Reality Life Magazine - July 2019 Edition

RealityLife www.realitylifemagazine.com

Issue 2 Vol.6

Toyin Akinkuotu: A Glorious Career, A Glorious Retirement Oluwadare Aragbaiye Appointed Ondo State New Head of Service, Succeeds Akinkuotu

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CONT ENTS

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06 He Has Been A Supporter, A Father To Everybody At Home Wife

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24 PAGE I Have Enjoyed God’s 11 Benevolence PAGE He Is A Much Fo22 cused Person, A Go-Getter Elder Brother

19 PAGE He Brought 38 Professionalism To The Civil Service In Ondo State - Olowosuko

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PAGE His Positive Attitude to 35 Issues and Work Has PAGE Helped in Stabilizing 80 the Civil Service -New Head of Service

He Is Painstaking In Whatever He Does -Alade

He Has Always He’s A Great Man Of Letters Admonished Us On The Need To Live A Clean And Outstanding Academic Accomplishments- Akinbinu And Transparent Life -Barr. Akinkuotu’s Daughter

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Publisher Evafem Communication 200 Road, House 7, Festac, Lagos

Editor’s Notes

Editor- in- Chief Oghenemairo Adegeye Managing Editor Adegeye Oluwafemi

Celebrating A Glorious Retirement

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arly this year, we promised you, dear readers that RealityLife Magazine will continue to provide you with exciting, juicy editions. We are keeping our promise with this special bumper edition on a Glorious retirement of Toyin Akinkuotu Esq. Retirement they say, is not just a case of not setting an alarm anymore to go to work. It’s a major life-changing decision. That’s why it’s often celebrated and marked by friends and family as a special occasion.

It’s therefore, another special edition of RealityLife Magazine dedicated to celebrating a quintessential civil servant, described in many quarters as a public administrator par excellence, intelligent public servant with a difference, a mentor, diligent officer, a man of integrity and an exemplary leader.

This special edition is titled- Barr.Toyin Akinkuotu: A Glorious Career, A Glorious Retirement.

Barrister Albert Oluwatoyin Akinkuotu, is retiring as Head of Service of Ondo State, after a meritorious career in the Ondo State Civil Service that spanned 31 years. He will be 60 years of age on the 7th of August, 2019.

His tenure as Head of Service is unique in some ways. He currently holds the record of the longest serving Head of Service in the history of Ondo State. He is the first Head of Service from Ondo Kingdom. He had the rare privilege of serving under two different governors from two different political parties. And above all, he is leaving the Civil Service a more stable institution than he met it in 2013.

This special edition is enriched with testimonials by men and women from all walks of life, who have at one point or the other encountered the retired Civil Service icon either in the course of their official work, at the academic environment, the Church or social circle.

And like Byron Pulsifer would say: “The joy of retirement comes in those everyday pursuits that embrace the joy of life; to experience daily the freedom to invest one’s life-long knowledge for the betterment of others; and, to allocate time to pursuits that only received, in years of working, a fleeting moment.”

Enjoy your reading.

Oghenemairo Adegeye www.realitylifemagazine.com

Associate Editors Walter Enoch Toddy Celestine Raymond Emeka Mbah Proof Readers Chukwudi Uruakpa Joan Odafe Kemi Adeniyi Adegeye Writers/ Contributors/ Columnists Siyabonga B. Samuel Okodidili Sholape Adesoye Designs and Layout Kelechi Okoro- Emmanuels Letters, comments and observations should be addressed to the Editor at Plot 49 Animasaun Estate Extension, Surulere, Lagos.

Tel: 0805 655 5838, 0909 393 7727, 07066122290 E-mail: realitylifemag@gmail.com, adamairo76@yahoo.com REALITY MISSION Our mission is to constatntly promote and project Agriculture/ tourism, entertainment, culture, style, events, festivals, sporting to be the global community advertising and marketing of product and services, through highly motivated staff, rendering excellent services to the world.

REALITY VISION To be a leading agriculture/tourism, entertainment and life style magazine with the best hands providing quality services to readers and clients around the world with great impact.

Editorial Adisory King Sunny Ade (KSA) Olujimi Olusola 111 Gbenga Oyesanmi ( USA) Barr. Remigius Akinbinu

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Cover

Akinkuotu: A Glorious Career, A Glorious Retirement After a meritorious career in the Ondo State Civil Service, Barrister Albert Oluwatoyin Akinkuotu is retiring from the service having attained the age of 60 but not until he reached the peak of his career as the Head of Service of Ondo State, in 2013, and becoming the longest serving Head of Service in the history of Ondo State.

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Described as an intelligent public servant with a difference, HOS Emeritus, a mentor, diligent officer, a man of integrity and an exemplary leader, Barr. Akinkuotu is acclaimed to be leaving behind a model Civil Service embodied with stability, vigor, and job satisfaction.

OurLIFE Editors write…… www.realitylifemagazine.com REALITY

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erhaps, Barrister Oluwatoyin Albert Akinkuotu, while growing up, was a huge fan of Hilary Hinton, also popularly known as Zig Ziglar, the renowned American author, salesman, and motivational speaker, who once said, “You were designed for accomplishment, engineered for success, and endowed with the seeds of greatness.”

Going by the testimonials provided by people who met Barr. Akinkuotu in the course of his glorious career in the Civil Service of Ondo State, it may not be out of place to say that it was this Zig Ziglar’s thought that shaped the retiring Head of Service career goal in the Civil Service, which has undoubtedly made him one of the most successful public servants in the history of Ondo State.

Described in several quarters as a quintessential Public Administration and Public Policy Analyst, Oluwatoyin Oluwabojuwomi Albert Akinkuotu, was born into the polygamous family of Chief Ambrose Akinsowon Akinkuotu, (Akowe Kowura ) in Ondo town of Ondo West Local Government, on 7th August 1959.

He had his elementary education between 1966 and 1971 at saint Mathews’ Catholic Primary School, Oke Paadi Ondo.

He was later admitted to Saint Joseph College Ondo and finally completed his West African School Certificate (WASC) at Adeyeri Grammar School, Owo on 1977. He also attended the then Ondo State College of Arts and Science for his Advance Level Certificate and left in 1980.

With adventurous spirit burning in him to see other parts of the Country outside Ondo State, in the South West, Nigeria. the young Akinkuotu applied and was offered admission to the Nigeria Defence Academy Kaduna and the University of Maiduguri in far North East, Nigeria. He opted for the farthest- the University of Maiduguri in 1980 and was awarded a Bachelor degree in Political science and Public Administration with a First Class Hons in 1984, the first student to attain that feat in the history of the Department in that University.

After his meritorious NYSC programme at Alvan Ikoku College of Education, Owerri, IMO State in 1985, he was given a scholarship to study at the then University of lfe, lle-Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo Uni-

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In 1986, he was given a Fellowship of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, where he bagged a Masters of Public Administration degree in 1988. Akinkuotu also bagged a degree in Law (LLb) from the University of Benin, Benin City and Masters of Law (LLM) degree from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife.

versity) for an academic degree lending to a Doctor of Philosophy (Phd ).it was in the course of the programme that he met some colleagues, Civil servants from Ondo State Civil service, like Mr.Jones Ogunmusire, Retired Permanent Secretary and Mr. Ajose Kudehibu ( formal HOS) that were in the university then for Masters degrees in various courses in Administration. Who advised him to join Ondo State civil service.

He consequently left Ile-Ife in July 1988 with a Master degree in Public Administration to join Ondo States Civil Service as an Administrative officer IV, GL. 09. Akinkuotu later bagged a Bachelor of law (LLB) Degree and Master of law from the University of Benin, Benin City and Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife in 1999 and 2000 respectively. He was called to the Nigeria Bar as a Solicitor and Advocate of Supreme Court of Nigeria, in 1999. it is interesting to note that he wrote to of his first and second degree thesis on various aspects of Ondo State Public Service.

Akinkuotu started his Civil Service Career at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in 1988. However, in the course of his career, he had saved in about15 Ministry, Department and Agency (MDAs) of government. These include among others Teaching Services Commission (Senior Personnel Officer). Ondo State Library Board (Secretary), Ministry of Agriculture, (Senior Personnel Officer) General Administration Department; (Chief

Personnel Officer); Housing Corporation (Secretary/ Director); Department of Political Affairs, Governor’s Officer. (Director); Petroleum Resource Unit, Governor’s Office, (Secretary/Director): Cabinet and Special Services Department ,(Deputy Director): Ministry of Works and Transport (Director): Cabinet Affairs, Finance office (Director); Pensions Board, (Director), Establishment Matters, (Director); He was appointed a Permanent Secretary 22nd of June, 2009, the position he has successfully held until his appointment as the Head of Service in 2013. In the course of this enviable career this promising bureaucrat has held various adhoc positions and served on committees/ Boards which include 1 Secretary Administrative Panel of Enquiry on the Crisis at Igbotako plantation of Okitipupa Oil Palm Plc – (1994) 2, Secretary Ondo State Committee on Federal Character – (1997) 3, Secretary Ondo State Committee on Vision 2010 - (1997) 4, Secretary Judiciary Commission of Enquiry on Capital Projects and Contracts Awarded in Ondo State Between January, 1995 and May, 28, 1999 (Fawehinmi Commission - (1999) 5, Secretary, Ondo/Ekiti State Joint Assets Liability Technical Committee - (2004) 6, Secretary, Joint Committee on Verification of Pensioners in Ondo State -( 2005) 7 Secretary, Ondo State Implementation Committee on the contributory pension scheme - (2005-2009) 8 Chairman, Administrative Panel of Enquiry on the Sale of the Former Liasion Office, (Oduduwa House ) Victoria Island, Lagos and other related Properties in Lagos.

- ( Septermber 2009) 9 Chairman, Administrative panel of Enquiry on the Secret Bank, Account with first City Monument Bank (FMCB) - October 2009 10, Chairman, Committee on Internally Generated Revenue in Government Parastatal Board anTertiary Institutions in Ondo State (2009) 11. Chairman, Committee on the Alleged Misappropriation of Africa Development Bank food Security Fun. in Ondo State - (September 2010) 12, Chairman, Committee on case of Misconduct against staff of Ondo

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Cover State Board of Internal Revenue (BIR) - October 2010) 13 Secretary, on Harmonization of Rates and Taxes collectible at the local government level Ondo - Sate (Novmber 2010C 14, Member, Implementation Committee, Orange. 94.5 FM Radio - ( 2012) Notably however, Akinkuotu was later Chairman member Ondo State Senior Management Committee (SMC)the highest decision-making Body on Civil matter Service Matters; Secretary/Member ,Ondo State Economic Committee;-the body that advises government of Ondo State on Financial Management and related strategic issues in the public service; Chairman, Technical Committee on joint local Government Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) Member, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Owo, Governing Board Member, Ondo State Community Development and Social Council.

Even though Toyin Akinkuotu joined the Civil Service as a trained Public Administrator with the First and Second degree in Public Administration, he never the less has made himself always available for the avalanche of in-service training programmes in Management and Administration at advanced levels. Within Nigeria he had at various times attended courses at Centre for Management Development, Lagos. Administrative Staff College Badagry; Institute of International Affairs, Lagos. Industrial Training Centre Ibadan; Institute of Advanced Legal Studies Lagos. Centre for Law and Development studies, Lagos Business School, Pan African University, Lagos; University of Ibadan Consultancy Service.

Ibadan, among others.

At the international level, this quintessential public officer, attended prestigious and World- class Royal Institute of Public Administration, London. (RIPA) in year 2010.

He had also attended various professional Development Certificate courses of the International Bar Association including Canada (2010), Dubai (2011) Dublin. Republic of Ireland (2012) and Boston, USA. (2013). He is also an alumnus of the Harvard School of Government, Harvard University USA and the Galilee International Management institute, Mizra, Galilee, Israel. He was also the Federal Government of Nigeria delegation to study in the Public Service Institutes in

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Malaysia and Singapore in year 2018.

Akinkuotu has presented numerous academic and professional papers, Particularly on Administrative law, Management Sciences and Pension Administration. among others. He is also belongs to various professional groups which include; Member, Nigerian institute of Management. Fellow institute of Public Administration of Nigeria, Member, Nigeria Bar Association; Member, International Bar Association; Fellow institute of Corporate Administration; Fellow Institute of Finance and Control among many others He has to his credit Scholarship, Distinctions and awards - the best Faculty of Social Science graduate in 1984; Awadee of Federal Government Merit Award for Academic Excellence for B.sc degree, 1980-1984; ObaFemi Awolowo University; Post-graduate Fellowship Award 1986-1988 Award of Excellence Today’s News, October, 2010 Award of Excellence Ondo State Youth Action committee, April, 2011, excetra excetra.

Akinkuotu is a man of many pats. He was the Charter president of Akure -Ala Lions Club and has been awarded Melvin Jones Fellow Award, the highest award of International Association of Lions Clubs. He is a member of Catholic Men Organisation (CMO), a Jerusalem Pilgrim and Member of many Social Clubs in Ondo and Akure towns. He is the Chairman Orita-Obele community landlords Association since 1995 to date. He is happily married with his heart-throb, Olajumoke since 1991 and the marriage is blessed with 3 Children- Taiwo, Kehinde and Idowu.

Barr. Toyin Akinkuotu is at the graduating level in Walden University, a top- rated postgraduate University in United State of America (U.S.A) where he studied public policy and Administration at PhD level. At the University he won the Golden Key Award as an outstanding postgraduate Scholar in the United States.

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Interview

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Interview

I Have Enjoyed God’s Benevolence We Have Ensured That Politics And Politicization Are Erased In Our Civil Service - Ondo State Retired HOS. BARR. ALBERT OLUWATOYIN AKINKUOTU has been in active public service for over three decades, having joined the Nigerian Civil Service in 1988, and passing through the ranks, eventually reaching the zenith of his career as Head of Service of Ondo State.

Precisely on the 7th of August, 2019, the former university teacher will officially be retiring from the State Civil Service into private life. He spoke to a team of RealityLife Editors on his experiences in the Civil Service, his memorable moments, and how well to run the Civil Service structure in Nigeria.

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Interview RM: Can you share some of the major experiences you had while in the Civil Service?

I entered the Nigerian Civil Service as a young officer with a Masters degree. Actually, I made a First Class in my first degree, and was making a career in academics. I was even admitted for an M.Phil./PHD programme at OAU. I had started the programme, when I met some Ondo State Civil Servants who came for training at Ife, and they encouraged me to join the Civil Service. I entered the Civil Service with a Masters degree in 1988, and started on Grade Level 9.

There are strong rules in the Civil Service. As a first degree holder, one starts the Civil Service on Grade Level 8. As I said earlier, I rose through the ranks to become a substantive Director in the Civil Service in 2008. Former Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko appointed me as a Permanent Secretary, having served in his administration in the Ministry of Finance.

The former Governor appointed me as Head of Service in 2013, and since then I have been here. In the Civil Service, you are required to retire either on attaining the age of 60 or after having served for 35years.

RM: What would you consider to be your greatest input to Ondo State Civil Service?

That is quite a challenging question that might take a whole day to respond to. But I must say that I have put in a lot into the service. Since joining the Civil Service, I have served in various capacities. I was at a time the only Director in the State’s cabinet. I also presided over appointment in the Teaching Service Commission. At one time, I was Director, Political Affairs in the state, and Director in the Civil Service Commission.

I equally served as Secretary State Library and Secretary of the State’s Housing Corporation. I took charge as Director, Petroleum Resources unit of the Governor’s office. In the Justice Department, I was one time Secretary to the Judicial Commission of Enquiry headed by late Justice Rasheed Fawehinmi. This was a very tough assignment. I have held many other positions, including being Chairman, Contributory Pensions Committee in Ondo State. In this capacity, I initiated the commencement of

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the contributory scheme some years ago.

Equally, I was at the Pension Board, where I was Secretary, and subsequently the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, a Ministry many considered tough. I was in this Ministry for four years and without any blemish whatsoever. And from here and by God’s grace, I was appointed Head of Service in 2013. By this appointment, I became the first Ondo indigene to be so appointed into this position in the history of Ondo State.

Since my appointment, a lot of reforms have been introduced into Ondo State Civil Service. We have consolidated the structuring and restructuring of top hierarchy of the government. Formerly, Permanent Secretary was appointed only from the State’s Civil Service. This created a lot of controversies and rancor among Civil Servants in the state. We now have Permanent Secretary for local government. We have Permanent Secretary for state service and in the teaching service commission, we have Tutors General.

This initiative has brought relative peace into the system. To consolidate the peace,

we have ensured the upward mobility of civil servants in Ondo State. As a result, people are no more stagnated. Cadres like health and vocational officers and Nutritionists are no longer stagnated. Dieticians now reach level 16. Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) that used to stagnate at level 14, can now get to level 16. Likewise, Reporters Cadre at the House of Assembly can now get to level 16. In addition, we have introduced various policy reforms in the area of training. There were formerly abuses and misconducts in this area, but now a considerable level of sanity has been restored.

There is now Service In-Service Training and Study leave opportunities in the Public Service. There is now a cash reward attached to Study leave, provided such will be beneficial to the state government. A lot of discipline has been brought into the system. Things are no longer done the way they were used to. We have ensured that politics and politicization are erased out of our civil service.

Under Gov. Mimiko, I did my best to be neutral. I also carried out my duties dili-

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gently. In the truest sense, I was apolitical.

And because of my neutrality and diligence, the present government decided to work with me, when they came on board.

This is the right way to go. Civil Servants must be loyal to the government of the day.

People say there is a Supreme Court judgment that says otherwise. But I want to say that there is no Supreme Court judgment that says civil servants should be partisan.

We have tried our best in the civil service. As part of my contributions, I initiated the pension commission. The staff quarter unit was also initiated by me. The pension transition department is visible for all to see. It is a Federal government agency, but we have a branch in Ondo State. We are presently creating a department for Civil Service reform in Ondo State, an officer and admin secretary has been posted there. With all these, I think I have done something quite reasonable in Ondo State.

RM: What about the Public Servant Training Institute (PSTI), can you tell us a thing or two about it?

The PSTI is part of the training reforms. I was not the Head of Service when it was built. But I ensured that the Institute takes off. As a matter of fact, it was commissioned during my tenure and we have put in everything for the Institute to achieve its objectives.

RM: What is your overall assessment of the State’s civil servants and the State’s civil service?

I have said it in many places, but it can be argued. I have said repeatedly that Ondo State Civil Service is the best in Nigeria. We have proven this. I rate the State’s civil service as the best because we have brought a lot of innovations to it.

Our civil servants have equally performed well. Consider the acknowledgements that have been given to us. We have been honored with the National Productivity Merit Award. We have had over ten (10) of such awards in recent times. And in all of these cases, we are always the best.

We have more than 6 newly acquired Ph.D. holders in various disciplines. There is one in the School of Nursing. Another is in the Ministry of Health. Investment Promotion also has a new Ph.D. holder, and so is Education. These six persons have

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Under Gov. Mimiko, I did my best to be neutral. I also carried out my duties diligently. In the truest sense, I was apolitical. And because of my neutrality and diligence, the present government decided to work with me, when they came on board.

This is the right way to go.

worked so hard and have tried to be apolitical. Our civil servants have been supporting the government. And this explains why they came out en masse in the last gubernatorial election in the state to support this government by voting its candidates.

I think they have prospects, because as we are moving on, things are getting better, and we are confident, the sky is the limit.

RM: With the end of the last administration, your tenure, as its usually the case, ought to have ended, but you are still in office, is there any step in particular that you took?

Let’s give all the glory to God. I won’t say that I am a perfect human being but there are certain things that are very essential.

Like I said, the quality of an officer is important. And I say it here that I came to the service prepared. I did not just come out of the blues, I came in with First class honors and had a Masters, and so, I was prepared.

I had done my job diligently.

There was a time I served as Secretary to four committees in Ondo State at the same time. On Vision 2010 committee, I was the Secretary. On the Contributory Pension, I was also Secretary, and even functioned

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Interview as Chairman at a point. All these brought me up and I had the favors of my bosses.

I was apolitical, and when Mimiko was Governor, I carried out my duties well in the Ministry of Finance. He appointed me Head of Service.

When this new government came, you know Governor Rotimi Akeredolu is a very forthright person, who sees the truth and faces it. I think I have been consistent over the years and have consistently developed myself. I later got a Masters degree in law, and by the grace of God, very soon, I will get my Ph.D. in Public Policy.

I think the new administration had seen my worth over the years and have therefore, adopted me. I am very grateful for that. For one thing, he has affirmed the need for civil servants to be neutral, and I think it should be a lesson to all other governors across the nation. The position of Head of Service should not be politicized.

