Obafemi Owode Local Government Area.
Oyeneye added that Aikulola’s consistency and excellence in service earned him the National Order of Merit Award conferred by former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, in 2017.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mrs. Oluwatosin Oloko, who joined the civil service the same year as Aikulola, said they both remained committed and content despite modest earnings at the start of their careers.
She praised his integrity and refusal to exploit private school owners, a principle they both upheld.
The state’s Accountant General and Permanent Secretary, Treasury, Mr. Babatunde Aregbesola, described Aikulola, whom he fondly called “Stanley”, as an embodiment of integrity, loyalty, philanthropy, and humility.
“He is an encourager, a supporter of good causes, and a lover of God who consistently shows respect for constituted authority,” Aregbesola added.
Similarly, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Kayode Oladehinde, described Aikulola as “a man of impeccable character,” deeply passionate about developing his subordinates.
In his response, Aikulola expressed gratitude to the Head of Service for standing by him during difficult times, noting that his support made a significant difference.
He also thanked his colleagues in the Body of Permanent Secretaries for their solidarity and pledged to continue offering support to the civil service whenever called upon.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the formal handover of leadership by the outgoing chairman to his successor, the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Establishments, Mrs. Lydia Fajounbo.
