The sun sets on a remarkable career as Comrade Kikelomo Aiyedun takes a well-deserved bow from the civil service of Oyo State.
A woman of resilience, determination, and unparalleled commitment, and zeal for success, she has exemplified the qualities of a pragmatic servant-leader throughout her journey.
As she transitions from active service of the Oyo state government into retirement, one question lingers on my lips: Can a golden fish really hide?
Born on July 19, 1967, into the respected family of Late Pa Moses and Mama Lolade Ajisafe, Kikelomo Aiyedun’s story is one of sheer perseverance.
Despite facing family constraints that temporarily hindered her academic progress, she remained undeterred in her pursuit of education.
Her academic journey began at St. Louis Girls Grammar School, where she laid the foundation for her future endeavors.
With an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, she later enrolled at the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, where she obtained a certificate in Secretarial Administration through self-sponsorship; a clear testament to her resilience and determination.
Beyond her formal education, Comrade Kikelomo actively sought professional development. She became an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Certified Secretaries & Reporters of Nigeria (CICSRN) and participated in various training programs and seminars, honing the skills that would define her exemplary service to Oyo State.
On February 26, 1990, Comrade Kikelomo Aiyedun officially joined the Oyo State Civil Service as a Confidential Secretary.
Over the years, her dedication, professionalism, and work ethic saw her serve in several key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), leaving an indelible mark wherever she went.
Her service journey took her through:
Ministry of Commerce and Cooperatives, Hospital Management Board, Press Unit of the Governor’s Office, Bureau of Public Procurement (Due Process), Surveyor General’s Office, and Protocol Department of the Governor’s Office.
Her remarkable career trajectory showcases a woman who consistently upheld excellence, diligence, and service to the state and humanity at large.
Beyond her administrative and secretarial roles, Comrade Kikelomo Aiyedun carved a niche for herself as a champion of workers’ rights and gender advocacy.
Her active involvement in unionism earned her several leadership positions, solidifying her reputation as a defender of workers’ welfare.
Her leadership journey includes: Unit Branch Secretary, State Chairperson, NUPSRAW (Nigeria Union of Public Service Reportorial, Secretarial, Data Processors, and Allied Workers), National Vice President, NUPSRAW, and the State Chairperson, Women Committee of the NLC, Oyo State Council.
Through these platforms, she fought for the rights of workers, advocated for better working conditions, and played a significant role in gender empowerment within the civil service and labor movement.
Despite her busy career and numerous leadership commitments, Comrade Kikelomo Aiyedun never wavered in her dedication to family. She is happily married to Dr. ’Wale Aiyedun, PhD, a forensic and security professional.
Her ability to balance her career, union activism, and family life is a testament to her strength and remarkably strong willed character.
As Comrade Kikelomo Aiyedun retires, she surely leaves behind a legacy of diligence, service, and activism. Her journey proves that resilience and determination can break any barrier, and her contributions to the Oyo State Civil Service, labor movement, and gender advocacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
For a woman who has given her best in service, leadership, and advocacy, the impact of her work cannot be hidden, just like a golden fish that cannot be concealed.
As she steps into the next phase of her life, one thing remains certain: Comrade Kikelomo Aiyedun’s legacy will continue to shine brightly in the annals of Oyo State’s civil service.
Henry Odeh writes from Ibadan.