Section 208 of the constitution is so clear on this.

It says that the Head of Service should be appointed from among Permanent Secretaries and should be a Civil Servant that should retire when he or she reaches the statutory age or time, which is either 35years of service or 60 years of age. But then, some Heads of Service dabble into politics and end up in a tight situation. As for me, I did not dabble into politics. I supported the government of the day.

RM: You served two different administrations from two different parties, how were you able to hold forth? Would you attribute your ability to cope to your kind of person?

I am a trained administrator and a qualified lawyer. As a Civil Servant, I know my limitations. I am well aware of the roles and conducts of a Civil Servant. And I put this in mind and into practice in my relationship with various administrations I have been privileged to serve. As Governor at the time, Dr. Mimiko, who was then in Labor Party, appointed me as Permanent Secretary. When he eventually went to the PDP, he also appointed me as Head of Service.

Governor Akeredolu is of the APC yet, my appointment remains. I have found relative peace working with all these Governors and political parties because I am not a member of any political party. My duty is only to play the role of an adviser

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on matters relating to service. I have defined my duties very well. I have never attended any political meeting, and I don’t even know their language.

I think the advantage I have is that apart from the experience, I have the academic background to work in the Civil Service. I did my first degree in Political Science and Administration, and my second degree in Public Administration. I also trained as a lawyer, and have been called to the Nigerian Bar. Therefore, I am easily relaxed when I work with politicians. I am the only

Civil Servant who is a member of the State Security Council and the State executive Council and I relate well.

And when necessary and when called upon, I give useful advice on matters relating to civil service. In all things, we must give glory to God. Within the limit given to me by God, I think I have tried.

RM: Having worked with two administrations, what is your assessment of both?

This may be subjective. In my own opinion, the two administrations worked well to promote the interest of civil servants

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Interview tory of the state.

This may be subjective in my own opinion. To me, the two administrations worked well to promote the interest of civil servants in the state. When Dr. Mimiko came, he tried as much as possible to improve the laws of civil service. There was a time he introduced the thirteenth month allowance and every civil servant in the state benefited from it. www.realitylifemagazine.com

in the state. When Dr. Mimiko came, he tried as much as possible to improve the lots of civil service. There was a time he introduced the thirteenth month allowance and every civil servant in the state benefited from it. At the time, Civil Servants were given 50% of their basic salary for December festivities.

But towards the end of that administration, probably because of some other priorities, civil servants were not paid their salaries for months. As a result, by the time Dr. Mimiko was leaving office, he owed about 7months salary, and that really sent bad signal to the civil servants in the state.

When Governor Akeredolu came, he tried to look at the problem, and as we speak, he has paid 6 out of the 7 months outstanding salary. He has been giving priority attention to workers’ welfare, just as Mimiko did at the inception of his administration.

The two administrations had worked, but the rate at which this government is going, it appears the Governor is more responsive to the yearnings of Civil Servants, because salaries are now paid as at when due. Promotions are now also being given at the right time. I just addressed civil servants on the commencement of the 2019 promotion. I give kudos to the present government for giving hope to civil servants at a very critical period in the his-

RM: It is almost certain that a layman may not understand the ideas of civil service and civil servant. Could you tell us what is meant by Civil Service and what it means to be a Civil Servant?

I quite agree with you on that. Some refer to those in the Civil Service as government. Sometimes they do refer to the Civil Service as an offspring of the government.

But specifically, Civil Servants are career people usually engaged by a government to implement its policies and programmes.

Government usually has policies. The policies of government may be on education, health, the environment and any other sector of the society. The policies made in these sectors and other relevant ones need implementation, and it is those in the Civil Service that implement the policies already made by government.

Civil Servants therefore, are those engaged in the different sectors that a government is concerned with, and include Engineers, Medical Doctors, Lawyers, Agricultural experts and so on. Of course, you know that during implementation of government policies, there are officers and personnel that are usually engaged. This may include lower level staff like messengers and cleaners. These also are Civil Servants, and they are quite important in the implementation of government policies.

For instance, offices must be cleaned; if not cleaned, a Director or an Administrative Officer will not have a conducive atmosphere within which to work. So, to that extent, the messenger is as important as the Director in the Civil Service. They are supposed to be the link between the government and the people, because the people are the customers. They are to serve their customers well. It is said that the customer is king. Thus, the people are to be taken care of in the course of implementing government policies. In the past, when a Civil Servant writes a letter, he or she will say your obedient servant that is to say, he/she is here to work for the people.

RM: What would pass as your most memorable time while in service and why do you consider that moment the most memorable?

I have had a lot of memorable times in the Civil Service. As I said earlier, I came as a young officer over 30 years ago. I have

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Interview also represented government at various levels of governance in the course of my career. I have related with traditional rulers, military officers, clergies and politicians. When General Gowon was here, we sat together. I have always seen myself as a very successful civil servant. People make remarks about me leaving the university.

They say I would have become a professor had I not left. I tell them, I am a professor here too.

My most memorable moment was the day I was appointed as Head of Service. I never imagined it. I had not the slightest imagination that I would become Head of Service. I saw that position as too big for me. So when God worked his mathematics, it worked out for my good.

Let me tell you one of the mathematics.

When my predecessor, Mrs. Kosemani introduced ‘Operation Show Your Primary School Leaving Certificate’ and we all came here to show it and try to calculate retirement date and all that, there were three Permanent Secretaries that were my seniors at the civil service. That decision knocked all of them off. The policy was not supposed to help me, but it turned out for my good. So when people were talking of seniority, those that were my seniors had left with that decision. And then, I became one of the people at the top of the bureaucracy in the State.

Then, the idea that no Ondo person has ever been Head of Service came along. I was there, and there were arguments as to who will assume the office. That argument eventually worked for me. When I was reading those days, I never taught of joining the Civil Service, and when I made a First Class, I thought I would end up in the academics.

There were a lot of disagreements among various groups and along different ideological lines. Unionists and Labour leaders said they wanted me. Politicians thought I was eminently qualified for the job. Contractors also thought I was the best man for the job. Eventually, Dr. Mimiko had no choice. If it was based on political calculations, he won’t have appointed me. But because God took control, every calculation went in my favor. On the day of appointment, Dr. Mimiko called me aside and said all the stakeholders and the people said I was the man they wanted and I was very happy.

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RM: What is your advice for civil servants in the state?

My advice is that civil servants must be hard-working and consistent. They must be prayerful, because mine is a case in point; I have been consistent. When we joined the Civil Service in the 80s, some of my colleagues from Ondo town left. Five of them travelled abroad in search of a better life. I have come across some of them during my trips. It is good to be consistent.

The salary may be meager. The environment may be challenging. You will face challenges and a lot of strife. I have put in my best as a Civil Servant. Whenever we held meetings in those days, the next day, I would have submitted the Minutes

of Meetings. I will write it overnight and my bosses were always happy with me. I think that has really assisted me, even on this job as Head of Service. It is rare to find any file here that has stayed for two days. I take them home. I am used to working at night as a former academician.

I really must advise Civil Servants to be prayerful and always be conscious that no matter how intelligent and hardworking they are, they cannot do it alone. Sometimes, you may think you have all the ideas, but the favor of God and man cannot be bought. Some have told me they love my personality. Some will say you are handsome or you laugh a lot. These are gifts. It is good to pray for good health. If you are not healthy, no matter your intelligence,

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I really must advise Civil Servants to be prayerful and always be conscious that no matter how intelligent and hardworking they are they cannot do it alone.

Sometimes, you may think you have all the ideas, but the favour of God and man cannot be bought. Some have told me they love my personality.

Some will say you are handsome or you laugh a lot.

there is nothing you can do.

You don’t have to think of your friends in oil companies or banks; that is their own calling. When I left university to join the Civil Service, some of my friends expressed concerns and worries. They were concerned about how I have come to accept a job in the Civil Service. They were particularly worried about the promotional processes of the job. But in all, the experience over the years has been exciting.

RM: What word of advice do you want to give to the current government?

I want to appeal to the government to

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continue in the way it has been doing for Civil Servants in the state. I told you that the former government started well and later started changing. My advice for this government is that it should continue to show love to Civil Servants. It is important whether we like it or not. Some say it is just one percent of the population. I can tell you that it will be difficult for any government to succeed without carrying Civil Servants along, because we have found ourselves in a very poor society.

Civil servants represent a large part of the state’s population, and they are considered as the mouthpiece of government. As a Civil Servant, when you get

home and tell your family and children that the government is bad, or say something good about the government, that is what goes on to form the opinion of most people. Government needs Civil Servants and vice versa. In fact, those who are misleading the government to ignore Civil Servants are not doing the government any good.

I would advise the government to continue to have good working relationship with Civil Servants. Civil servants should continue to appreciate any government that means well for them. There are oppositions no doubt. Some persons are going around causing disaffection among Civil Servants. But Civil Servants should know better and be wise and know that it is only the government that can promote their welfare and pay their salaries regularly.

RM: It is often very difficult to get retirement benefits in Nigeria. What strategy should government employ to ensure easy and timely payment of retirement benefits?

I must say that the problem we have

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with gratuity and pension is beyond state government. Let us use Ondo State as an example, during Agagu’s administration, I was Secretary, Pension Board, and government never owed any gratuity; pensions were paid regularly. This is because monthly allocations that came from the Federal government was enough and the State government had excess.

When Gov. Mimiko came, the only arrears he met was N1.4billion unpaid gratuity, which was owed by the Federal government at the time. You know, when you serve two governments, the Federal government also pays, and it was the gratuity from the Federal government that was not paid then. And that was what Dr. Mimiko met on ground. But he had enough to offset it, even if it was not owed by the state.

He paid regularly, until few years later in 2012, when the allocation from the Federal government dwindled.

As I speak, the State government has about N40billion unpaid gratuity; this tells us the magnitude of the problem. Even if we release all our resources, it still cannot offset it. We can’t place the blame on the State government. It has to do with the structure of Nigeria, where it is the Federal government that calculates and releases funds to states. What is coming to the various states is not enough to pay gratuity and

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pension, but we thank God the Ondo State Government has done well so far within the limits of its resources.

My advice is that the Federal government should consider the issue of gratuity as a national problem. When Buhari released bailout funds for the payment of outstanding salaries, he should have done same for gratuity and pension. It is about time to review revenue allocation formula in Nigeria. If revenue allocation formula is favorable, states can pay pension and gratuity. I do not think that there is any Governor in Nigeria who is happy to see retired people suffer. They are even more important in the political process.

It is really embarrassing to see old people demonstrate publicly over issues re-

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Diary

He Has Been A Supporter, A Father To Everybody At Home - Wife MRS. LUCY OLAJUMOKE AKINKUOTU is the wife of the just retired Head of Service, Barr. Toyin Akinkuotu, as well as a Director of Nutrition at the Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Akure. She spoke with us about her relationship with her husband, his vision about the Civil Service in Ondo State, and how he will be missed by the State Civil Service….

How long have you been married to Barr.Akinkuotu ?

We got married in Nov. 29th 1991, so it’s close to 28 years now.

How would you describe him?

He is a principled man, intelligent, energetic and always ready to help. He’s a helper to a fault, to any human being that comes his way. He is so loving and caring every time; he always plays with his children, he taught them how to dance, and how to smile. I met him as a laughing person.

How did you both meet?

I met him through a friend of mine, Doris Mayoku, now Mrs. Ale, who happened to be his sister. We were preparing for our A Levels. She told me about her brother who was very intelligent and loving. I met him when I was admitted into Obafemi Awolowo University, IleIfe. He used to visit me at the hostel and I used to call him Brother Toyin. My friend told him that I was a reserved girl, that I lived with my grandmother and I am homely and without a boyfriend.

My roommate used to call him old man. That was how we started. When I finished my university education, I went for youth service and immediately after youth service, we decided to get

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Diary married.

So what attracted him to you?

He treated me just like brother would do. He always brought crate of eggs to me, and from his little stipend, he would give me about N2:50 kobo, that was too much an amount of money then for a young girl at that time. He told me that from the first day he set his eyes on me, that he liked my natural looks- no painting, no makeup. And he too is a natural man.

What would you count as your most memorable experience all through these years?

My most memorable day was a day my son passed his final medical exam because I know how medical doctors treat non-medical officers. As a nutritionist, I wanted one of my children to be a medical doctor. Another memorable day was when my husband was appointed permanent secretary in the Ondo State civil service in June 2009.

How has he affected your life?

If you don’t like book, you won’t enjoy my husband. You must be ready to read for instance, during promotion in service sometime back, we have to go through exam. My husband told me that if I don’t pass the exam, I should not come for the interview; I told him I will pass. He came around during the exam and was joking with civil servants that my wife refused to answer my greeting this morning so she won’t forget what she has read.

Even the children knows, if you don’t read, you won’t enjoy him. Of course, he will not beg a principal or a vice-chancellor or a teacher on behalf of his family or anybody. He is an educationist to the core.

You are both civil servants, how did you cope with the home front considering his busy schedule?

I met him as a civil servant, who does not condone indolence or laziness, you must have something to do. Before we even got married, I had started working as a civil servant. I met him as an administrator, someone who always carry files and studied files; we are used to files in our house.

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As a civil servant, he doesn’t joke with his job. If he came home with non-treated files (because he’s someone that file cannot stay on his table for 24hrs), he must get them treated. He is a seasoned educationist, during the service he went through all different series of programmes. He’s a first class graduate from University of Maiduguri, and to his credit, he has different degrees. And he achieved all that within the Civil Service.

His civil service job did not stop him developing himself.

Does he transfer the work pressure back home?

Not at all, because he’s a composed man, he will do the right thing at all the time.

How would you describe him as a family man?

As family man, he is a father because as the children were growing up, he took the responsibility of a father with regards to school fees. I don’t have business with school fees, before school resumes, my husband has paid their school fees; and

he always encouraged the children. I could remember when Rita, for the first time in St. Louis College, Ondo, had issues with some subjects. I was scolding her but he called her and encouraged her not to worry that she will perform better next time; and that encouraged her to do better subsequently.

And by the grace of God, we have not gone to beg any principal or any school to look for admission. He has been a supporter, a father to everybody at home. He is our encourager who would tell you that you become what you want to be with education.

Would you say he has used the office of the Head of Service to better the lot of the civil service in Ondo State?

Civil servants will never forget him, because he believes in civil servants getting to the peak of their career. During his tenure, he did career progression for more than 30 cadres of civil servants.

Before now, even if you have acquired 10 degrees and you are not in the office cadre, you will still retire at level 14. But

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Diary my husband made it possible from when he was a director at the ministry of establishment to when became the Head of Service.

He has been making cases through the Council of Establishment meetings for this cadre of officers who are now graduate. The Ondo State nutrition officers cadre was the first to get level 16 in Nigeria. Nutrition officers cadre, dietician offices cadre, VIO, Executive officers personnel and Nurses all benefited.

Nurses in particular, will never forget Barr. Toyin Akinkuotu as Head of Service because he has done so much for the nurses cadre in Ondo state. And he knows this administrative job to the core. He’s an administrator, a lawyer, a proprietor, an educationist; he is all in all.

In the course our findings, we discovered that you are the one who scold in the house, can you confirm that for us?

Yes, the Bible says spare the rod and spoil the child. As a mother, it is my duty to make sure that they grow up in the fear of God. In the house, the children called me Margaret Thatcher. They know mummy must talk, even as old as they are, I still talk to them.

What’s your wish for him as he turns 60 and on his retirement from Ondo State Civil service?

I wish him good health and every good thing he desires. He has served the state for good 31 years. He was the 12th Head of Service of Ondo State and the longest serving Head of Service.

He was almost frustrated out of service at a time, and I told a friend then that this Toyin Akinkuotu that they are frustrating like this, will still be the Head of Service some day. And when he was made the Head of Service, that my friend called to remind me that what I said that day, that God has stamped it. He has left an indelible mark in the civil service of Ondo State and God will continue to bless him.

I wish him long life and good health.

Happy Birthday my wonderful husband.

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He Is A Much Focused Person, A Go-Getter Elder Brother CAPT. FOLAYELE AKINKUOTU, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) is the elder brother of the immediate past Ondo State Head of Service. He talks from the point of view of a family member and shares some insights with us What relationship do you have with Toyin Akinkuotu Esq. and the experiences you both shared while growing up?

Barr. Toyin Akinkuotu is my younger brother by a considerable number of years. We came from a polygamous home. While growing up, one of the things that kept us together was my father’s love for his children. He united us and made us one big happy family.

Despite the fact that my father had 31 children, he made us feel united. It seems impossible that a family can be polygamous and still be united. But we remain united; thanks to our father’s efforts and the opinion that he has that everyone has the right to formal quality Education.

What, in effect, do you consider to be the most memorable experience that you had with your siblings while growing up?

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Well, it’s kind of tricky for me, because I’m much older than he is. I really can’t recall any that is quite significant, except our growing up.

Could you recall a few of your actions towards him?

We are all like one family. What I think definitely no one can deny is the fact that I made conscious effort to carry all my brothers along. When I was in secondary school, I could remember, I used to teach them. I was very good, and I would say I excelled in Mathematics, if you don’t mind my being audacious. I made sure that everyone excelled in Mathematics, and emphasized that they had to do well in their School Certificate Examination.

When do you say that someone has stopped growing? We grow always. But I could remember that when Toyin

graduated from the university, I was very supportive to him in all ramifications. I made effort for him to further his education. He made a First Class. Toyin has some brilliant ideas, and made plans to extend his educational pursuit to a higher level. I supported him all the way. I went all over the place, trying to see how that can be realized.

I know that what he might not want me to say this, it relates to the year our father died. Then he was in the university, and I specifically instructed that he should not bother himself to attend the funerals. To me, it would have been a total waste of time and resources, seeing that the dead is already dead.

Our father instructed that we should all have good education. At the time, Toyin was in his final year at the Univer-

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Diary sity of Maiduguri. Money was a huge challenge. I thought that the money he would use to travel home should be used for his education and he coming will be a distraction and may even affect his performance. We quarreled about it, and afterwards, I explained to him that the future was what was more important than the present.

What do you think brought you all together that you learnt from your father that others could learn from?

Hard work and honesty. I also learnt that you should give your children education. I tell you that the things you find us doing at the moment is tied to our hard work. I mean we worked hard and made a lot of efforts, so that we could excel. Whatever we are doing now is based on the good educational foundation that we hand and by the grace of God, we make sure that our children tow the same line.

How would you describe Toyin’s personality?

Toyin is a strong person. He is also a much focused person. I know him to be

go-getter. Generally, I think he’s like a quiet storm, he knows where he’s going.

Toyin works so hard to get whatever he wants to without being loud. You can be a go-getter sometimes and be loud, we all tend to work hard and not make so much noise about it.

Now that he has attained the age of 60 and will be retiring, what is your advice for him?

Life does not end with retirement; life is in phases. When I left what I was best known for, which was flying as a pilot, I didn’t stop to look for opportunity. I have continued to help my nation and my environment. So, there’s always something to be done. There are people who need mentoring. You can start a school, so that you can employ other people. But you must continue to give back to God. Apply yourself to what will help other people. I am sure he has a lot of options.

What is your wish for him?

Well, because he is my brother, I can only wish him well. I certainly wish him

the very best. I can only say this more appropriately in Yoruba: “ebi ale oni pa e o, oni she ako bata fu egbe o o. Oni fi isan lo gba o, la gbara Olorun asiko ti olorun fun yin ni ori le aye ,e fi se un rere o…’’ ( you will not beg for food for the rest of your life, you will not be a servant to your friends, you will continue to use the rest of your life in good health, prosperity and sufficient) God bless you.

We are all like one family.

What I think definitely no one can deny is the fact that I made conscious effort to carry all my brothers along. When I was in secondary school, I could remember, I used to teach them.

Diary

Patience Brought My Dad To The Peak Of His Civil Service Career - Barr. Akinkuotu’s Son Medical doctor and son of Barr. Albert Akinkuotu, RAYMOND AKINKUOTU looks at his father’s days in the civil service and believes that it was patience that brought him this far….

Could you please, describe your dad for us?

He’s a proactive individual and a very patient person. It’s funny I’m talking about him leaving service. Since this man has been in service, I’ve never seen him not going to work all my life. For me, it is going to be a paradigm shift — a change from someone wearing a suit every day to stop that style of dressing. I don’t know if he’ll be able to change that because even throughout his time in service, apart from the routine work activity, he still finds time to do academic work such that he has gotten degrees also while he was in service.

Does he transfer his work pressure back home?

Absolutely not, he doesn’t transfer his work pressure back. If I said he’s someone who has not been under pressure in service, that would be a lie. He has been under pressure, but he tried to keep the work activities at work. When he gets home, he performs his fatherly and husband duties; we never really knew if he had any challenges at work.

