Ogun honours retiring permanent secretary Aikulola

The Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, and other permanent secretaries have paid glowing tributes to the outgoing Chairman, Body of Permanent Secretaries and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olu Aikulola, who is set to retire from the state civil service on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.

The valedictory session, organised by the Body of Permanent Secretaries, was held at the Bureau of Political Affairs and Administration Conference Room, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, where the formal handover of leadership also took place.

In his remarks, Onasanya described Aikulola as “a man of wisdom, focus, and simplicity,” noting that his leadership and mentorship had left a lasting mark on the Ogun State Civil Service.

“Dr. Aikulola has been a man of integrity, intelligence, and exceptional management skills. The civil service will continue to benefit from his wealth of experience even in retirement,” he said.

He recalled standing by Aikulola during a challenging phase in his career, citing his honesty and dedication, which eventually earned him exoneration.

Onasanya also commended Aikulola’s tenure as Chairman of the Body of Permanent Secretaries, highlighting his introduction of a Code of Conduct and efforts to strengthen unity among members.

The Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Public Service Reforms, Mr. Oyejola Oyeneye, described Aikulola as a visionary leader, recalling his innovation in public service, particularly the LINKAGES initiative that attracted support from the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, for school rehabilitation projects in Obafemi Owode Local Government.

Oyeneye added that Aikulola’s excellence earned him the National Order of Merit Award conferred by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2017.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mrs. Oluwatosin Oloko, who joined the service the same year as Aikulola, commended his integrity and refusal to exploit private school owners, describing him as a man of contentment and principle.

In his remarks, the state Accountant General and Permanent Secretary, Treasury, Mr. Babatunde Aregbesola, described Aikulola, fondly called “Stanley,” as “an embodiment of integrity, loyalty, philanthropy, and humility.”