Ikare Peace Think Tank Hosts Retired Ondo 15th Head of Service, Pastor Kayode Ogundele

By Dupson Collins, 31st March, 2024

The Ikare Peace Think Tank has hosted the immediate past Head of Service of Ondo State, Pastor Kayode Olaniyi Ogundele to a rousing reception for not only serving the state meritoriously but also being a good representative of Ikare Community in the service of the state.

Pastor Kayode Olaniyi Ogundele is the 15th Head of Service of Ondo State. It could be recalled that the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa announced the approval of the retirement of the State Head of Service, Mr. Kayode Ogundele at the age of 57.

In a well attended reception at the Dejavu Hotel in Akure on Easter Sunday, 31st March, 2024, the event brought who-is-who in Ikare together under the same roof to honour one of their own.

In his open remark, the National Coordinator of Ikare Peace Think Tank, Alhaji Tajudeen Nasiru congratulated the celebrant for being a good ambassador of Ikare Community throughout his meritorious service to Ondo State as a Public Servant.

He added that the warm reception from the Ikare Peace Think Tank was due to the contribution of the retired Head of Service to the development of Ikare and his eagerness to always contribute to the growth of the ancient town in all capacities.

The National Coordinator enjoined him not to relent in his efforts in contributing his best quota to anything that will further bring peace and unite Ikare indigenes both home and abroad.

In his tribute, Major General Lukman Omoniyi saluted the giant strides of Pastor Ogundele who he described as one of the proud sons of Ikare.

He urged him to continue to use his God given resources to serve humanity and development of Ikare Town, saying no matter the level of achievements in life outside once country home, home is still the best.

On his part, Chief Bisi Ogungbemi lauded the retired HoS for always appreciating his home town and contributing to both human and Capital development of Ikare Akoko.

Jide Ekpo, a Permanent Secretary in the service of Ondo State described Pastor Ogundele as a forthright, focused, transparent, hardworking, achievers Public Servant who positive impact in the development of Civil Service in Ondo State has become a model to be emulated by his predecessors.

The Former Head of Service Pastor John Adeyemo said the Ikare born bureaucrat showed exemplary leadership skills and diligent on the job saying he recommended him for the position of Head of Service based on his outstanding performances at every assignment assigned to him at different points in time.

” Pastor Kayode Olaniyi Ogundele has never disappoint us as the 15th Head of Service. He made his marks and performed excellently well and we are proud of him”.

Meanwhile, the Chairman Planning Committee, Col Foluso Saka (Rtd) thanked members of the committee for their cooperation and contributions in putting up a well organized and coordinated reception for the retired Head of Service.

He commended Ikare Peace Think Tank for deeming it fit to honour Pastor Ogundele saying they will continue to celebrate any son or daughter of Ikare who is making the town proud.

In his response, the highly elated Pastor Kayode Ogundele thanked the leadership and members of Ikare Peace Think Tank for the warm reception and hosting, saying he felt honoured with the presence of sons and daughters of Ikare Akoko from all walks of lives who graced the event.

” This honour done on me by the Ikare Peace Think Tank will for a long time linger in my memory. I can’t thank them enough for counting me worthy to be honoured. I am very grateful and appreciate this kind gesture”.

Pastor Ogundele commended the immeasurable support and cooperation of people of Ikare extraction throughout his stays in office, saying it is a great privilege to serve the state meritoriously in the Head of Service capacity.

In attendance includes members of Ikare Peace Think Tank, Representative of Olukare, Owa Ale, Segun Adagunodo Santana, Major General Lukman Omoniyi, Mr Jide Ekpo, Chief Bisi Ogungbemi, Pastor John Adeyemo among others.