How was it like growing up with him?

I will describe him as someone who values work. You can’t stay with him if you’re a lazy person. If you’re lazy, it is going to be very difficult for you to live with my dad. Even when we thought work and academics would keep him busy, making him less involved in our upbringing that’s not the case. He woke up probably 5 am every day since I’ve known him, to read books, and work on the files he brought home to complete some of his work.

Did you say he is a sweet father?

The definition of sweet is different to

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Diary many people. My dad doesn’t flog; he doesn’t spank; he doesn’t shout. I don’t know why he feels it is not essential to whip children. Even though he doesn’t flog, we were still more scared of messing with him compared to our mum, who was a disciplinarian when we were children.

I think he mastered the art of training children without spanking.

What is your most memorable experience with him?

Even with the pressure at work, he never leaves his father’s duties to other people to handle. That means if he is supposed to follow his son or daughter to anywhere in Nigeria or in the world, he’s going to do that. I can remember an instance where I was applying for a scholarship, I needed him to come to My School to do something for me, I was about one hour late to apply, he made sure he got there. He had one official car that was not so cool, and

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I think it was a Peugeot 504 car, he was a director in the civil service at the time.

That car doesn’t have a headrest.

What are the moral lessons that you have learnt from him?

The first thing is patience; sometimes there may be challenges, government civil service job things may not be working the way you want them for instance If you deserve this position and you’re not getting it. Even when things were not very cool when he was in service, he didn’t get emotional, and he was patient all through. So when he eventually got the position of the Head of Service, being the peak of his career, I felt he deserved it.

Being patient is one of the things I learnt and then also being content with what you have at the moment but always striving to improve yourself rather than being content with mediocrity. You have to continually keep on learning so that

even if you’re not trying to get a degree, you shouldn’t just sit down not using your brain so that you don’t just pass through life not contributing to existence.

So what do you wish him as he exits office?

I wish him more life. I hope he could still contribute more to our country, Nigeria. He may not be a politician, but I believe he understands the system a lot to continue to contribute to the development of both the State and Nigeria. But then, he’s going to decide what happens after service.

What’s your birthday wish for him?

In Nigeria now, to get to 60 is not very easy. Those of us who work in the health sector, we see people die every day, we get used to it at some point. I wish him more years on earth in good health, sound mind and body

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He Taught Us How To Be Anything We Want To Be - Daughter RITA TAYE AKINKUOTU is daughter of the retired Head of Service. She spoke to us about her relationship with her father and the lessons she learnt having him as a father….

How was growing up like with Dad? It was good and still good. He is the “no ass-whooping” parent.

How would describe his personality?

He is easy-going and doesn’t really like unnecessary attention. He is a ‘due-process’ kind of person.

What’s your most memorable experience with him?

There were lots of beautiful experiences, I really can’t single out one.

What are the moral lessons you got from

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him?

You can be anything you want to be, you just need to keep striving to be better. As a woman, never limit yourself.

Does he transfer his work pressure back home?

I don’t recall any kind of work-related pressure. He does work late at times but that’s pretty much it.

What are his hobbies?

He does enjoy good music and loves to dance.

How does he cool off?

He loves hanging out with family and friends on weekends.

What makes daddy shout or beat you?

He never shouts or beats me. He prefers to talk about things in a subtle manner that I’ll feel convinced.

What do you wish him at 60 and as he exits office?

I wish him more of God’s blessings and great health as he retires.

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Diary

He Has Always Admonished Us On The Need To Live A Clean And Transparent Life -Barr. Akinkuotu’s Daughter CATHERINE AKINKUOTU is the youngest child of the Akinkuotu and final year student of law at Babcock University. She speaks about his father and the qualities that stand him out as successful civil servant and responsible family man……

How was growing up with Daddy like?

My dad has always been my best friend, and we have been very close. Most people say it’s because I’m studying law but we have been more like 5 and 6 from my childhood. He’s always taught me to be strong no matter what I face, that I should always have the strength to persevere. My Daddy has always taught me that a challenge is the way to victory.

How would you describe his personality?

My daddy is a strong person, he has always been there for us no matter what.

He takes care of his family and the people around the family; he’s a very caring person.

Has he ever transferred his work pressure back home?

He has always been very good at managing his pressure whenever he comes back home. He will always ask: Have you eaten? How was your day? He never transferred his pressure back home; he is always very calm.

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How does Daddy cool off?

Most of the time, if he is at home, he converses with us, we talk about memories of the past. The other day, I and my brother were conversing with him on their poor cooking skill and we laughed over it.

What are his hobbies?

He likes Sports, basically, he likes exercising right from when I was young.

His routine every morning is going to the gym, he never missed it. I’ve never seen a day that he will wake up and will not go to the gym. He rides bicycle and plays tennis.

What is your most memorable experience so far?

There are so many; I and my Dad share a lot of moments together. One of my favourite memories is when we gist and laugh, he would tell me that I should not let anybody dissuade me from my dream.

There was a time my Daddy tried to cook stew, the rest is history.

Has daddy ever shouted at you before?

My Daddy never shouted at me, my mum did most of the shouting. It was only when I don’t get out of bed early enough that he frowns at me. He has always had a calm approach to issues.

What morals would you say you have learnt from daddy?

Being straight forward, he always told me and my siblings that no matter the circumstances you find yourself, you don’t do anything that will compromise you or your faith; you have to be clean and transparent.

What’s your wish for him as he retired?

I wish him the greatest of things, he will strive more then he has done presently. He has the potentials and he has greater things ahead of him. This is not the stopping point for him, it is the beginning of a new chapter. He’ll be legendary. I wish him happy birthday good health and long life.

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Memory Lane Swearing in as HOS

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Memory Lane

Swearing in as Permanent Secretary

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Memory Lane

Call to Bar

Visit to U.S.A

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Memory Lane

The Family

Lions Club

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Memory Lane

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Award of recognition

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40th & 55th Birthday Celebration

South West H.O.S Summit

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AMBROSE AKINSOWON AKINKUOTU DESCENDANTS UNION C/o

No. 52, SORA STREET, ONDO CITY, ONDO STATE OF NIGERIA

FELICITATIONS We the entire family members of late Chief Ambrose Akinksowon Akinkuotu, the former Lijofi of Ondo Kingdom and an accomplished Court Administrator, Felicitates with our son, Barrister Oluwatoyin Oluwabojuwomi Albert Akinkuotu, on the occasion of his retirement ceremony, after more than 3 decades of active service to his father land: We are indeed proud of you as a shining light of the family, who has distinguished himself in the Public Service, while in service you touched the lives of many family members. You also extended your good will to all, notwithstanding where they were from. You have shown dedication to duty, honesty and trustworthiness.

We all wish you a blissful retirement life, in good health of mind and body.

Captain Fola Akinkuotu,

Director - General National Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) for the entire family

Diary

His Positive Attitude to Issues and Work Has Helped in Stabilizing the Civil Service -New Head of Service Providence played a good one on MR. DARE ARAGBAIYE, Permanent Secretary, Government House and Protocol as true to speculations, he was appointed as successor to Barr. Akinkuotu as the new Head of Service of Ondo State.

Before his appointment, Mr. Aragbaiye spoke to RealityLife Magazine in an exclusive interview where he spoke about the qualities of his predecessor, and the workings of the Civil Service system……

This is about celebrating the exit of Barrister Akinkuotu from the Civil Service, tell us what you know about him?

I’ve known him since he entered the civil service in 1988 and I’ve seen him as a fine gentleman, an officer who has made his mark in the public service of Ondo State and beyond. We have been together even though we have not worked in the same department. But we’ve handled assignments together and I can assess him as one of the assets that we have in the civil service.

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What would you count as memorable experience working with him?

As Head of Service, those of us who are the permanent secretaries see him as a good listener and as someone who is not unduly aggressive over issues. He will make his point for you to understand and think over it without necessarily ramming it down your throat. And that has helped a lot in stabilizing the civil service where his predecessors left it.

Talking of personality, he’s been a very

sociable person who relates very well with everybody without exception. He doesn’t have all these unnecessary animosities against anybody. Like I said, we did so many things together and he is a very humble and good team player.

Would you say he has used the office of the Head of Service to better the lots of civil service in Ondo State?

I said his positive attitude to issues and to work has helped in stabilizing the Civil Service. You know it’s one thing to be

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Diary Head of Service and another thing for the service to be stable. Instability in the system does not help the system to progress and deliver on its mandate. Ours in the civil service is service delivery. When our political bosses make certain policies, it is our duty to deliver to the people and to the society. If a system is not stable, there is no way we can do that effectively. He has helped a lot to stabilize the civil service.

What are the morals young civil servants should pick from him even as he exits office?

If you are at peace with everyone around you and to the job you are doing, it is a master quality of not rocking the boat. There can be leaders who rock the boat but in his case he has that quality of not making the system look troubled.

What advice do you have for civil servants in the State?

My advice to civil servants is that we should avoid unnecessary distraction and to face the job for which we are employed, let others do the job the way they want to do it. We should be the compass by which the society determines how to conduct themselves. We should be the standard for others in the society, we have rules and regulations. You should look forward to comply with those rules and regulations.

We should be disciplined. Do what is required of you as a civil servant and it shall be well with civil service.

What’s your advice to him as he turns 60 and exits office ?

My advice to him is to remain good, be at peace with himself, enjoy his retirement as much as possible, avoid those things that we stressed him because he has seen a lot of stress in the civil service. Even when he wants to do some of those things that will keep him going, he should avoid stress. I wish him best of luck and Happy Birthday.

My advice to civil servants is that we should avoid unnecessary distraction and to face the job for which we are employed, let others do the job the way they want to do it.

There are speculations that you are the next in line for office of HOS is it because you are the sitting Governor’s kinsman and traditionally, it is seen as government practice for the government of the day to revoke every appointment made by previous administration. How would you commend Governor Akeredolu for not pitching on the old tradition?

That is why I said, civil servants should just face their own job. For the appoint-

ment of permanent secretary and Head of Service, at both federal and state, the president and the governor respectively have constitutional power to appoint or remove, we should understand that.

A Governor may decide to appoint in

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the morning and remove in the evening, that is different from retirement. In order words, any governor or president can decide to exercise its constitutional power like our amiable current governor, who is a lawyer is doing.

He doesn’t believe in the way others do it, even during the military when the constitution was not there, they were hiring and also firing; that is what our people should just appreciate. Even though we’ll see such appointment at the peak of career, we should just leave the exercise of that duty to the authority concerned. It is none of anybody’s business to decide for the governor when to hire or when to fire, it is in the constitution. We should go and study the constitution very well. If the Governor decides to remove you, he won’t retire you, you may decide to retire by yourself but if you think you still have more years in service, you may decide to stay back by becoming a director again.

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He Brought Professionalism To The Civil Service In Ondo State - Olowosuko Director-General Ondo State Pension Commission, JAIYEOLA AKINYEMI OLOWOSUKO has known the outgoing Head of Service of Ondo State for some years now. He speaks in this interview about the qualities of Barr. Toyin Akinkuotu……

For how long have you known the retired Head of Service?

I’ve known Barr. Toyin Akinkuotu since 2013. My first meeting with him was very delightful. I was then working with GTB, an advert came out in the newspaper asking for people to apply to be director general Ondo State Pension Commission and I sent my application. After the process, I came first after due process in spite of the fact that one of his lieutenants also applied, the then permanent secretary ministry of establishment. But he allowed merit to take preeminence in terms of their decision.

When the offer was given to me and I was dilly dallying to take the offer, he advised that it comes to a time in every man’s life that you take certain decisions; it is not all about money. I was coming from the bank and my salary was good, now being advised to come and take a meagre amount. He told my wife that he was not sure I would stay; she should not let me resign.

That’s the kind of person he is, he believes in the cause that I could do so much for the pension in Ondo State; so he encouraged me to stay. Fortunately, he reiterated what my Dad told me when I was to take this job that, “Jaiye, ikan ti eniyan ma je ko lou wa, sugbon ikan ti eniyan ma je” (it is not what you will eat but what you will become). That’s why I could leave GTB with a good salary to come to civil service for small salary.

Today, workers are looking forward to it; it was typically a paradigm shift for every civil servant. You don’t work anywhere and you are saying you are paid part of pension, but that is what CPM is all about.

I tell you why I think it has paid off: My daughter called me sometime two years ago and said Daddy, I just put your name on Google and it brought out DG Ondo State Pension Commission; that she felt proud that ‘it’s her father that they’re talking about.’

Would you say he has used his office to better the lot of civil service in the State?

I can tell you is an advocate of change, if you don’t make change you can’t add value, what do I mean? He is the chief driver of the Contributory pension scheme that came to Ondo State, workers are used to getting hundred percent paid by government. The contributory pension scheme is a departure you contribute 7.5%, I contribute 7.5% it becomes 15%. Initially resisted by workers but the Head of Service believed in it.

How would you describe his person?

He is very jovial, he maintains his point.

He’s someone who is not forceful, he has this mien around him. He laughs a lot; when we are arguing over issues, he will just turn it to a joke and say, DG, is it because I made first class, you made first class, that’s how you want us to compete?

Even though you wanted to maintain your view before, you’ll be melted away.

He’s someone that is approachable; most Heads of Service would have put Monday and Thursday as their visiting days. But he doesn’t have visiting days, he doesn’t carry the title, Head of Service on his head. He is a down to earth person, always thinking about what he can do to help; he stands by what he believes in.

What’s your wish for him?

I wish him all the best in retirement as he’s leaving service, but I’m sure I’ve made a friend in him. I’m sure I’ll be seeing him time to time fortunately, I am also from Ondo town. I’m still in service, I have three and a half years more to go.

How long is your tenure as a DJ? It is 8 years, so I’m also lucky like him; I have used two different governments.

Has it paid off so far?

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He Is Painstaking In Whatever He Does -Alade Ondo State Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, OLADIPO BUNMI ALADE (MBA,FCTI,FCA) is a Chartered Accountant.

Prior to his current position, he had worked at the Ondo State Board of Internal Revenue as a Director, and inter Chairman of the Board. He speaks about the retired Head of Service and how he has impacted the Civil Service in Ondo State……

What is your relationship with the Head of Service?

I have known him since I was at the Ondo State Board of Internal Revenue.

At that time, it was basically at the social level, when he was the DFA. We met one way or the other and we have continued to meet regularly at the Senior Staff Club to do some exercises and relax. We were both Directors, and thereafter, he was appointed a Permanent Secretary and posted to the Ministry of Finance. By default, the Ministry of Finance supervises the Ondo State Board of Internal Revenue, As a result, we usually meet at the Management level, and it was then we became closer.

Moreover, most of our requests and correspondences were sent to the Ministry of Finance, and so we had time to always interact. Later, when he became the Head of Service, it became even more necessary that we as Civil Servants, should associate with him. At the Ondo State Board of Internal Revenue, we have lot of letters we need to pass through to him to Mr. Governor. And when I was Acting Chairman, there were lot of things we did that needed to pass through his office, especially when we did not have a

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political head. So at that level too, it was an opportunity to be close to him. Since he became Head of Service, and as a Permanent Secretary under him, it is only normal that I interact with him regularly.

How would you describe his personality at work?

There is something special about him he is such a humble person, He is God-fearing. When I was at Ondo State Board of Internal Revenue, I had occasion where he had something doing, probably with his children, where I had the chance to interact with them and a God-fearing person, he respects everyone, and I must give kudos to him for that.

On the job, he is painstaking in whatever he does. No matter the memo you write, he will peruse and narrow it down. He will call and ask questions and both of you will discuss it and agree on it. He is the kind of person that likes to know more, and as such, he will request for information. If he feels unsure about anything, he will ask question that will help him to form an opinion. He is a socialite. When my father died, he did not think about his tight schedule, he graced the occasion. He doesn’t see himself as

special and superior. He is a grassroots person, and that is why he is able to carry along everybody. And that is why we adore and respect his person.

What lessons have you learnt from his personality?

One is the seriousness he brings into his job. He is such a dedicated person.

That he is able to work with two administrations shows that he is good at what he does. Besides, his dedication to duty is a quality worth emulating. He carved a niche for himself. He did not mix politics with his job, this made it possible for him to serve as Head of Service under two successive administrations. He loves his work and does it with passion.

Apart from that, he interacts with everybody both old and young. If he is annoyed, he will tell you and that ends it.

And as Christians, we should learn to get along with people and iron things out, rather than being unnecessarily vindictive.

What do you consider as your most memorable experience with him?

To God be the glory for a moment like this. Specifically, I can remember when I became the Acting Chairman of the Ondo State Board of Internal Revenue,

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Diary at the inception of office of the incumbent Governor, Arakunrin Odunayo Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN. Like any other Governor, bearing in mind that the board was not performing optimally then, people were interested in taking the leadership of the place in order to reposition the Board for better performance. A lot was said about the leadership of the place in order to bring the management down which sometime could be very demoralizing. The HOS, Barr. Toyin Akinkuotu was always there to give his piece of advice and counsel on how to react to issues in formal way and proffer solution to some naughty issues. His words of wisdom were always very golden and timely. .

What are your wishes for him as he retires?

It takes the grace of God to work until retirement. I really rejoice with him. It is a feat that is worthy of commendation. At 60, he is still young at heart. My wish for

him is that, God should grant him good health, long life and prosperity. He has lovely and well-mannered wife and children, because I have interacted with them several times I wish his family the best of luck in all their endeavors.

What word of advice would you want to give to him?

I want to enjoin him to be more observant, because of the fact that he is entering into another phase of life. He should also take his time to make decisions and take actions. I want to advise him specifically to take his time in choosing what he will do next. He is a lawyer, I know he may want to practice, but he should be conscious in taking decisions. Despite the fact that he is no longer in active public service, most of us whose lives he has touched will continue to see him as our leader and our dependable rallying point.

Wising him Happy Birthday and blissful retirement Life.

There is Something special about him He is such a humble person, He is God-fearing. When I was at Ondo State Board of Internal Revenue, I had occasion where he had something doing, probably with his children, where I had the chance to interact with them and I saw that he is a God-fearing person.

Diary

He Was A Very Humble Civil Servant In Spite Of His Position And Experience Odebowale DR. OLADOYIN ODEBOWALE Esq. is a Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Ondo State governor on Special Duties, Research and Strategy. In the following interview, he talks about the State Civil Service under the retired Head of Service, Barr. Toyin Akinkuotu, and the legacies he left behind….

Could you tell us your relationship with the retiring Head of Service?

I came to know him on the 13th of March 2017. From that moment up to his last day in office, he’s been very warm.

This was my first administrative experience because I came from the University and I am also a lawyer. The nature of my job is such that from day-to-day, I interface between the governor and the members of the public on one hand, and the governor and the civil servant on the other hand; and it’s been very hectic.

If I had had the misfortune of working with some other persons who would have seen me as an outsider or somebody who has come to poke nose into what’s going on in the civil service, I wouldn’t have had it as I have had it. From the first day it’s been all jokes, making you feel welcome. If for any reason what you’re bringing may create problem, immediately I call his attention to it, and he has never for once failed to respond.

I believe he’s one of the very few that I’m close with in this administration and I’m going to miss him. Let me say this, when we arrested some persons

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and some civil servants were mentioned, who have been responsible for some bad things in the society, and we were ready to pounce on them, we realized that some of the names mentioned have to do with civil servants. I was surprised that he was going to the police station at night when I met him on the way and told him that he can’t go to the Police Station.

I told him that those people played into their hands, they have their evidence and so, he should please stay away. He said you see; I can’t leave them there. So I said Ok Sir, you go home and I went back to the Police station and ensured that they were released on bail. This is just for you to know the extent for which he can go to support his people. My working relationship with him is very cordial.

Can you tell us your most memorable experience?

We were travelling on the Governor’s Convoy in 2017, I joined his vehicle, and I was singing King Sunny Ade Music, and he would throw in some jokes and we all laughed. When his Personal Assistant was having his birthday at the Civil Service Club, (he is a much younger

person), I was surprised when the HOS. came, and he sat with us there. I left him there that day. For me, this shows he is a man of good character.

How would you describe his person?

He is a very humble person, who loves to protect and care for his people. He is much older than I am yet, he has mutual respect for everyone. So I found him to be a very interesting person.

Do you think he has used the office of the Head of Service to better the lots of Civil Servants in the State?

When we came in 2017, the morals of civil servants were very low. So they were waiting to see what we will bring to the table but my Governor was not the petty type. Ordinarily, because of the new administration, the Head of Service has to go alongside with some permanent secretaries even if he had just spent only two days in office. And I believe that he also had expected that will happen because I remember the very first time I entered his office, he had parked his belongings, the office was so clean. He just sat there with a newspaper maybe, he

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Diary was expecting the governor to say please can you just resign.

But my Governor did not do that, because we are mere birds of passage. You don’t have to truncate somebody’s career.

When the issue of promotion came, some people who do not merit the position came lobbying but the governor insisted that he was going to see all the names of the civil servants in that cadre and the year of entry the service, and history of promotions. He was quick in sending out the circular. And the exercise was so transparent such that it was discovered that there was one man who had barely three months to go but has been thoroughly frustrated, many of his juniors has been promoted over him.

Mr. Governor said you don’t do politics like that, let them have that sense of fulfillment even if they’re going to be there for one week. Let it not be said that because of politics that your own colleagues will be brought down. Before the governor could change his mind, he fast tracked the process and the governor announced the names.

The HOS. enjoys the respect of many of his colleagues; he is not a greedy person; he hardly puts his hand in everything because my office is to look at what is going on, I can tell you for free that we would have crashed.

In these few years of your working relationship with him, have you picked up any moral lessons that you recommend for others?

There is this virtue of humility in spite of his position, his age and experience.

He relates with you as equal. At times, when I go to his office with some serious issues, he will say, High Prince, sit down, it is because you don’t want to give me something that’s why you are reacting this way. He will always want to protect his people and I tell you the Governor pays salary as at when due, for me, the credit for this seeming peace between the administration and the Civil Servants, should go to the Him. He received a lot of insults, his people suspected him because the Governor did not ask him to resign. So if the governor has not met the expectation of the civil service, he would have been in serious trouble. He is known as the number one

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civil servant to keep official secret so he’s caught in between two- supporting his people on the other hand, and trying not to offend the Governor and the politicians. To strike that delicate balance, he’s been able to do it very well.

Why do you think the Governor retained him?

Well, like I told you, the Governor does not believe in truncating people’s career because of political exigency; it is ungodly, it is not right. The Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu is a senior advocate, a practicing lawyer, he was the president of NBA, so he always defends the right of the people. What was the argument? They say Mimiko appointed him, some people even brought petitions against him that he was appointed over his senior, he is from Ondo.

But the governor did not want to go into the past, he has been appointed and I think he was 57 or 58 when we came on board; are you asking us to tell him to go, who will replace him? Is his office political? They said no, it is his career and is either you are 35 years or you are 60 years, for you retire, whichever comes first, so why would you want to truncate that? That was the attitude of the Governor.

From what I’ve gathered, there are too many of them who have passed the statutory years in office. For instance, there are those who were appointed by late Governor Olusegun Agagu, who have spent between 12 and 14 years as permanent secretaries. You have others who have been directors and will be retiring in the next 2-3 weeks, who are being frustrated.

We are going to make some cases for them that they should please allow them to have the sense of fulfillment so that at least, you will know that you retired as a permanent secretary.

They want to heap the blame on the governor. There are too many of them who have stagnated, including their seniors. That’s why we say these ones should go so that these ones who will be retiring soon can be promoted to permanent secretary, that was what Barr.

Alonge benefited from; he became permanent Secretary and retired. For those who come up to say that he’s retiring the

permanent secretary so he can bring his kinsman, they are being wicked; that is a wicked fabrication and they know it.

If the governor had wanted to put his kinsman, there is nothing in this world stopping him, he would have done that in 2017. Let them talk about those who have been director for several years, is it fair?

If they’re asking you to go and rest, you should thank the person, must you die in the service? Go and rest, stay at home, check your BP, play with your grandchildren. When you retire as a permanent secretary, your salary is for life, you don’t lose anything unless you’re saying what you are doing in office is more than salary and wages. In fact, you should be happy that you are being asked to go and rest and be collecting your money till death. .

What is the right age for retirement as a permanent secretary?

I told you I came from the University, the University of Ibadan, the retirement age for academic staff is 65-70 for professor, 65 for others. In civil service, it is either you are 35 years in service or you are 60 years old, whichever comes first. There is nobody who doesn’t know about this except you want to pretend. Once you are appointed as a permanent secretary, you can be retired the next hour; the directorship is the career position. Once you are appointed as a permanent secretary, your office is at the pleasure of the Governor; and that has been the rule before now.

The reason he is doing what he is doing now is for the sake of equity. I remember when I came here, some people came to lobby before their promotion. But the governor came to straighten most of these things. Look at the way they recruit; the process of the recruitment is wrong.

What is your wish and advice to him as he exits office?

He’s a lawyer, so I know he won’t retire.

I like his heart, he is restless, I want him to continue to write. I won’t rule out his possibility of coming back to government. Anybody who finds him useful will bring him back; he’s a good man. He is not the person you want to push away; I wish him all the best.

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The Interest of Civil Servants Is Uppermost in His Decisions as Head of Service -Aregbesola DAYO AREGBESOLA, Ondo State Statistician General says in the following interview that the retiring Head of Service has changed the face of the Civil Service in Ondo State, and maintains that he will be remembered for his commitment to human capacity building for civil servants

….How would you describe the retired Head of Service of Ondo State?

He is a very pleasant person; we have related at a very close level. He is an amiable person, and each time I have opportunity to meet him in office, he welcomes me with open hands. My relationship with him has been very cordial, apart from official, we have related as friends, as brothers, and as colleagues.

He’s a humble man, very amiable pleasant person, very social, he doesn’t see anything difficult to achieve.

How long have you known him?

I have been in service for over 28 years and I’ve known him for that long and have related with him at very close level since 2003.

Do you think he has used his office as the Head of Service to better the lots of civil servants in Ondo State?

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Yes, he’s been able to ensure that civil servants’ interest is uppermost in his decisions, and promotions as at when due. He makes sure that every officer benefits from promotion and training. He ensures that training within and outside the state is taken with seriousness and due attention. And I want to say that the Civil Service Training School located at Ilara-Mokin during his tenure, is now a pride to the State.

He likes making things easy for other people and the less privileged, that is why he joined the Lions Club. He’s a sportsman, and loves playing Lawn tennis.

What are the morals that you think people should emulate from him?

I see him as somebody who loves education very well, he wants people to develop their capacity because he himself doesn’t just rely on himself being a barris-

ter. As Head of Service, he still went to school. I want people to emulate him in the area of human capacity building.

What’s your wish to him as he exits office?

His leaving the service is because it is mandatory for him to leave at 60, I would have loved him to continue. I will just pray, that the good Lord will continue to guide him in whatever assignment he chooses to embark on. He has left very indelible prints on the sands of time in the civil service of Ondo State, and I wish him the best in other endeavours he would like to launch into after the civil service work. I wish him many more useful years ahead to serve God and his people because this is the time he has to serve himself, his people and God as well as enjoy what he has laboured for.

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He Added a Lot of Values to Civil Service as HOS. Philip Permanent Secretary, Service Matters Department, BAYO PHILIP, in the following interview, takes a look at the retired Head of Service of Ondo State and says that He will be leaving behind a Civil Service worthy of emulation in the country….

What is your relationship with Barr.

Akinkuotu?

I have worked with Barr. Akinkuotu, the retired head of service for almost 9 unbroken years. I worked with him as director in charge of finance and administration while he was the permanent secretary, ministry of finance. When he was elevated to the post of the head of service, he invited me to join him here even while I was a deputy director on Grade level 15.

That was met with a lot of resistance even from unexpected quarters. But he had his way, insisting that I should come work with him. Let me be modest, he stated that I should work with him because he knew I’ll be bold enough at every time to give an alternative perspective on sensitive matters. I like to say I am the longest serving accounting officer in this department. When I came and even up to this time, I REALITY have been theLIFE youngest member

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of the senior management committee.

How would you describe his personality?

When you talk about the personality of Barrister Toyin Akinkuotu, a lot of people will have divergent opinions based on the perspective open to them. But as for me, he comes across as a fair-minded person, he is cool, calm and hardworking.

After his personal assistance, I should be the closest person to him in daily official dealings. I am from Ilaje, he is from Ondo Kingdom but he’s so fair-minded that you recommend yourself to him by reason of your integrity and hard work not minding where you come from; I cherish him so much.

Apart from that, he has this sterling quality of listening so well he will not lord it over you. He allows you to come up with your opinion and recommendations, even when you falter, he will give

you ample opportunity to defend any course of reason that you have adopted.

When persuaded, you see him coming down from his Olympian height to agree with you.

Another good quality of him is that he rewards a lot even when you work behind the scene. At times, one would be nearly embarrassed when you see Barr.

Akinkuotu acknowledging you openly for an issue on which you don’t ordinarily want your contribution to come to the open. I just love him for that. Another thing is that he has human perspective to administrative issues.

If you come before him so tensed up, he will first want to know if all is well with you before he continues with official discussions. You see yourself coming before him and having a feeling you are before your blood brother. He’s so caring that at times, if it requires coming down from his official stool to come and assist you, he will do so. He’s a gentleman; he’s awesome, very pleasing.

Do you think he has used the Civil Service to better the lots of civil servants in Ondo State?

He has added a lot of value to that position. He saw the office as a way of positively influencing the service not for personal aggrandizement. If we begin to chronicle his achievements time will not be enough. But let me tell you some of the very novel and excellent things that he did. The practice before was that public savant could miss their last promotion even by one day, by reason of their date of retirement.

If you are required to spend three years before you are promoted and you are two days away to be fully matured for that promotion,before your retirement the practice before was that you would have www.realitylifemagazine.com to lose the promotion. He looked at this

Diary and said there was need to reverse it. He came up with a more liberal approach and under the arrangement, if you have three years to go and you have done two and a half years, it would be approximated to 3 years. This is quite unprecedented.

And a lot of people have benefited from this.

He also met a lot of cadre officers whose terminal point progression that were tied down to level 14 to Gl 16.

During his tenure, he made it possible for primary school teachers to rise. You now see a headmaster on Grade level 16 courtesy of his touch. All these explained why we received a lot of awards that were won

by Ondo State public savants during his time as head of service. About 6 won the National productivity award; that will tell you that he really improved the system and reduced the number of labour unrest to almost zero under his tenure. That also speaks volume of the kind of ingenuity that he brought to the office of the head of service. He has his style of working his way into the political leadership to get things done for the civil service.

What would you count most Memorable experience working with him?

I would have a lot of fond memories about him. I want to say this with all humility, I have been groomed to a level that I’m not afraid of any assignment.

Even when it is novel and there are no clues as to how it is to be done; he has mentored me and groomed me.

birthday. He has done so much for the Civil service. I pray he remains in good health so that he will continue to be relevant to the system even in his retirement.

He will be celebrating his diamond and I felicitate with him. And I pray that God will continue to keep him and his family, God will give him joy of seeing his boys in the service getting into higher positions of responsibility.

What moral lessons have you learnt from him?

Well I’ve learnt a lot that an office should be an open system for other people. He’s so open that you can access him anytime and he will listen to you. I love him for that openness, accessibility and he’s not consumed by the arrogance of office. I love him because when he gives you an assignment, he will not censor you, he will give you ample opportunity to express yourself even contrary to his own opinion.

What is your advice to other civil servants?

I’ve learnt from him to encourage all my colleagues and to improve on the way we dress. I also want to advise that we should not be political in our duties.

If you go out there to hobnob unnecessarily with the politician, one day, you’ll become a casualty. What is important is for us to do your job well. The political office holder also recognizes officers that are very industrious and fair-minded and even when you’re not immediately patronized one day, you will sit with the Kings. This I recommend for myself and my colleagues.

Your wish to him as he exits office and also celebrating his birthday?

From the bottom of my heart, I wish him a blissful retirement and happy

He Stand by the Truth even in the face of Opposition - Asere Secretary Ondo State Signage and Advertisement Agency, Olumide Asere describes the retired Ondo State Head of Service as a man who has done so much for the State Civil Service, elevating merit to the tops in promotions….

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Diary Can you tell us what you know about Barr. Toyin Akinkuotu?

Barrister Akinkuotu, the immediate past Head of Service of Ondo State is a gentle man, a quintessential personality endowed with an ineffable character. There is a lot that one can emulate from him. He is passionate about things he believes in and will stand only for values that are coterminous with the corporate interest of the Civil Service. A dogged fighter and a Goal-getter.

I’m proud to be associated with him because of the positive legacies that he is leaving behind. One particular incidence that really inspired me was at a plenary session years back where though faced with the option of bowing to the whims of a superior authority but instead chose to be benevolent by towing the path of justice and standing by the truth.

He is a fearless fighter for things he passionately believes in. If he says something, he will do it, that’s one of the reasons why I respect him so much.

How will you describe him as a civil servant?

As civil servant, Barr. Akinkuotu displayed excellent character and disposition to his duties which gave him an edge when choosing officers for sensitive position of responsibility during his civil service career. A case in point was his choice by the Adefarati administration shortly after the emergence of the new civilian administration to serve in the now famous Justice Fawehinmi panel of Inquiry of which he served as Secretary. The Committee’s work is a remarkable milestone in civil administration in Nigeria. The recommendations of The Committee has remained a key metric of administrative ethics a reference point in the Civil service, for the Civil Service till date.

Would you say he has used the office of Head of Service to better the lots of Civil Service in Ondo State?

He has done so much for civil servants.

I’m aware that he has rendered invaluable advice to the authority. Perhaps that explains the relative peace in the civil service today. During his tenure as HOS, I’m not aware of any Strike or lock down by civil servants during his tenure. During his career as HOS, he supported and actually implemented a number of innovative strategies affecting the career of some category of civil servants such as the elongation of the career of graduate Executive Cadre from

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GL.14 to GL.15. A more result oriented approach was introduced to the choice of permanent secretaries in Ondo state which allowed a percentage of civil servants who are at their exit point to be appointed into the office. This is a monumental shift in paradigm that has brought solace to a hitherto rancorous process thus giving room for due process. A significant measure of merit is now a key consideration for appointment into that office as only those who merited the position are now been selected.

How would you describe his personality?

One remarkable point about the former HOS is his persevering nature. He remains unperturbed and unfazed in the face of daunting challenges. A fearless Goal getter.

When it appears you have under underperformed, he will still encourage you. Because he expects people to work very hard, he hates people who do not take their work seriously. He’s a gentleman and a dependable ally in time of trouble.

What are the morals you learnt from his person?

The former HOS will encourage you irrespective of what people say and as long as you following the rules and regulations, He is no. Also, it-s not anybody that can climb up to that level. Sometimes, you may-have up to 30 persons competing for it, and only one person will be chosen at the end.

Therefore, it takes a lot of luck and hard

One of the things I’m taking from the retired Head of Service is that in this age of transformation the civil service must key to the transformation agenda.

work to make it up to the post of HOS. What’s your advice to your fellow civil servants?

One of the things I’m taking from the retired Head of Service is that in this age of transformation the civil service must key to the transformation agenda. We are in the digital age where Digital communication has created a bridge into the world of modern communication and globalization. As civil servants, we move with time and this will require that we bring to bear our technical expertise by increasing the potentials of the civil service for better performance.

We must move with the rest of the world.

Secondly, I also like to suggest that a civil servant must be creative. While conservatism may help preserve age long value new ideas must be assimilated through training and self-development. Development will be more realistic if we are open to new ideas.

Take revenue generation for instance, we should stop imagining that money is coming from somewhere, there is need to be more creative about generating money for government to run its programme while also minimizing risk of leakages. States in Nigeria must begin to look inward by generating the money that they spend. There is need for us to bring in new generation of civil servants who are young, vibrant and dynamic and sufficiently prepared for multitasking. The modern civil servant should not just be a spender but a wealth creator.

As a civil servant, you must equip yourselves with new skills so that you can be relevant in today’s world. We need to create new business ideas and to also have a system that encourages scientific development in the civil service. The modern civil servants and the ones that make things move, we need to refocus the Civil Service towards building economic structure through science and technology. Every state should now have a Ministry dedicated to science and technology which will coordinate all Research and Development (RAD initiative in order educational institutions.

What will be your wish for him as he exits office?

My wish for him is for a better and more prosperous life outside office. I pray that he will not be caught in the web of the Civil Service tradition of old which makes retired civil servants to be technically redundant.

The common saying is that life begins at 40 now life begins at 60, and that is the year God has anointed for better exploits.

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Diary Retrospect Tourism

UOTE Q “You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.”

-Dr. Suess

“The first step toward success is taken when you refuse to be a captive of the environment in which you first find yourself.”

-Mark Caine

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.”

-Mark Twain

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Motivational Quotes About Success “I’m selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can’t handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don’t deserve me at my best.”

-Marilyn Monroe

“When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.”

-Helen Keller

“When I dare to be powerful – to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.”

-Audre Lorde

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Diary

He Is A Public Administrator Par Excellence - Alonge Retired Permanent Secretary, and currently, the Senior Special Assistant to Ondo State Governor on Social Investment Programme, BARR. FELIX ALONGE speaks to us about the Civil Service system in Ondo State and the virtues of the retired Head of Service…

Tell us what you know about Barrister Akinkuotu, the exiting Head of Service?

Barrister Toyin Akinkuotu is a fantastic and thoroughbred public administrator. I’ve known him for over a period of 25 years within the public service of Ondo State. As a matter of fact, we also studied law together at the University of Benin. We went to law school together, and were called to Bar about 20 years ago.

coupled with his amiable posture.

What are the morals you think people should learn from him?

The junior colleagues should cultivate the culture of teamwork and having a listening ear to their colleagues because this is the era of emotional intelligence, in which you have to show compassion. We know that rules are to be obeyed, but along the line, you have to give human face to whatever you do.

How would you describe his person?

If you don’t come close to Toyin Akinkuotu, you will misjudge him by his posture.

When you come close, he’s an amiable person, he’s a good listener, he doesn’t know how to say no to your request, he wants you to be happy.

As a civil servant, how would you say he has discharged his duties?

I’ve told you he’s a public administrator par excellence, he’s always interested in the welfare of the entire public service particularly in terms of confirmation of officers to the next level as well as advancement of officers. I can even say that in the history of head of service in Ondo State, he has made a monumental impact on career prospects of a lot of civil servants. When I worked with him as a PS at the Office of Establishment and Training, we were able to make sure that a lot of officers were elevated; those who have been stagnated for 10 to 15 years.

They were given opportunity when there was no employment opportunity. We added another qualification to senior position and another grade level; we’re doing it in phases, and they were very happy. He knows how to relate with government on any issue of salary, to make sure payment of salary is done.

These are the qualities the present governor saw in him. I think he is the longest serving Head of Service because of his brilliance,

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credit. I have four other professors that I’m working with and we are writing books on civic education, government, public administration and law; I am their lead author.

You’ve known him for over two decades, what is your personal memorable experience with him?

While we were at the University of Benin, he had a kabu kabu (car) that we normally boarded together to Benin. We used to pick passengers on the way due to our financial state at that time and we’ll share the money. An unfortunate incident happened one day when we came across men of the underworld; I thank God because God saved us that day. We left Akure around 4pm, we had lecture at the university of Benin till 9 pm. We still have to come back the same day because we have to resume work the next day. The nature of our part time law timetable in Benin was the same pattern with the regular students. The only thing we know is hard work; if you’re not hard-working and upright, you can never work with me. I am the person with not less than 40 books to my

A very senior civil servant before retirement, what would be your advice to civil servants?

What I will advise the entire civil servants in the state to be diligence and commited to their responsibilities because there is reward for it. I take myself as an example, I have worked so hard, I was posted to difficult terrain at the end of the day; when posting came, I did not benefit. I didn’t worry because I believe in God’s time. And to the glory of God, God rewarded me.

Not quite two weeks after Mr. Governor, Arankunrin Akeredolu rewarded me; he said I cannot go like that with this position.

The bottom line is that integrity is very important in whatever you do particularly in the civil service. It is a call to duty and it is the work of God. It is not only the ministers in the church that are doing the work of God; we are doing the work of God too.

You have gone ahead of him in retirement what would you wish him?

I wish him well in the larger society; it is a different scenario and I believe that by the grace of God, he will also succeed. And being a lawyer, transition will be smooth. He should move closer to God. I wish him long life, prosperity and good health.

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Diary

Toyin Is A Very Homely Person, Who Feels Happy In The Midst Of His Colleagues -Ekiti State HOS. Ekiti State Head of Service, AYODEJI AJAYI who began his civil service career in Ondo State recalls his time with the Ondo State Retired Head of Service and his experience in the Civil Service…

You came into civil service same year with Barr. Toyin Akinkuotu, how would you describe him?

Barr. Toyin Akinkuotu is a very pleasant young man. When we came in those days, he had a head-start because he came in with an MBA but full of brilliant ideas, ready to work.

What I love in him then was that he was always ready to face whatever responsibility you gave to him. We were contemporaries though in areas of exposure, he was ahead of us having studied up North, and being a widely traveled person, we knew from the beginning that he was going to get to the top because his carriage was a very special one.

Any time we were faced with issues, he will just smile and say let’s brainstorm, let’s look for solution and do the needful to get all these things sorted.

You can tell a ripe corn from its look.

The day a chicken is hatched, we will know which one is cock and which one is hen. So from the beginning, I know that Tony Akinkuotu was made for the top, and that he got there was not a surprise to me. He has this survival disposition; when we started off together, we used to talk about some places as punishment.

One of such places was TESCOM, and he did so well there and they didn’t want him to leave. Even at the local government service commission and that is why he has wonderful relationship with the local government which was an added value to him.

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vice. He was employed on Grade level 9, while we were on Grade level 8 but he still saw himself as part and parcel of us which was a bit of humility on his part.

I would like you to count your personal memorable experience that you had with him?

Our first point of call was Service Matter department where we were to be taken through orientation. All of us were put in a fairly large place like a conference room inside the old governor’s office and each of us was discussing. Though he was a bit reserved by his personality but he stood out and everybody showing respect to him for what he was and the contributions he made to us as a team.

He encouraged us to bond together and that is a relationship we still have till date. May be, because of his higher academic achievement then, there were issues he had advantage over others then. He was always ever ready to share his thoughts and was very warm to all of us. About 15 of us were recruited then, two of them were from the ser-

What attributes will you give to his person?

He’s a very homely person, who feels happy in the midst of his colleagues.

I know Ondo people have their very unique feature; they are generally very stable people who will get you on the basis of your worth. The way he was relating with us in the office was the way he was relating back home because some office friends used to visit him.

We just look at him as prince of the service because we knew he was going to be a king in our system. I thank God for his life and for finding some of us who saw in him such sterling qualities to make him a leader.

Using him as an example, what would be your advice to civil servants especially against the backdrop that the past administration retained him as a Head of Service?

First, I would like to thank His Excellency, the Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, for helping to maintain stability in the Ondo State civil service. Civil servants by their employment are supposed to work for the minimum of 35 years or retire at the age of 60, whichever comes first. But unfortunately, the constitution removed the protection of security of tenure over them. I’m happy that Ondo State has been able to rise

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Diary beyond such consideration.

It’s been a very long time that we heard stories of head of service appointed by government, another government which is in opposition to that government comes and still retains him. But it goes to show you that Akinkuotu as a person, who acted with equal mind to whatever issue that came his way must have been a very unique selling point for a governor to retain him as the head of service. It is only after he has left that we will be able to effectively evaluate exactly what he has contributed to the system. But that he remains to serve two governors is a unique thing that I want to recommend for public service throughout the length and breadth of the State.

Civil Service is the engine room of government and they are the institutional memory, they are to do their work. By and large, I found myself very lucky the set that came into the service in 1988, that is the set that has produced the head of service. And that will tell you that when we came into the system, we came in based on merit, not on ethnic and religious consideration.

Civil service is the same all over the world, what’s your advice for civil servants?

My very honest advice to all of us is very simple: you are engaged as a civil servant, be a civil servant, don’t be a political merchant; don’t go about running down your senior colleagues. We are supposed to help government to formulate policies. If you stop at that, you go home a happy man from the system.

What word do you have for him as he exits office?

The Civil Service in Ondo State will miss a lot by his retirement, that is the truth because Toyin is a chip off the old block. we look forward to how the state government will find a place for him to continue to churn out very decent civil servants because he is a very decent person. He has prepared for this exit, because he was not a Barrister when he joined the service in 1988, he can choose to practice now.

But I advise him to take into Consultancy, it should be his main focus. Where the government requires him to do some

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ad-hoc duty, he should feel free to accept those things and also create time to rest.

The work of the head of service is so awesome. When you retire, you should first of all go and take a rest because as a head of service, 24/7 your brain must be in active service. I thank God that he’s going home in perfect health. I wish him the very best in life What’s your birthday wishes for him?

What do you wish an accomplished person like Toyin Akinkuotu? God has given him good health; he has gotten to the peak of his career in being a professional. My wish for him is for the future to be better than what he has taken in the service, and I hope he will have time for his family.

You just been appointed and you’re leaving in February what’s more about it?

Well God is a God who rewards goodness. There is one part of me you didn’t know before coming. I was sent away as a permanent secretary for 4 years by an administration in this state. They asked for certain information about a departing government. I was his chief adviser when he was Governor, so how will I now begin to bring up stories. And of course, he didn’t do anything untoward as my Governor. And they said I have to leave, I said as your lordship pleases.

Were you already a Permanent Secretary before you were sent away?

Yes, I was Permanent secretary for three years and maybe 2 or 3 months

before I was sent away. The government refused to pay all my entitlements for those four years. Eventually the man they drove me away on his account came back as a governor. Meanwhile, we had protested to the national human rights commission and they said “bring this man back and pay him his entitlement”, and that has been done.

I came back last year November to be precise and in December we were asked to attend interview selection of the head of service. By the time I came back, I was number 4, I was asked to take the interview conducted by Professor Adamalekun, he’s a very reputable name in public administration. He was the chairman of the panel.

They came up with a recommendation that the Governor should appoint me as the head of service which I accepted.

People here refer to me as a comeback kid; I was a permanent secretary who was sent away 4 years, now the head of service is an icing on the cake. Those are miracles of God, it’s not just because anybody worked hard for it. God has a way of rewarding you if you don’t go out of your way to destroy anybody.

In that boat, you have the former US President, Bill Clinton; you have the current governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and my very humble self. You have a lot in that category of people that God has worked a miracle in their life and I pray your own miracle is around the corner.

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Diary

He Will Never Allow His Personal Interest Affect Public Interest - Olajorin Permanent Secretary, Office of Establishment & Training at the Office of the Head of Service of Ondo State, Victor Olajorin extols the virtues of the retired Head of Service and the legacies he is leaving behind at the Civil Service……

What’s your relationship with the retired Head of Service, Barr. Akinkuotu?

I Know him very well; I’ve worked with him in several ways, including being his adviser on personal matter under the civil service of Ondo State. I know him as a father who loves children. The entire workforce of Ondo State belongs to the Head of Service, as a matter of fact, their welfare, promotion and discipline rest on his shoulders. We help him to do some of the things. And in most cases, he’s always very liberal, always asking for the best for the Civil servant form the government of Ondo State.

He has been so marvelous throughout his tenure that there’s never been a time he missed out promotion of competent officers. He even encouraged some of us to go further study more and to get the best for the service. As a matter of fact, during his tenure, we had series of officers who won the National Merit Award because of the drive he had given us and what he had prepared us to do in the service.

I got the last National Merit Award by the Federal Government for this state and it was through his ability. He will bring some issue that will challenge you so as to bring out the best from every worker, besides, he has also been a reformer.

In other words, he has used the office of the

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Diary Head of Service to better the lots of civil service in Ondo State?

Quite very well; during his tenure, he reformed the public service tremendously.

For instance, in government houses allocation, people were just going anyhow without paying, all manner of people. Those who have retired would go to give it out to their next of kin or to anybody that they feel like.

But during his tenure, he introduced the staff quarter units that have total control of the government quarters.

They could barely generate revenue but because of his decision to change the system, he has been able to drive illegal occupants off the government quarters. And public service and government is better for it because revenue is coming in and the expected officers who are supposed to be there are right there now.

Not only that, he also introduced e-pass system which is to control people infiltration and to reduce incidence of illegal appointment; it has not been happening.

Before you can get people into the public service, you must have the e-pass because it rests in his office; he’s the one that will sign it. Without his signature, you can’t have anybody enlisted on government payroll, and that has helped a lot.

He wants to let you see the reason why you should work hard. He doesn’t use the stick and the carrot method compensation for good and hard work and I think it has really paid off for the public service of Ondo State.

Can you tell us your most memorable experience working with him?

It has been so memorable; at times we will have issues, he will not take it as if he is the Head of Service. He will take it, study and table it for us to discuss. I cannot actually pin an area where I will say is more expedient because he goes out with us sometimes, and in most cases, when he’s with us, he doesn’t see himself as a Head of Service. We discuss issues, even issues that are personal; we will laugh it out. Those are the areas where we will miss him. An evening with the Head of Service, where you enjoy yourself is a rare privilege.

What morals have you learnt from him that other people should emulate?

Self-discipline! He will never allow his personal interest affect public interest. He has a slogan that we all also enjoy that is,

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‘what is good can be better. These are good attributes that he has actually brought to us discipline, self-denial, and these are very key.

What’s your advice to public servants?

I will advise public servant to be upright in their dealings because we are here today, tomorrow we may not be here. And if you are thrown out of service with ignominy, it says a lot on you and your family. So, the best thing is for you to be hardworking so that you can get to the peak of your career just like the Head of Service has done; he is one among equals. For you to be Head of Service and to retire from the public service, is a great achievement. So people should aspire to go to that level.

How you get to that level is by dedication, hard-work, by putting everything you have into it. It is not about what you have to gain from the service but what you give to the service, even when it has to do with financial matters, you have to be prudent in working which government finances. So public servants must see the service as theirs and not a service of them. When you have that culture, then you have to develop the service as if you are developing yourself.

They should never engage in any activity that is inimical to the civil service and to the Ondo State government. And they have to be loyal to the government of the day; there is nothing like 99% loyalty.

Do you think public servants should participate in politics?

Public servants are not supposed to be seen in partisan politics; we are all political elements everywhere you are. But you don’t politicize the civil service because the political party will come today and tomorrow, another one will be there. Your loyalty to the government of the day is what is material; you cannot be a card carrier of any political party.

As he exits office, what will you wish him?

I am wishing him well as he leaves the public service of Ondo State. We can always fall back to his experience and always call him back and speak with him when we have knotty issues to trash out. I know he’s a lawyer by profession so he’s not going to sleep because it’s still very young. He should not see politics as something you should not go into in doing that, you run away from the reality of life. For you to say you don’t want to go into politics, you leave it for mediocre and you have challenges. So he should go into politics at least, help to guide the political class on an area that has to do with bureaucratic culture.

What’s your birthday wishes for him?

I wish him well at 60; God in His wisdom has allowed him to be 60 and retire, and have his benefit. I wish him well on his retirement, and for him to be in good health; that’s my prayer for him.

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Diary

He Is A Man Of The People

- Awosika

STEVE AWOSIKA, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Orientation Ondo State recollects his childhood days with the retired Head of Service, and how they reunited again at the Ondo State Civil Service. He said in the following interview that among other things, Barr.

Akinkuotu massively transformed the State Civil Service…

What would you say about the outgoing Head of Service?

Barr. Akinkuotu is a likeable person.

He has this charm that makes people love him because of his simplicity and mental alertness. He has a simple approach to issues that endears him to you; you must not but like him. This has endeared many people to him; he’s so simple he doesn’t wear anything on the face. He’s a man that is easily attracted to people.

Would you say he has used his office to better the lot of the Civil Service?

Yes, let me first of all thank God for his life because many years to come, he may remain the longest-serving Head of Service in Ondo State. I also thank our Governor, Oluwarotim Akeredolu (SAN) for the honour. I want to be particular about myself: when I was at the Ministry of Education, the man did a lot for the Ministry in terms of staff welfare regarding promotions. The Ministry of Education is the largest ministry in Ondo State, where we have 70 directors.

Barr. Akinkuotu can claim the credit for making more than 50 out of the 70 directors. He is a man who is never bothered

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about whether there can be any director without a directorate; he kept on promoting provided you are qualified. And that is still what he is doing despite my having left that ministry since the past two years.

I am still leveraging on the relationship that exists between the two of us, that’s why I can never forget him; he is a man of character.

What will you count as your most memorable experience in your relationship with him?

I have a long-term relationship with him as a friend. We were childhood friends, I remembered 1977-78, we were both undertaking a Course in Advanced GCE as private candidate in Ondo. So, we were close and up till now, we are still very close. And having met at the Ondo State civil service; we are no longer new to ourselves.

What are the morals that you think we should pick from him?

I think for anybody as an administrator, you must learn to listen. He’s a good listener who would listen to you and allow you to say whatever you want to say be-

fore reacting. He is never in a hurry and that’s one of the characters of an administrator. An administrator must be a good listener, one who listens to people and must be ready to help. Mr. Akinkuotu is always ready to assist and perhaps that is what helped him to earn the position of the Head of Service.

Any word for civil servants?

The word for the civil servant is that for you to get to the top, you must not skip the ladder; you must learn to climb the ladder step by step. A lot of people are so much in a hurry. Civil servants shouldn’t be in a hurry; you will get to where God has destined you to be.

What do you wish him?

That God will give him the enablement, the power, the strength even after service.

I pray he becomes useful to God because I think the most important service is the one to God, but if you serve humanity, you are indirectly serving God. So my prayer is that his tomorrow will be greater than today.

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Felicitation The Management and Staff of Autoprobe Services Ltd. Felicitate with Barr. pro Toyin Akinkuotu on his retirement and Toy diamond jubilee celebration. dia Your hard work and dedication brought You you to the zenith of civil service career as H Head of Service, Ondo State.

Congratulations Sir! Con

Sesan Adetumobi.

COO/MD. Autoprobe services Ltd.

Diary

He Is A Very Humble Person - Olawale Permanent Secretary Political and Economic Affairs, OLADIRAN FREDERICK OLAWALE eulogises the good qualities of the retired Head of Service, describing him as a man with infectious inter-personal relationship…

How long have you known Barr. Toyin Akinkuotu and what’s your relationship with him? l got to know Barrister Akinkuotu immediately I came into the service in 1996. I was a teacher for three-and-a-half years before I came into the main service. Immediately I got to know that he is from Ondo Kingdom.

He was the deputy Director then in the course of our sojourn in the service. We had cause to work closely at the Office of the Establishment; I was a deputy Director, while he was director of Establishment.

satisfied everybody. But the bulk of civil servants that work under Oga can testify that he is a team player.

How would you describe his personality?

He is a man that you cannot work with without learning about administration or about life. He is somebody that you will meet and like his personality immediately; he’s ever ready to help. He is not the kind of person that will look down on his subordinate. He’s a very jovial person, he laughs a lot; he’s a very happy person in all ramifications.

What are you wishing him?

I wish him long life and perfect health. I sent him an SMS immediately I was picked for the post of permanent secretary and it goes thus, “My boss, my brother, and my benefactor, the story of my life will never be complete without your copious contributions. You are a God-sent at a most critical junction of my life. I’ll forever be grateful Sir, for your support and tutelage; it shall be well with you and you shall eat the fruit of your labour. Your children shall be greater than you, all your enemies shall bite the dust from the sole of your feet. I’ll forever be grateful to you, I want you to know that you are appreciated and cherished. Happy Birthday sir.”

What will you count as your most memorable encounter with him?

Sincerely speaking, he is somebody who likes to see young ones grow. He gives me loads of assignments that have prepared me for where I am today. Once I tried telling him the way I feel about one of my bosses who wasn’t treating me well; but he didn’t say anything afterward. We met my boss in a particular seminar who happened to be his friend and he told Barrister Akinkuotu that I almost threw him out of service, without him knowing that I’ve already related everything to Barrister Akinkuotu.

He then jokingly told that my boss that he didn’t do well and that we should put an end

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What word do you have for civil servants?

I will advise everyone to be themselves, we are civil servants, we are not politicians.

All civil servants should be loyal to the government of the day. The issue of hobnobbing with politicians depreciates the value of the Civil Service. Civil servants should aspire to greater level in their career, unless they want to become politicians themselves.

to the matter. From then, he had a different disposition about me until his retirement.

What morals should people learn from his personality?

His humility, he is humble to a fault, he doesn’t arrogate anything special to his office. During his tenure, he accommodates everybody, you can walk to him without any prior invitation and he will attend to you.

Would you say he has used his office to better the lot of the civil service?

Yes, I am a big beneficiary of it. He doesn’t like laziness and if you’re up and doing your job, he is ready to help you to any length.

In several ways God has done a lot for civil servants through him, he may not have

What word do you have for the new head of service?

The new head of service is a well-grounded man, what we call a round peg in a round hole. He knows his onion, and is also a very jovial and a result-oriented person. I congratulate him on his appointment as the Head of service, Ondo State.

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ACCOLADE

Toyin The Enigma

By Olumide AKINBINU

I

am a bosom or better put, a childhood friend of ALBERT OLUWATOYIN AKINKUOTU and our friendship has spanned over three decades. To be specific, our friendship started in 1986 at the post graduate school of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. While Toyin was pursuing his Masters Degree in Public Administration, I was pursuing my Masters Degree in International Relations.

We had a wonderful time together moving like a Siamese twins. We both enjoyed our adolescent but without losing focus of our ultimate goals in life. Toyin and I were very studious in spite of social escapades bothering on sharing drinks, attending parties and toasting beautiful ladies. Both of us completed the Masters Degree programmes at the recorded time with B+ average which ordinarily qualified us for the PHD. By our radical nature, we both chose to pursue a career in Law. Toyin joined the Ondo State Civil Service yet, he had his eyes on the Law Degree programme which he pursued with astuteness as a part time student and he later obtained the LLB and the LLM degrees respectively.

On my part, I chose to go into active legal practice but in spite of independent pursuit, our friendship remained solid and un-tainted. Toyin is brilliant and has a charming and consuming personality.

Greatly loved by all. With Toyin, you have no dull moment. I remain one of his close confidants even till today and vice versa.

I can confidently say that Toyin is simply enigmatic.

At the time we were getting ready for marriage, Toyin had a bevy of ladies. He

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hated and dreaded polygamy. Thus his choice was careful and well guided. The young lady we were toasting at Moremi Hall, Obafemi Awolowo University in those days eventually made the beautiful choice today. And a proud mother of three including a set of twins one of whom is a Medical Doctor.

I am not surprised that Toyin made it to the top of his chosen career. I would have been disappointed if it had turned otherwise. Toyin is a master planner. He would start the day with prayers on his knees. Thereafter, he writes out his plan for the day and begins with the execution till the end of the day. I had known Toyin for this for the 34 (Thirty Four) years of our friendship. Like the saying goes, when you fail to plan then you plan to fail.

Toyin is selfless and a wonderful giver. He touched many lives in the course of his career. A thoroughbred Ondo boy. Relishes in speaking the dialect and

rejoices in the company of old friends.

We went on social gatherings and operated on platforms too numerous to itemize in this short piece. He has been so wonderful and dear to me that I can write a volume on this wonderful creature and rare gift to mankind.

Today, he is bowing out of Ondo State Civil Service but his service to Nigeria and mankind in general will continue in other dimensions. He is a young boy at 60 (Sixty) with a large heart and capacity to deliver on any assignment.

I see him flying higher either in active law practice, business or politics as he may soon decide.

I join numerous others to say congratulations to a worthy ambassador of Ondo Kingdom. The sky may still not be his limit. Bravo “Omoloogun�. *Otunba Olumide Akinbinu, a legal practitioner, wrote in from Abayaki Chambers, Ota, Ogun State

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Diary

He Always Plans Towards Achieving Whatever Goal He Sets To Achieve – Famosaya, OLUBUNMI FAMOSAYA, mni, a retired Head of Service of Ekiti State and the current chairman Ekiti State Civil Service Commission, pays tribute to the outgoing Ondo State Head of Service, and describes him as a cool-headed and focused gentleman… work contract there, you don’t have capital projects there, all you do is career management of civil servants.

So for anybody to work in that office and be connected, it takes the grace of God because some of your junior colleagues may even be better than you in terms of affluence and income. So contentment is important.

He gives to the church a lot, he gives to God, and that’s another lesson. He’s a good Catholic and we don’t practice two wives, we believe in one man one wife and that’s what he has.

What’s your role as the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission?

We employ all civil servants, we discipline them. You know there is a difference between transfer and posting. Posting is moving someone from a ministry to another or one agency to another. But transfer is where you seek to leave your service either from the local government or to the State; you’re transferring your service to the State. If you want to leave the state to federal, you’re transferring your service; if you want to leave as an admin officer to executive officer, that is what we call inter-cadre transfer. There is inter-service transfer, there is cadre transfer, regular posting and mere posting.

How much of Barrister Akinkuotu do you know?

Toyin is a very cool-headed and very focused gentleman. He is a contented person, frank and a diligent officer. He knows what he wants to do and he always plans towards achieving whatever goal he sets to achieve. Apart from being a colleague in the old Ondo State, we are both Catholics; we attended the same church, Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church Parish Akure. He left at a point and went to St. Albert FUTA because he moved his house around there.

But when he relocated to Alagbaka, he came back to Mary Queen of Angels Parish. We sit together in church, so I can say conveniently that we are quite close.

And funny enough, we used to hang out together in those days when I was appointed as a Head of Service, Ekiti State; he was a Perm. Sec. in Ondo State; He attended my swearing-in. As if it was unconscious prophecy, I told him “you are here today, I will also attend your own inauguration as a Head of Service,” and eventually he became one. We have a forum of the Head of Service (Southwest), and any time we attended the meeting, we were always together.

Tell us your most interesting memorable experience with him?

Incidentally, his former boss, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko is my very good friend; we were together in Ife and because of our closeness,

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I can say I have a good knowledge of Ondo town. We were hanging out some day and we heard a husband and wife fighting, and I told him Toyin, I will sing a song by Akintade and I sang Celina Maya lemi o, mio le wa tori Obinrin ku (Celina dont stop over at my place, I don’t want to die because of a woman).

Today, whenever we see, he sings that song and we’ll laugh. During the funeral of the mother of the current Head of Service of Ekiti State, we sat together. And because I am MNI, that surface has to be put after my name and the comedian of the day, instead of saying MNI, he kept on saying MMI. Toyin asked me ‘can you hear what the boy is saying?’ I said he should leave it and because I didn’t say anything, whenever he sees me, he will go MMI. What do you think people, especially young ones should learn from him?

Civil service is not what everybody likes especially when you are from Ondo kingdom they don’t like to work in government because the resources are marginal. But money is not everything; people believe that when you are in position, you can have money but not the position of the Head of Service. It is a noble service, you don’t even

What would you advise civil servants?

Well, anyone who is diligent in what he is doing will always get the results, it is clear. People should not look for fast track, it doesn’t pay. Civil service is stereotype because the activities of civil servants are guided by rules and laws and no shortcut at all. Obey the rules, follow the rules as laid down; do your work diligently, don’t cut corners, don’t cheat and of course, you have to be passionate about the service if you really want to build a career out of it.

If you want to make money don’t go to the service, it is not a place for you to make money. No corruption, be diligent and be prayerful so that you will not see akoba (setup).

What would you advise him as he steps out of office?

The day you become a permanent secretary, you should start thinking of your retirement life. Appointment as permanent secretary is at the pleasure of the government, which means the government again can say you can go, I don’t want you. We’ve been arguing this for a long time at the National Council of Establishment to see if it can be modified. I’m sure he has adequately prepared for his retirement, he’s a lawyer.

What do you wish him?

He is welcome to the club; I pray that God will guide him; I retired before I was 60. Another thing about retirement is, if you are someone who is not a spendthrift, your pension is enough.

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Diary

He Is A Strong Believer In The Professionalism Of The Civil Servant - Arawande Mr. Olabode Arawande is the Director of Library Services, Ondo State Library Board, Akure. In the following interview, he talks about how the outgoing Head of Service has transformed the Civil Service in Ondo State through his pragmatic approach to issues….

He championed most of the privileges and rights of the Civil Servants, ensuring that they get their due. I remember in 2017, most of them who had no hope becoming permanent secretaries woke up one day and they were appointed as permanent secretaries. I have senior colleagues who have benefited from this divine intervention which God has actually used him to do.

How would you describe Barrister Akinkuotu?

Let me first of all go back memory lane. It might interest you to know that our relationship started in the early 90s when he was posted here as a young officer. I also started my career around that 1988. He came at a time when the library was trying to reinvent itself.

As a matter of fact, we started library appeal fund together that led to the emergence of this edifice in the library board complex. He was here as a secretary to the board; then we were not very close but God brought us together in our respective careers. We recorded a lot of landmark when he was here as a secretary.

This place happened to be his third posting.

He is very humble, easy going young man, cerebral and a courageous person and hardened believer of professionalism. We had a cordial relationship because he is a good natured person, amiable and loving. The way I see him, he can’t hurt a fly; he is a complete gentleman. He is a multi-dimensional person and has been so fortunate in his career. I am his benefactor. He believes in building up people. There was a time that I will call a period of interregnum here, where the head of the department was occupied by non-professionals. Sometimes in life, you see people who are supposed to be calling the shots becoming spectators, that was the scenario then.

I want to give this credit to him, he got to know that I am still very much around. Most of the professional librarian that we started together, left for Lagos and other places. I tried moving but it didn’t work, not knowing that God has certain things in place for me here.

But as a matter of fact, the history of my career cannot be completed without having a chapter for Barrister Albert Toyin Akinkuotu. He actually helped the State Library Board in the repositioning and transformation of this place.

He made sure that professionals are placed appropriately where they should be placed. And he has been doing this in almost all sectors of the service. He’s a consummate believer in professionalism; he believes in raising up men, he is a bridge builder.

What would you consider your most

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What are you wishing him as he retires?

memorable experience?

They are too many but I want to recall a time when he was a Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Finance and all of a sudden, we got the news that he has been appointed as Head of Service. I was the first person to call him, and it was a big boost. And he said Mr. Arawande, that thing I started, I’m going to complete it. I was the director of library service then in 2015, and he was instrumental to my promotion after which I eventually resumed the direct leadership of the library board as a substantive director of library services.

What morals do you think people should learn from him?

He is a complete humble person who never allowed the spoils and the paraphernalia of office to get into his head. He appears quiet and calm, very resilient; he does not have any pride. He is pleasant, humility par excellence and he loves helping people.

Do you think he has used the office for the betterment of the civil service in Ondo State?

He has been able to transform the service, and I want to put it on record that I am not the only beneficiary, a lot of people were promoted during his time. He succeeded in defending Civil Service matters before the government.

He’s so lucky to serve two governors belonging to two different political camps. The normal practice is that the governor will lay off what he inherited and would want to come up with his own fresh men. But as providence would have it, God has been so good to him.

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in his own wisdom decided to retain him as a bridge between the political class and the Civil Service. Record will also have it (I stand to be corrected) that he’s the first man from Ondo kingdom to be Head of Service. He’s also on record as one of the longest serving Heads of Service, having been appointed in 2013 to 2019. He needs to be thankful to God for He has favoured him in no small way.

Any word of advice for Civil servants?

I want to advise those of us that he is leaving behind to copy some of his sterling qualities of humility, dedication, and resilience. He’s a complete loyal person who has an unalloyed loyalty to the government of the day. He had served Governor Olusegun Mimiko meritoriously and is also served Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu meritoriously too. As civil servants, we are here and we must also be loyal to the government of the day and complement government efforts.

What are you wishing him?

I want to use this medium to wish him a happy birthday and happy retirement. It is my hope and prayer that God will grant him good health and long life; I wish him the best. He is still very strong, energetic and intelligent, and I believe that someday somehow, he will be called to serve the people of the State in one way or the other.

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Diary

It Is My Joy That Barr.

Akinkuotu Is Bowing Out Gloriously, His Head Held High.

- Ogunduboye

“A

s a young administrative officer in the late 80s, I started my career with the Civil Service Commission. After being posted to the Ministry of Finance, I met Barrister Akinkuotu on the course of our working together. I saw in him many sterling qualities e.g. friendliness, humility, hardwork; he is very cerebral.

“His rising to the exalted post of the Head of Service did not come to me as a

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surprise because apart from being cerebral, he is also endowed with attributes of a great leader. It is not a surprise that during his period as Head of Service, the Civil Service witnessed a lot of transformation.

“As the saying goes, whatever has a beginning, must have an end. It is my joy that Barr. Akinkuotu is bowing out gloriously, his head held high. No doubt he has left behind a legacy which will

forever remain in the consciousness of those that he left behind.

“It’s my wish that he will not only concentrate on his law practice but to make himself available to serve not only the people of his constituency, but also the good people of Ondo State. This is wishing him best of luck in his future endeavour.”

-By Michael Oluwayemi Ogunduboye, DFA Secretary, Library Board

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He Was A Quintessential Officer Who Knew His onions - Elewuju Permanent Secretary, Cabinet and Special Services Department, Governor’s Office, Akure, Ondo State, GBENGA ELEWUJU recalls the memorable moments he had with the outgoing Head of Service of Ondo State and said the experiences he gathered from him were instrumental to what he is today…

How would you describe the retired Head of Service, Barrister Toyin Akinkuotu?

Toyin Akinkuotu Esq., the retired Head of Service is a quintessential officer who knows his onions, a hard-working and a very resourceful officer. I got to know him when he was not even Head of Service, but as a director, cabinet matters and I was deputy director, special services in this same cabinet and special services department.

Thereafter, I worked with him closely as secretary, service matters when he was the Head of Service. He was appointed Head of Service in 2013, and as at that time, I was secretary service matters; what I can call acting permanent secretary, service matters- the office was under his own office. I worked closely with him then. He was instrumental to my posting to this office, and when I asked why me, he said ‘you are capable and you will be able to deliver.’

I was amazed because I was coming to cabinet and special services which is central of government activities. And to the glory of God, I’ve been here since then and still working without any issue.

He is my benefactor. We’ve been relating closely even thereafter; he is my very

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good boss in all circumstances.

Would you say he has used his office as a Head of Service to better the lots of civil servants?

Absolutely, he’s so concerned with the welfare of workers. All through his tenure as Head of Service, there has been no backlog of promotions; promotions come as at when due. All other benefits accruing to civil servants are being enjoyed; he has a way of achieving all these things. Gently and softly, he will marshal his points, and the authority have supported him in carrying out his activities.

Take for instance, the PSTI at Ilara-Mokin, he ensured that the place is completed and put to use. Just of recent, he had initiated the creation of an agencyOndo State Civil Service Reform Department. That’s to show you how concerned he was about the professionalism of the civil service in Ondo State. He decided to put in place an agency that will be for constant reform of the Civil Service and better service delivery.

What would you count as your memorable personal experience with him?

My personal experience was when he called me and said he was posting me to

cabinet and special services department.

Working in this department is an experience that one cannot forget easily and if I’m not here, I won’t gather those experiences.

Any moral lesson from him?

I learnt his possessive ways of doing things, he is someone that has a good goal, and maps out his plans on how to achieve those goals. He is a gentle and amiable officer, not somebody that want to put you in trouble even as an officer.

He would rather call you, advice you and tell you the way you should go about whatever you want to do.

What word of advice do you have for civil servants?

My advice for them is to continue to be hard-working and believe in God. If you do the will of God and you are hard-working, you will be singled out through your work.

What do you wish him as he retires?

I wish him sound health in retirement, I wish him well. At 60, he’s not too old. I know that his services will still be required and when that call comes, he should not hesitate.

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Diary

He Taught Me How To Be Contented With What I Have- Confidential Secretary In the last 12 years, MRS. AFOLABI has been the Confidential Secretary to the Head of Service of Ondo State, Barr. Albert Oluwatoyin Akinkuotu. In the following interview, she bares her mind on the person of the Head of Service…

How long have you been working with the Head of Service?

I started working with the Head of Service when he was the Director at the office of Establishment about 12 years ago.

How would you describe him?

As a Civil Servant, he is a diligent man, a man of integrity, who doesn’t joke with his work. He comes to work regularly and at the normal work period, and usually does not leave office early. As a person, he does not tolerate any indulgence. One thing I like about him is that you cannot meet any files on his table.

He likes to clear files from his table daily.

What would you say about his personality?

The Head of Service is a generous man. He is very simple and easy going.

He is always willing to help people; he is a reliable person. He does not like to disappoint people or abandon one to his/ her problem. He is truly a kind person.

As Secretary to the Head of Service, he sure should have dozens of visitors daily, how do you cope?

With my experience and for the years I have been working with him, I know his interests and preferences. I know how to position his visitors. There are times he gives instruction on ways he wants to attend to visitors. At other times, I need to be diplomatic because he has a lot of job on his table. As such, we know how to schedule his visitors, so that it is convenient for him.

What day would you describe as your most memorable day working with him?

It was when he was appointed as

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I can link with his status. He welcomes anybody at any time, whether or not it is convenient for him. He is not so much in a hurry to achieve success.

What is your wish for him?

As he takes a bow, I will miss him.

I wish that he continues both with the manner he deals with people and handles government work. I wish that whatever he lays his hand to do, he will succeed. I wish him the best things of life as he wishes himself.

Head of Service. I started working with him when he became a Director. I also worked with him when he rose to the level of Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance. He never believed he can rise to the position of Head of Service. I can say the day he was appointed was my happiest day. When he got to the office, he said: “Madam Congratulations.” He congratulated me as if I was the one who has been given a new appointment.

What morals have you learnt from him in the course of working with him?

I have learnt to be contented. My working with him has taught me that if you are contented, you won’t steal government property and you would not have any problem, It is through him that I learnt that contentment brings job satisfaction. Contentment, makes one to concentrate on a particular line of duty.

Working with him has also made me to know how to accommodate people. The retired Head of Service is one person that accommodates people beyond what

You worked with him for years, have you ever seen him angry or what is that thing that makes him angry?

As a human being, one can get annoyed anytime and with the pressure of work here, it is something that cannot be avoided. In fact, he has never worked in a slow work environment. It was hectic at the Office of Establishment and Ministry of Finance, where he was exposed to many activities. He worked very hard as the number one Civil Servant in the state. He continues to work very hard.

At times, people want to get him annoyed, but he knows how to manage crises. The ratio of his getting angry I can say is very low. But when he gives instruction or has explained something to the visitor and you want to prove that you know better than he does, he tends to get angry.

Incidentally, his pen down ceremony coincides with his birthday, what are your wishes for him?

I want to wish him a happy birthday in advance, long life, sound health and prosperity.

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Diary

Time is not going It is a mistake to think time is going. Time is not going. Time is here until the world ends. It is you that is going. You don’t waste time.

Time is infinite. You waste yourself. You are finite. It is you that grows old and die. Time doesn’t. So make better use of it. And one of the worst things to do with time is comparing yourself to others. A cow eats grass and gets fat but if dog eats grass, it will die. Never compare yourrself with others. Run your race. What works for one person may be that which will kill you. Focus on the gifts and talents God gave you and don’t be envious of the blessings He gave others_ .

Both Lion and Shark are professional hunters, BUT: A Lion cannot hunt in the Ocean and a Shark cannot hunt in the jungle

That a Lion cannot hunt in the ocean doesn’t make h him useless and that a Shark cannot hunt in the jungle doesn’t also make him useless both have their own territory where they can do well If a rose smells better than tomatoes, It doesn’t mean the rose can make a better stew.

Don’t try to compare yourself to others. You also have your own strength, look for it and b build on it. All animals that exist, were in Noah’s ark. A snail is one of those animals. If God could wait long enough for snails to enter Noah’s ark; His door of grace won’t close till you reach your expected position in life. Never look down on yourself, keep looking up. Remember that Broken crayons still colour. _Keep on pushing, you never can tell how close you are to your goal...!

He Is A Public Servant With A Difference - Olapade Ademola AbassSecurity Attaché to the retired HOS., Ondo State

“T

he Head of Service I know is a public servant par excellence.

He is a mentor, a diligent, intelligent and exemplary leader.

During the period I worked with him, I have learnt a lot of things.

“I learnt about the need to have the spirit of forgiveness. No matter the magnitude of your offence, he will forgive you, and won’t take any decision that will affect your career. Again, he is someone that always keeps to rules and

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regulations. In all he does, he follows due process and does not undercut the laws of any establishment.

“I have worked with him for 6 years.

He was appointed as Head of Service in July 2013, and I started working with him in August. Since then, I have been working with him.

“He believes that everything is possible, if you believe in God and follow due process.

“My most memorable moment with him was the day he gave me a slot to

embark on pilgrimage to Mecca, and that was in 2014.

“I wish him long life and prosperity.

I wish too that he ages with grace and find mercy in the sight of God. As he retires, I wish him best of luck in all his future endeavours.”

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Diary

He Is A Very Compassionate Person- Adegbie Chairman, Ondo State Board Of Internal Revenue Service, TOLU ADEGBIE talks to us about his personal encounter he had with the retiring Head of Service and how the experience he garnered by his closeness with him, has helped equip him to lead in his office….

What do you know about Barrister Toyin Akinkuotu?

I know him as the Head of Service Ondo State, from official functions with him, he has been very professional and very astute, he knows his onion. It is not a mistake that he rose to the ranks, becoming the Head of Service of Ondo State; he’s a first-class brain. When I joined the Ondo state Board of Internal Revenue, we wanted to try some new things. What we wanted to do was to set up this modern tax stations for young people.

We went to Barrister Akinkuotu and he approved the idea, and helped with the recruitment of some temporary staff, 30 fresh graduates were recruited. These 30 were the major changes that happened in the Board of Internal Revenue in 2018.

Without Barr. Akinkuotu buying into the idea and giving us his support to execute some of these plans, we won’t be where we are today. So my opinion of him is that he has contributed immensely to the success of the Board of Internal Revenue.

Generally, would you say he has used his position as the head of service to better the lot of civil service in Ondo State?

I believe so because when we’re making

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the Ondo State Revenue Association law 2018, he called us and said that he heard that we were making a new revenue law, that he hoped civil servants that will be affected would be taken adequate care of.

I wanted to put one particular modality in the law but he insisted and gave us two different options so that the Civil Service can decide what option to pick.

So he stood up for the civil servants and said we have to protect the civil servants and give them an opportunity to make a choice.

What is your personal memorable experience with him?

There are a couple of exciting memorable experiences but the number one is what he told me the day I was going to resume, the day I got my letter from him, after the approval of Mr. Governor.

I was very eager I wanted to rush to the board of internal revenue to resume.

He said no that I should not go yet, that these are my people I will go with you.

He took me to the Board and introduce to them and asked them to support me.

That singular act that he did attracted a lot of support for me. Normally, when a new person comes into an organization,

there are pockets of resistance here and there. Without Barr. Akinkuotu, we won’t be where we are today. He saw the future, he knew his people and he did what he needed to do to make sure that the system works better.

What are the moral lessons that you got from him?

The number one thing is patience to professionalism, to empathy. Political environment should not play a part in what you’re doing as a civil servant or as board of internal revenue. He once told me a story of how politics played a part in the past, with the board of internal revenue.

He’s a very compassionate person. So for me, honestly, growing up old to be 60 and retire like him, it will be the height of a wonderful career achievement.

Is your office political?

My appointment might be political but my job is not political because the office of the state board of internal revenue is in Nigeria’s constitution- the personal income tax as amended in 2004, and as amended in 2011, created the office of the Board of Internal Revenue.

What would you advise a civil servant?

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Diary Civil servants are the bedrock of Nigeria, a lot of complaints that we see in Nigeria are evident in the service. If all civil servants do their job and take it seriously, as if their life depends on it and be very professional in what they do, like Barr. Toyin Akinkuotu, this

country will be better off for it.

What are you wishing him?

I wish him long life and wonderful time with his family. I wish him a new attainment because he’s retired but not tired. I pray new opportunity should open for him; he can now come into

politics. I pray that his children will continue to be a source of blessing to him because they are wonderful people including his wife. And none of them will become a source of sorrow to him and to every one of us.

Without Him, The College Of Health Technology, Akure Will Not Be Where It Is TodayProvost The Provost, College of Health Technology, Akure Dr. Olawoye Felix Soledayo attributes the success and stability of the Ondo State Civil Service to the immense efforts put in by the outgoing Head of Service…

“B

arr. Toyin Akinkuotu is an astute administrator, a gentleman to the core. But for God and for him, the College of Health Technology, Akure will not be where we are now today. He assisted us in the deployment of staff to this College. Today, the college is number one in this country.

“As a number one civil servant, he is my boss, we grew up together in the same area, we used to call him Egi Toyin.

(Brother Toyin) we used to play football

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together then, we had one football field called Oke Padi at St. Matthew Primary School Ondo, very close to our house. He use counsel us to face our study, I took a clue from him and that is what has been helping me till date.

“If I have a better word to describe him, I would have used it but just like I told you, he assisted this college immensely.

He keyed into the vision of Mr. Governor that the civil service must be elevated.

Whenever I visit his office as the head of this College, the first thing he will say is

Aburo, (junior) hope there is no problem? avail me the area. Even before the time of this interview, he has just done a posting of a physics teacher because we needed it for the accreditation of some courses.

“I learnt hard work and transparency from him. And every civil service should take a clue from him that with hard work, you will get to the top and be loyal to the government because it is very sacrosanct.

“I wish him all the best, and it shall be well with him and his family.”

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Diary

He Is A Very Pleasant Person In All Ramifications - Folayemi

Permenent Secretary Ondo State Micro credit Agency Akure, Mr. FOLAYEMI JOSHUA recounts in the following interview, the roles the retiring HOS. has played in reshaping the Civil Service in Ondo State……

What’s the benefits of Ondo State microcredit to the citizen?

Ondo State Microcredit Agency was set up as a parastatal of government saddled with the responsibility of making the good people of Ondo State to have free access to credit facilities. Government realised that the majority of our people have brilliant ideas on how to better their lot in life but what is lacking is capital, an essential factor of production.

You will agree with me that it has not been easy for people to access the conventional banks especially our women and youth. The conventional bank requirements, which in most cases, may be landed property but the question is how youth and women can produce CFO. Because of this cost, these ideas will die natural death.

The State Credit Agency was setup to fill that gap so as to make it easy for our people in Ondo state access credit facilities devoid of the stringent conditions that are normally impose by conventional banks.

Is it for only the civil servant or for any indigene of Ondo state?

As a matter of fact, the focus of the agency is not for civil servants, It is for people in the informal sector of the economy; that is those who are not salary workers. That is why our focus has always been women especially market women unemployed youths and farmers.

Recall that Ondo state has been tagged as a civil servant state, we want to change

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that orientation to become a commercial viable state. What this means is that we have to stimulate the formal sector of the economy so that they could be active participants in the economy of the State.

Do you know the retired head of service Barr. Toyin Akinkuotu what’s your relationship with him?

The retired Head of Service became our Head of Service in the year 2013. Before then, he was the permanent secretary at the Ministry of Finance. I came in admin officers’ cadre in 1994. He is my senior colleague he has been like a father to me, a mentor, somebody whom those of us coming behind want to emulate and always love to look up to. He has had a very robust career and we that are coming behind want to be like him.

How would you describe his personality?

The retired Head of Service is a very pleasant person in all ramifications in terms of social, official and interpersonal relationship. He will want to assist you to the best of his ability even if you have a very bad case you can always trust that he will not make it worst. He will try see how best we can extricate that officer from the situation. I am not surprised that he spent so long as our Head of Service in Ondo state from 2013 to 2019. We want to thank our governor, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for retaining him. Immediately our governor came on board, news started flying around that a new Head of Service will be appointed. Barr. Toyin Akinkuotu will be sacked but Mr Governor disappointed all the mischief makers. The other day, when we were having our first working day of the year day prayer, Mr. Governor personally commended that he is a pleasant person. I know it is not possible to please the entire world but I’m very sure more than 95 percent of Ondo State civil service love Barr. Toyin Akinkuotu.

Can you recall any memorable experience that you had with him?

Even though I didn’t work with him directly but there was a time I submitted a proposal to the state government for the ministry of Economy planning and budget, were not properly organized. I remember that the retired Head of Service was the director of ministry of establishment and my paper was referred to him.

He personally wrote a recommendation letter that our proposal has been studied.

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Events He latter congratulated me for putting up such a brilliant proposal.

What morals did you learn from his person?

One thing I learnt is the fact that one should not believe that everything has finished; life still goes on because when the new governor came in, some people advised him to tender his resignation letter voluntarily, instead of waiting for him to be disgraced out of the service but he believes system and that the Governor will judge him by his hand work and not by what people will say.

On behalf of retired Head of Service and the entire civil service in Ondo State, we want to appreciate Mr. Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN. for retaining him.

Do you think he has brought stability to

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the Civil Service in Ondo State?

Yes, there is no doubt that he has brought a lot of stability to the Civil Service in Ondo State. The Civil service at a time was so bastardized that you find it difficult to differentiate a civil servant from the politicians. You are as a director or a permanent secretary, you have a level 12 working under you and you find it difficult to control such an officer because of political affiliations.

But during his time, he completely dissociated civil service from the political class. And anytime we have frictions with our political boss, those of us who are accounting officers, he will always come with an unparallel display of maturity. And that is why we have had it so good in the civil service of Ondo state.

Undoubtedly, the retired Head of Service is a super HOS; I love him.

Any word of advice for civil servants?

As civil servants in Ondo State, I want us to continue with the legacy that has been created by the retired Head of Service. Civil servants who should not believe that it is when we lobby politicians that we can get to the top with career progression. The retired HOS. has shown that with hard work, sincerity of purpose, honesty and diligence, one can get to the topmost position in the civil service.

What’s your wish to him at retirement and his 60th birthday?

I wish him happy birthday as he retires from the Civil Service of Ondo State.

As part and parcel of the Civil Service of Ondo State, he should make himself available whenever he is called upon.

Good a thing, he’s a member of the Adofom forum.

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Events

He Has At All Times Defended The Interests Of The Civil Service - Akindolire Permanent Secretary/ Accountant-General of Ondo State, OLAOLUWA AKINDOLIRE pays tribute to the retiring Head of Service, describing him as a good defender of the civil service…..

B

arrister Toyin Akinkuotu is the retired Head of Service, and as a former head of the bureaucracy, I had a good working relationship with him for over 20 to 25 years.

He is hard-working, dedicated and he’s committed to the workforce of the government.

“He has at all times defended the interests of the Civil Service, working

together with the present administration to build confidence in the bureaucracy.

“My personal memorable experience is about the way he worked with this present administration when they came in to stabilize the government.

We should learn from him, the virtues of hard work and straight forwardness. ”For our civil servants, I implore them to emulate the good qualities that Barr.

Akinkuotu exhibited while in service.

These qualities should be embraced by both the workers and the state executive council because he was able to facilitate between the labour union, civil servants and the executive.

“As he retires from the service, I wish him the very best of luck in his sojourn in life. I wish him a happy birthday, long live and prosperity as he clocks 60.”

Diary

He Is An Astute Administrator So Concerned About Moving The Service Forward - Personal Assistant

KAYODE EDEMA has been Personal Assistant (PA) for close to six years- a period he says he learnt a lot. In the interview that follows, he speaks about the qualities of the retired Head of Service and why he would excel in his future life endeavor.

How did you start your career here?

I joined Ondo State Civil Service on 20th March, 2010, that’s about 9 years ago, as an administrative officer II; presently, I am on Grade level 12. I started my career at the general administration department in the Governor’s office, where I worked for two and half years, before being posted to the Ministry of Community Development. I worked in this ministry for 10months, before I was posted to be the Personal Assistant to the Head of Service in September 2013. I have been here since then.

Prior to your posting, did you know the retired Head of Service?

I would say fate brought us together, not that I knew him very well before then.

I was invited to serve in a committee as Assistant Secretary — the Mimiko International Soccer Tournament, which held in 2012/13 in the state. The HOS. (Toyin Akinkuotu Esq.) was a member of that committee and the Chairperson was Chief (Mrs.) Kosemani Kolawole. But due to her tight schedule, she asked Barr. Akinkuotu to be the Chairman of the committee, while Sunday Agbotoba was the Secretary.

However, because of the latter’s schedule, I served as Secretary to the Committee.

The Committee existed for two weeks, and thatREALITY was how we LIFE met. But shortly on

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Would you say that your appointment as his PA was based on your performance when you serve with him in that committee?

I think so because he told me when I assumed office that he had it in mind to appoint me as his PA. But he requested that he be given three names that he would pick from, and that when he saw the list, my name was number one and that settled it.

In working with him, how would you describe his personality?

As an official person, he is an astute administrator, a brilliant man. He is diplomatic, and I have learnt a lot from him.

His concern is about moving the service forward. He does things that are right. If I am to mention the things he has done for the civil service, they are numerous. his appointment as Head of Service, I met him one day on my way to the Governor’s Office and I went to congratulate him and he told me that I didn’t come to greet him and I apologizes. Then he said he was still studying the office and that after getting himself acquainted, he would like to bring me as his PA. I said okay, I would be expecting the posting. Three weeks later, the posting came out, and I have been with him since then.

On his personal life, the retired Head of Service is a very simple, easy-going person; he is jovial too. Around him, there is no boring moment. He will crack jokes and make you smile. I can tell you that he has never raised his voice at me or at anybody working here, even when he is angry. He prefers to call you and talk about it. And by the next day, he has forgotten about it. Nothing at all bothers him.

What www.realitylifemagazine.com is your most memorable experience

Diary working with him?

They are quite many, but let me mention a few. When my dad passed away, he came on Thursday during the wake keep and drove all the way back to Akure. Again, on Friday, he came back for the burial. I would forever be grateful for that honour.

He has done things too numerous to mention.

What life’s lesson have you have learnt from him?

Majorly, I have learnt from him to be diplomatic. I have also learnt from him to be humble and patient. Sometimes, I would want to react to certain issues but he will advise me to relax. In the last administration of Governor Mimiko, even as Head of Service, there were times he wanted to see the Governor and waited for a week, sometimes two weeks. There were times that even after waiting for two weeks, he still would not be able to see the Governor.

There was this difficult lady, SA to the Governor on Appointment that made it quite tedious for him to see the Governor.

I don’t have that kind of patience. I would complain, but my Boss will just carry his books and walk out. So many times, he will go to the Government House at night and almost sleep there. He would still not be able to meet with the Governor and discuss important state matters with him. I have learnt to be patient. Now, under Akeredolu’s government, anytime he wants to see the Governor, nobody stops him; he sees him at will.

People say it is weird that your Boss served two different governments, under two different political parties, were there pressures from any quarter?

Let me say that in 2017 when Governor Akeredolu came on board, we were already prepared to leave the office because that has been the tradition. When a new administration comes on board, some Permanent Secretaries and even the Head of Service will have to leave. Of course, there were pressures, rumors of all sorts flew in from different corners.

It got to a point that the Head of Service was frustrated and concerned, but because of his personality, we just kept fate. People were calling in to ask questions. Some said they heard that my Boss has left. There was this time he travelled out and the rumor was that he has left. Lo and behold, he came back.

Basically, I want to appreciate Governor Akeredolu, who believes that he should

not cut short the services of the people.

The service is clear: it is either you spend 35 years in service or you retire when you turn 60. The Governor just believed he should follow the latter. He had the power to determine the direction of appointments. It is all within his discretion, but he judged correctly.

One thing that fascinates me is that Barr. Akinkuotu is that he is not a politician; he has never participated in any political activity. He has never attended any political engagement as a public servant.

I think this was what gave him the edge over others.

What are your wishes for him as take his bow out of civil service?

I am going to miss him. I told some of my friends that on the day he would be leaving office, I am going to have to hold back my tears. He is like a father to me and has done so many things to assist me officially, privately and in many other areas I might not be able to mention here. He takes me as his son and colleague; he is in fact my mentor. I wish him God’s best; long life and prosperity will be his portion. My earnest prayer for him is that God should protect and guide his footsteps. May he live to see the reward of what he has done

for man and Society.

Do you think he will in the nearest future venture into politics?

I am not sure he wants to go into politics. But should he decide to, he will make a fine politician. I say this because he knows how to keep to his words. Likewise, my Boss does not tell lies. If he says he wants to do something, he does it. He likes to extend a helping hand to others.

He helps people around him and those he has not even met before. As Head of Service, he was accessible.

Some hold the view that the Civil Service is a dumping ground for those who don’t want to develop themselves. Based on your experience, what is your advice to Civil Servants?

Basically, a Civil Servant should be available to work and be ready to put in only the best at all times. Some say that the Civil Service is government itself, and that you cannot exhaust the workload in it within a day. This is why some Civil Servants are discouraged to work, and their attitude to work is that of nonchalance and negligence. But to me, I am always ready to work and put in my best.

Diary

He Is An Embodiment Of What Lionism Is All About - Adedoyin LION ADEKUNLE ADEDOYIN, the incoming Governor, District 401 of Nigeria Lion Club International, lets us into the man, Barr. Toyin Akinkuotu, outgoing Head of Service of Ondo State, and said that every moment with him is memorable…..

“I

have known Barr. Toyin Akinkuotu for upward 20 to 25 years. We came close when we both worked on the Justice Fawehinmi Judicial Panel of Inquiry. He was the administrative secretary, while I was a member of that panel. He was in charge of everything we wrote, our welfare, everything that has to do with administration on that panel and he did so very well.

Something told me then that he was going places.

“In 2004, I wanted to form a new Lion Club in Akure and I wanted young men who have what it takes to be a lion, not necessarily money but your inner being to give, your desire to help the less privileged.

He was among the 20 young men that I picked. There is a position in Lion club that is unique; when a new club is being formed and the first president is referred to as the chapter president, is a unique position because it’s the first among equals; nobody

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can contest position.

“There will be a lot of past presidents, past governors, but there is only one-chapter president. And the 20 of us unanimously elected him to be the chapter president.

He’s been a very loyal lion to the core, he has a big lion heart; Within two years of his membership, he became a member of Melvin Jones Foundation. Melvin Jones founded Lion Club 102 years ago. He has a giving heart; he is an embodiment of what lionism is all about. So I was not surprised when he became the Head of Service Ondo State.

“Every moment with Toyin is memorable. I learnt from Barr. Akinkuotu that when you find yourself doing something, do it well, and do it as if tomorrow will not be there because there will always be a tomorrow. And somebody somewhere is watching you.

“It is hard work that has propelled Toyin to where he is today. He graduated bril-

liantly and went into the Civil Service.

While still in the ministry, he went to become a lawyer. He’s also a PhD holder now, that is industrious.

“That’s something to be look up to by the younger ones who believe in short cut system of life. Not only that you must be generous, people should look at the service they render to others rather than what they get back from others.

“I advise him to come back fully to Lionism and continue from where we stopped when he became the Head of Service, he never left us even when it was apparent that he didn’t have the time. But now, he’s to use the time to serve humanity. Not only that, he should take the next one year to rest, forget about all other things, after which he can now practice his law “I wish him good health, God’s protection, love, peace, success and may God replace him with his children in the industry he has passed through.”

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Diary

We will Miss Him greatly - Adeniyi Engr. Temitayo Adeniyi permanent secretary, Ministry of Environment, Ondo State, says in the following interview that the outgoing Head of Service did so much for the Civil Service in Ondo State, and has created a lasting impression in the minds of civil servants in Ondo State…..

What do you know about Barr. Toyin Akinkuotu?

Apart from being a big brother to me because in our culture here, anybody that comes from the same town and is older automatically becomes your uncle or your brother. Apart from that, I was posted in the same neighborhood for a long time so I can say I love him very well.

How would you describe him?

He’s somebody that has a very soft attitude towards life because of his own personal testimony God has always been there for him and that affected his relationship generally to everybody he comes across in life. And I think that is why he has manifested God’s attributes in his life and his personal relationship with his subordinates and his superiors.

Do you think he has done well as a civil servant?

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He has done very well because he has done his best considering the prevailing circumstances. There’s a lot of dynamics in the system, things are changing rapidly and he has been able to keep pace with the changes that are occurring. When he came to service, I’m sure there was nothing like digital age, but he has been able to adjust to the prevailing environment in the country. We are in a computer age, global warming, climate change, etc.

Would you say he has used his office to better the lot of civil service in Ondo State?

He has done that because in the area of promotion, during his time there were promotions. In some states there’s no promotion for like 6 to 7 years yet, Ondo State civil servants have been motivated.

He has done a lot of trainings and encouraging people to go for further training to get more acquainted with societal occurrence; he has done his best.

What is your most memorable experience?

When I was appointed permanent secretary, I went through a lot of trainings, he mentored me, advised me, and I have a world of experience in this present job.

What are the morals you got from him?

I will say honesty, perseverance, diligence, hard work and he’s a very humble person.

What would you wish him as he retires and celebrates he get into his diamond age?

I wish him the best. I wish him many more years of service to humanity and to the system. He can still come around to be a consultant and lecturer in our public service institution so that he can impact his knowledge on to younger ones coming up.

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Diary

He Built In Us To Put The Interest Of The System Before Our Personal Interests - Adegoke Executive Secretary of the Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, DR. FRANCIS ADEGOKE Akanbiemu discusses the Civil Service under Barr. Toyin Akinkuotu as Head of Service and says his tenure was one of the best things that happened to Ondo State Civil Service…

What can you tell us about Barr. Akinkuotu?

I know him deeply well, he’s a civil servant with a difference. He built into us of a culture of discipline and following due process. I was appointed as the executive secretary 1st July, 2017. He is meticulous also and does not use his position to oppress those who work under him.

He guides you and he takes your burden as his own burden.

There was an instance where I faced a terrible situation on how to manage an official complexity. He said okay, put this burden on me and we’ll see how we work around it; if I didn’t do that maybe, I won’t be sitting down here today because that situation I didn’t know how to handle it.

I have learnt that anytime I see any situation that is bigger than me, I should be able to approach authority that will be able to defend the system effectively

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without having any personal interest but for the interest of the system. So I will call him Head of Service Emeritus; I am too small to rate him.

What would you count as your most memorable experience?

Like I told you, it was a situation whereby there were pressures from areas and angles that I could not manage, and I thought the end has come. I went to him and he said go and send a memo to me. That saved the day and remains memorable to me. It shows that people are interested in getting things done rightly. Ordinarily, I taught am not the kind of person he can make that kind of a sacrifice for. I’ve learnt that when you are in a difficult situation in the Service, see your superior.

Would you say he has used his office to better the lot of the Civil Service?

He has used his position to improve the

system. One thing he told me is that anything you’re doing, follow decency, follow the rules and due process. If you follow the rules, you can never be wrong; if you don’t follow the rules, you will run into trouble. He has also built in us to put the interest of the system before our personal interests no matter where the pressure is coming from. I see him as somebody who has impacted the civil servant positively because he will always stand on the side of the civil servant.

What are the morals that you’ve learnt from him?

Public Interest first, doing the right thing second, and playing by the rules before any other consideration.

What’s your wish for him?

He will continue to be useful not only to himself and family but to the general Society.

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Diary

He’s A True Nigerian, Who Detests Tribalism - Akinsete Permanent Secretary for Adults Vocation and Training,Dr. (Mrs) AARIOLA AKINSETE PhD, says in the following interview that the retired Head of Service was a complete administrator who used his time in that position to better the lives of civil servants in Ondo State…..

Can you tell us your relationship with Barr. Toyin Akinkuotu?

I have known Barr. Akinkuotu when we were teenagers, we lived on the same Street. He attended St. Joseph while I attended St. Louis. And being a friend to my brother, we became very close. We didn’t see for a long time, then we met again at Library Board of Ondo State Civil Service.

And since then he’s been acting the role of a brother. Anytime I need any form of assistance, I will call on him and he will assist until he was appointed as the Head of Service.

His kind of a person that you would love to have as a brother. He’s quiet and gentle, very happy person who would always put human face to issues. He will make sure that he will do everything to at least get you close to any assistance that you want. He is very interested in people’s welfare, and would advise you even on personal issues. He doesn’t listen to rumour, instead, he will call you to get your own side of the story and act accordingly.

Can you recall your most memorable time with him?

My most memorable experience with him was when my husband clocked 70, he was the chairperson of the occasion, and he was there with us throughout the ceremony.

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have picked someone from his place. He did not use the office to discriminate nor for tribalism. And as a civil servant, he made sure that you adhere to civil service rule to the later.

What do you think stood him out?

Humility is one of his watchwords; he is a man of good character. I learnt from him that humility pays; he never carried the position of the head of service on his head. He’s very humane in his dealings with people and also very tolerant, very unassuming and respects all.

Do you think he has used his office as Head of Service to better the lot of the Civil Service?

He has indeed used his office as Head of Service to better the lot of the civil servants in Ondo State. The people of Ondo Kingdom do not like cheating. He is a true Nigerian who loves bringing people together. He hates tribalism, and he treated everybody equally. For instance, his personal assistant is from Ilaje; he could

What do you wish him as he retires from the Service?

At retirement, he should enjoy himself; I don’t believe in retirement and struggle with one business or the other, you are just creating money for people to use.

When I retire, I will enjoy myself. Training one’s children is very hectic; if they are trained, let them also work and achieve something for themselves.

He should leave a very quiet and easy life. If he is called for an appointment, he should take it. He should rest and devote more of his time to God because where you are coming from is where you are going now.

At 60 I wish him everything good he wishes himself.

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Diary

He’s A Great Man Of Letters And Outstanding Academic Accomplishments- Akinbinu Lawyer, Notary Public, Law lecturer and Public affairs commentator, REMIGIUS AKINBINU eulogises retiring Ondo State Head of Service, describing him as a rare breed in the Civil Service…..

“M

r. Akinkuotu is like an elder brother and confidant of mine. He’s actually a bosom friend to my two elder brothers but we’ve got along so well that I see him as an elder sibling. I remember first meeting him around 1986 when he was doing MPA at Great Ife from where he joined the Ondo state civil service.

“I remember the euphoria that welcomed him to the state’s civil service being the first ever First class holder to join the State’s civil service.

“I’ve always had a great relationship with him and his family and I can proudly say that I was one of those who encouraged

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him to read Law. He also enrolled for LL.M at Ife the year I bagged my LL.M from same University.

“Well, as you can see, he’s a great man of letters and outstanding academic accomplishments with intimidating credentials, very rare to find especially in the civil service. He’s a good Christian, a wonderful family man and a hardworking altruistic personality that you can always rely on.

“My most memorable experience with him? I will rather say experiences; like attending many parties with someone as lively and jovial like him, being able to convince him to also go for LL.M despite his plethora of degrees and that great mo-

ment when he was elevated to the esteemed position of Head of Service, the first ever Ondo man to achieve that feat and so much more.

“You can’t be an ally of this great man without learning so much from him. He’s hardworking, focused, brilliant, Godly and has a marvelous interpersonal relationship with others.

“I wish him happy retirement and I also pray he has the grace, will-power and good health to be engaged in other productive vocations and law practice so that humanity will continue to benefit from his brilliance, talents and qualities.”

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Diary

He Is A Highly Innovative And Resourceful Person - Akinrinsola

AKINRINSOLA CYRIL, Permanent Secretary and Solicitor General of Ondo State Ministry of Justice recalls his days with the outgoing Head of Service and says that Barr.

Akinkuotu is a first class oďŹƒcer‌. ticularly, when the late Governor Onyearugbulem had to appear before us. As a young prosecutor, he had to teach me how to deal with an ex -governor.

What can you say about the Head of Service in terms of your relationship with him?

I have known him for the past 20 years.

I particularly came close to him when we both served with the retired and late Justice Fawehinmi Judicial Commission of Enquiry set up in 1999 by Gov. Adefarati. He was the secretary while I was the prosecutor. Both of us worked together and in that capacity, I knew that he was a first class officer.

What are some of the morals you have learnt from him?

Apart from being a member of a noble profession, he is a quintessential gentleman. Again, I learnt the virtue of corporate dressing from him. There is no time you will see him that he is not corporately dressed apart from the fact that he has a very humble approach to things.

What is the relationship you have with him?

Being the Head of Service of which I am a permanent secretary, he has gone to the pinnacle and I am one of his boys and he is my brother, more so, we are from the same language speaking area.

How would you describe the Civil Service?

We know that the Civil Service exists to offer services to the public and this is one of the legacies we inherited from our colonial masters. But over the years, the standard has become worrisome but thankfully in Ondo State, because of the leadership we have and also the encouragement from Mr. Governor, we can say we have distinguished civil servants in the State that are capable of meeting or matching their counterparts anywhere in the world.

Civil service exists to offer services, in your own opinion, do you think the people are actually getting these services?

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How would you describe his personality?

He is a gentleman to the core and because of his vast experience, it can hardly be disputed that he will be missed. He is highly innovative and resourceful and he carries himself with the dignity and respect of his office.

Well, I can say they are particularly if you look at the government in power today, with its massive drive in Agric-related programme and its visions and many roles in building infrastructures. The government can only carry out its roles through the civil service.

What is your most memorable experience with the Head of Service?

My most memorable experience with him was when we both served on Justice Fawehinmi Commission of enquiry. Par-

Now that he is retiring, what are your wishes for him?

While wishing him a happy retirement life, it is hoped that we would be able to count on his experience in the future when the need arises. I wish him a merry birthday in advance.

What is your word of advice for him?

I know he is retiring but he is not tired.

The Head of Service has blessed him with immense good health so he should be able to make himself available whenever we want to count on him.

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News

Oluwadare Aragbaiye Appointed Ondo State New Head of Service, Succeeds Akinkuotu

G

overnor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has approved the appointment of Oluwadare Aragbaiye as the state’s Head of Service (HOS).

Aragbaiye replaces the former Head of Service, Toyin Akinkuotu ESQ. A statement issued by Olusegun Ajiboye, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, said the appointment was in line with the provisions of the Nigerian constitution.

According to the statement, the appointment is in recognition of Mr. Aragbaiye’s reliability and efficiency.

“While congratulating the new Head of Service, Governor Akeredolu is convinced that he will provide the right leadership for the state public service to complement the efforts of the administration to reposition the public service.

“Prior to his appointment as Head of Service, Oluwadare Aragbaiye was the Permanent Secretary, Government House and Protocol.

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“Aragbaiye joined the state public service in 1985 as an Administrative Officer, Grade Level 08 in the Ministry of Finance.

“He was Permanent Secretary in the Ministries of General Administration and

Transport.

“A shrewd administrator, Oluwadare Aragbaiye has traversed several MDAs in his career in the state public service,” the statement said.

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Profile: Mr. Oluwadare Aragbaiye was born in October 1960 in Owo, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State to the family of Mr. Jacob Ajinaja Aragbaiye and Mama Comfort Folake Aragbaiye (Nee Fadamitan) of the famous Ojumu family of Owo, both of blessed memories.

Aragbaiye attended St. Patrick’s Anglican Primary School, Owo, Owo High School Owo, Special Sixth Form College, Ikare-Akoko, University of Ife, IleIfe from 1980 - 1983 and much later the Federal University of Technology, Akure for his Master Degree in Business Administration.

He commenced his Civil Service career in March 1985 as an Administrative Officer in the State Ministry of Finance.

He had since served in several capacities in the State Civil Service including the following: -Assistant Secretary I (Admin. & General) Governor’s Office; -Private Secretary to two successive Military Governors – Col. Ekundayo Opaleye and Navy -Captain Olabode Ibiyinka George (both Rtd.); -Chief Protocol Officer to former Deputy Governor – Dr. Olusegun Agagu, of blessed memory; -Asst. Secretary (Personnel) Post-Primary School Management Board; -Personal Assistant to the former Military Governor – Col. Moses .O. Fasanya (Rtd.); -Director of Finance and Admin, Board of Internal Revenue; -Director of Establishments; -Director/Chief Executive, Board of Internal Revenue; -Director of Finance and Administration, Ministry of Health; -Director Personnel, Finance and Administration, Civil Service Commission; -Administrative Secretary, Ondo State Public Service Training Institute; -Administrative Secretary, Office of Establishments; -Administrative Secretary and later Permanent Secretary (General Administration), Governor’s Office; -Permanent Secretary, Ministry of

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Transport; and -Permanent Secretary, Government House and Protocol, Governor’s Office, before his appointment as the Head of the Public service of Ondo State by Mr. Governor.

The civil service career of the appointee, spanning the various Ministries/Departments/Agencies of Government has been remarkable with notable impacts.

Specifically, while at the General Administration, Governor’s office as Secretary and later as Permanent Secretary, there was general renovation of the entire secretariat complex and improvement of facilities to meet the requirement of functional modern office, in actualization of Government policy and plans for provision of conducive work environment.

The landmark renovation includes the asphalt overlay of the parking lots of the Ministries of Finance, Education, and that of the Transport Pool of the General Administration Department, which he initiated.

While at the then Post Primary School Management Board, he handled the production of the first ever Teachers’ Newsletter as Editor-in-chief.

His duty tour of the Ondo State Board of Internal Revenue as Director and

Chief Executive of the Board marked notable growth in revenue generation.

This was a period when the threshold of revenue generation was raised beyond #200M for the first time in Ondo State.

Aragbaiye is known for outstanding dedication to duty. His compliance with work ethics is second to none. He jealously guards and guides the operational principles upon which the public service is anchored, towards efficient service delivery to the good of Ondo State.

He has attended several training/ capacity building programmes within and outside Nigeria. Such programmes span the Finance, Health, Personnel and HR functions, amongst others. He has since presented several Seminal papers to groups of civil servants across MDAs within and outside Ondo State.

He is a Member of both the CIPMN and the IPAN. He is a Christian and Member of the Anglican Communion, Church of Nigeria. His hobbies include Sports, Farming, Current Affairs among others.

Aragbaiye is married to Mrs. Loveth Oladunni Aragbaiye (Nee Omirin), while the marriage is blessed with four children, namely, Folarin, Olukemi, Taiwo and Kehinde.

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Diary Remarks By The Newly Appointed Head of Service of Ondo State, Mr. Oluwadare Aragbaiye Mr. Governor Sir, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen I stand here in the name of the Almighty God and on behalf of myself, my family and the entire public service of Ondo State to express our profound gratitude to you sir for appointment as the 13th Head of Service of Ondo State.

Considering the fact that you possess the exclusive constitutional authority to appoint and remove any Permanent Secretary and/or Head of Service, I must salute your rare sense of justice, fairness, equity and courage in approving this appointment.

Sir, I listened attentively as your read you speech with the inherent admonitions and wise counsel on the way forward for the public service of our dear State. Mr. Governor, I am not unaware of the enormous responsibilities of the office of the Head of Service especially in times like this when the quality of constructive leadership is being put to test. No doubt, our own public service must rank among the best if not the very best not only in providing the necessary inputs for policy formation but more importantly for policy implementation and actual delivery of service and public good to the society and our people in concrete terms. To this end, and as we enter a new dawn in the quest to reposition the public service, we must, as a matter of necessity and urgency, embark on certain enduring reform measures to assist our workers at all levels to deliver on their sacred mandate of genuinely serving the Government and our people.

I should however at this juncture Mr. Governor acknowledge that you have, indeed, in so many ways lessened the burden of those of us at the top management levels of the public service. This you have done not only in your unprecedented prioritization of the welfare of our workers but also by insulating the Public Service and matters affecting it from undue po-

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litical interference and partisan politics.

Under your leadership Mr. Governor, your administration has shown the way in delivering quality service particularly in project conception and efficient execution as well as your industrialization drive among others. For these and many more, I thank you Mr. Governor.

As I indicated earlier in these brief remarks, I wish to assure you sir that we shall provide leadership for our colleagues in the public service to complement the efforts of your Administration by fostering professionalization, maintaining high morale, espirit – de – corps and good image of the civil service. Accordingly, my colleagues and I shall move very fast to work assiduously on the following core areas of our constitutional mandate for effective service delivery.

1.

Re-orientation of the Different Categories of Workers on Work Ethics and Responsibility to the Public – One Author says “Attitude is Everything”.

Thus, we should not fail to keep reminding ourselves of our onerous duty to ensure proper conduct in handling matters relating to Government business.

2.

Appropriate Techniques for Effective/Quality Service Delivery - in order to complement the efforts of the political class through effective policy implementation, the leadership of the public service must key into the Development Agenda of the present Administration as encapsulated in the Policy Document 3.

Instilling the culture of harmony between civil servants and political office holders who are appointed from time to time to occupy statutory positions in Government on account of the popular wish of the electorate to whom we are also responsible. This is particularly so because they (tax payers) pay for us to be paid our salaries and allowances.

In this regard, I want to appeal to members of the political class to be supportive and not suspicious of our efforts that may be approved by Mr. Governor from time to time.

4.

Prioritization of Revenue Earning Activities of Government across MDAs – it goes without saying that without maximizing Government Revenue particularly the internal sources which

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Diary are more dependable, it becomes more difficult to achieve set goals and targets.

We shall therefore encourage public servants to be conscious of their roles in this regard.

5.

Exploring available opportunities for peer review mechanisms to further improve job performance by workers in critical areas of the State economy.

6.

Acquisition of specific competences through appropriate capacity building programmes for all categories of workers across MDAs with a view to upgrading our capacity.

In all of these Mr. Governor, we shall be seeking your support and executive backing in resourcing efforts which essentially seek to consolidate on your Administration’s far reaching achievements even in

just two years and still counting. We must begin to take bold steps towards preserving our ethical values by mentoring our subordinate officers. Sir, we need your support and that of the political class in this regard. This will enable us to achieve the goal of building a virile, impartial and disciplined civil service. Once again sir, on behalf of all of us in the public service of Ondo State, I reiterate our loyalty and commitment to the philosophy of your Administration towards the overall development of our dear State. We shall continuously discourage those tendencies that could distract you from pursuing your goals in an atmosphere of industrial peace and tranquility.

Let me place on record my sincere appreciation to the immediate past Head

of service Barrister Toyin Akinkotu who demonstrated ample enthusiasm for good leadership for the civil service during his tenure. I pray that the future will bring him anything he could wish for.

I wish to specially thank my wife and family for their support and for sharing with me in today’s joy. Finally, I want to express my sincere appreciation to our Kabiyesis, Anglican Bishop of Akure Diocese and other Clergy, my numerous relatives, friends and colleagues from all walks of life who have come here to rejoice with us on this day. May God bless you all very richly.

I thank you Mr. Governor for appointing me into this enviable position. May the good Lord bless you and your family.

Congratulations On Your Appointment

The Management and Staff of Autoprobe Services Ltd. rejoice with Mr. Oluwadare Aragbaiye on his appointment as the Head of Service, Ondo State.

Your new position as the Head of service is testament of what hard work, dedication and integrity bring.

Congratulations Sir! COO/MD Sesan Adetumobi.

Autoprobe services Ltd.

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Diary

Address Delivered By The Governor Of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, At The Swearing-In Ceremony Of The New Head Of Service, Mr. Oluwadare Aragbaiye, At The International Centre For Culture And Events (The Dome) On Monday, 1st July, 2019 PROTOCOL I give thanks to the Almighty God for letting us see the light of this day to celebrate greatness. I congratulate Mr. Toyin Akinkuotu, the immediate past Head of Service, for a successful tenure. I thank him, profusely, on behalf of the people of Ondo State, for the co-operation and loyalty extended to our administration from inception till his disengagement from service. I wish him the very best as he begins another phase in life.

I proclaim, confidently, that the celebration of today is about excellence, dedication to duty, unalloyed loyalty to the government of Ondo State and her people, through selfless service spanning more than three decades, competence, humility, continence, honesty and decency. I congratulate the people of this State for being able to reap, bountifully, from their investment in this wonderful gift.

OLUWADARE ARAGBAIYE, the new Head of Service. Let me join numerous well-wishers, colleagues, friends and members of the family to rejoice with the newly-appointed first Public Servant of the State. Regaling the audience with the sterling qualities of this patriot is needless. No good deeds are hidden; our people are keen observers of events. They are efficient chroniclers. They hardly forget.

But I make bold to assert, with palpable joy, that the State is lucky to have him in the saddle at this crucial moment. He has served the people of Ondo State, meritoriously, for over three decades. All good people will agree with this statement.

The evocation of joyful noises among

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civil servants, upon the announcement of his appointment as the new Head of Service, is enough evidence of wide acceptance. This feeling of satisfaction, permeating the Government Secretariat, is reassuring. I expect the new Head of Service to use his good offices to mobilize both human and material resources for optimum service delivery.

There have always been some expressions of concern from certain quarters consequent upon routine decisions taken for the sake of equity and smooth running of the administration. I must say that all our decisions are usually taken in overall

public interest. It is, however, sad to note that some of us usually jump into uninformed conclusions about such decisions without thorough examination of the full information that guided the decisions.

The recent retirement of some top-notch civil servants was based on the need to inject fresh blood into the system. You will agree with me that if an officer has put in not less than 9 years into the system at the top-most level of his career and has to retire, as supported by extant rules, it will thus not be right to input some mundane reasons for government action.

The new man at the helm had moved

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Diary round departments in the Service with a track record of excellence. I make bold to assert that he is an erudite bureaucrat, an astute administrator in whom there is no guile. There is no disputing the fact that he represents the quintessential breed whose tribe dwindles with alarming rapidity. I make this assertion as a living witness. I had known this when I served as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in the State between 1997 and 1999. I was fortunate to meet him again when providence made it possible for me to become the Chief servant of the State.

I have worked with him at close quarters.

I attest to his exceptional quality and will have no hesitation in recommending him to all the good people of Ondo State.

Let me state, unequivocally, and for the records, that I am proud of the new Head of Service. This has nothing to do with our shared ancestral heritage as Owo indigenes. His candour, discipline, honesty, effectiveness, efficiency, loyalty, devotion to duty, training, experience, general acceptance by the people he will lead, and all the attributes of good leadership imbued in him earned him this position.

Whatever modest success ascribed to our administration is also attributable to the loyalty, discipline and commitment to the pristine practices of excellence and dedication by some patriotic citizens of the State. The men and women, with whom I have been privileged to serve, have been wonderful. All the government can do to show gratitude is to protect the interest of every diligent person. We vowed that nobody would be persecuted under our watch. We have kept our promise.

We declared, publicly, that our administration would make the welfare of the people the directive policy of the State.

We also promised that we would strive not to owe workers’ salaries. We were convinced that no worker would suffer injustice under our watch.

We have kept our promises till date.

While having been paying salaries of Ondo State Public Servant since we assumed office in February, 2017, we have also paid six out of arrears of seven months owed by the previous administration. We shall be offsetting the remaining one month soon.

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It is our firm belief that workers must earn their wages. We shall also demand service from those whose welfare attracts priority from the State. We have always approved the promotion of all deserving public servants since we mounted the saddle.

The exercise has been going on seamlessly. We will, however, not allow any public servant to enjoy unmerited promotion.

We equally seize this opportunity to admonish those who treat public service with levity. The new Head of Service is enjoined to put in place measures which will ensure that only those who work hard earn wages. I expect to see remarkable shift in the organisation of departments and parastatals for optimum service delivery to the people. It should not be challenging for the government to know those in its employ. We should be able to assess the inputs of our workers. We must move away, decidedly, from a practice which encourages indolence in public service.

I must also hasten to charge the new Head of Service to note that the reward for hard work is more work. By this deserved elevation, he is advised, strongly, to rededicate himself to serve the people of the State, even more. He is not entirely new to this office. As a Permanent Secretary, he had acted in this capacity on several occasions. As a man of grace and uncommon gravitas, I trust he will cast aside any tempting urge to espouse pettiness and retrogressive politics and pursue this onerous task with vigour. Public servants in Ondo State must be ready to embrace the best practices.

We have been able to strike the delicate balance between paying salaries and subventions promptly and improving, significantly, on the infrastructural deficit in the State. We note that majority of our people belong to the informal sector. They do not rely on the government for direct survival.

We will continue to ensure that those who fall into this category are not neglected.

It is, therefore, incumbent on all of us who serve them to assist in blocking all loopholes through which some mindless persons siphon public funds. While I commend the Board of Internal Revenue for the remarkable improvement on IGR of the State, we must all accept that it is still very low. There are still yawning gaps in the revenue generation drive in the State.

This administration shall view, very gravely, all cases of sabotage in our revenue generating efforts. We await the outcome of the trials on the matters already before the court. Any civil servant who acts disgracefully will be sanctioned.

Once again, while joining family members, friends, colleagues and the good people of Ondo State to celebrate a man of character at this moment. Let me plead with all of us not to put unnecessary pressure on him. We all have a duty not to do anything that will make him compromise the high integrity required of the office. I share in the happiness which hangs thickly in the air. I wish him a very impactful tenure in office.

I thank you all for your patience.

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He Did A Lot For The Welfare Of The Staff - Koledoye OSOPADEC Secretary, Victor Koledoye hails the outstanding virtues of the retired Head of Service, describing him as a very simple man…

How would you describe the retired Head of Service?

Of course, Barr. Akinkuotu was my boss and a senior colleague in the service.

I didn’t have the opportunity of working directly under him but however, as the Head of Service, and I was at one time Chief Medical Director of the State Specialist Hospital, Akure, I had the opportunity of interacting with him severally and a lot of administrative issues relating to personal health.

Barr. Toyin Akinkuotu, the retired head of service is a very articulate and intelligent leader, he’s very dutiful, he does all his things painstakingly. But most remarkably is his simplicity and the open door policy that he had. He is not the typical bossy person, is somebody that is very, very approachable.

Do you by any means have any memorable experience?

Yes, at a point, a number of people wrote for medical assistance and he wanted to know why a number of them are asking for the state government assistance. He took it personal and approached the state hospital then to see what can be done. Some other bosses would have probably sent for you but he came down personally to meet with us; that’s the simplicity I talked about.

What morals do you think people should learn from him?

I think people should learn simplicity, hard-working, integrity and sincerity of purpose from him.

What’s your wish for him?

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I wish him many more years in good health, peace of mind and prosperity. I wish him a Happy Birthday at 60.

Do you think he used the office to better the lots of civil servants in the State?

Under his watch, I think we indeed have a lot in terms of welfare of staff. A lot of people were elevated to the post of permanent secretary under the Civil Service and very regular promotion exercises. And I think a lot of people had their promotion after they had their training.

Any word of Congratulation to the new Head of Service?

The new Head of Service, Mr. Dare Aragbaiye is another very senior colleague and my boss. I say Congratulations to him on his appointment as the Head of Service. We will all rally round him to ensure he has a successful tenure.

I pray that the civil service records another milestone as part of his contribution to the development of the State.

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