The outgoing Honorable Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment, and Cooperative, Otunba Ademola Ojo has hosted top management staff members of the Ministry to a brief farewell ceremony where he expressed his appreciation for their dedication, support, and cooperation during his stay.
The event, held at the Commissioner’s office at the Ministry today, June 27, marking his official departure to his new designation.
Recall that Governor Seyi Makinde, in a minor cabinet shake up yesterday had redeployed some commissioners from their ministries to other ministries.
Otunba Ojo popularly known as ‘Ijaya’ was redeployed from the ministry of Trade to Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters while Honorable Segun Olayiwola, who formerly manned the ministry was redeployed to the Ministry of Trade.
The brief ceremony was characterized by an atmosphere of reminiscence and appreciations as Otunba Ojo expressed his profound gratitude to the management team for their unwavering support and commitment during his time at the ministry.
He emphasized the role played by each member in advancing the objectives of the Ministry, culminating into the huge success the ministry recorded within a short period of time while advancing economic growth, and promoting trade within Oyo State.
Describing his relationship with the management team as that of one happy and cohesive family, Otunba Ojo highlighted key accomplishments achieved under his leadership while also emphasizing collaborative efforts that resulted in notable strides in trade policies, investment facilitation, and business development initiatives across the state.
He commended the staff for their professionalism, diligence, and dedication, which he credited as instrumental to the Ministry’s successes and positive impact on the local economy particularly in the market development agenda, ongoing traders and artisans data capturing, as well as migration of informal sector operators to the formal sectors within the taxable net of the state government.
He also encouraged them to countinue striving for excellence in their work and promised that his office will always be accessible to anyone from the Ministry who may need assistance.
“I can not thank all of you enough for your unwavering support, dedication to service, and cooperation which has helped us achieve these milestones together as one big family at the ministry.
“As a commissioner in the ministry, I could not ask for me because the feeling here is a motivation that naturally propels anyone to keenly pursue and achieve clearly articulated government policies and programs.
“I want to urge you passionately to continue to be your best in the service of Oyo state and I am of the firm believe that you will also show the same unwavering support and cooperation to my successor.
“My office at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, where His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde has deployed me to will always be opened to you anytime you need me for Counsel or guidance on anything.” The Commissioner said.
In response, members of the management team expressed heartfelt appreciation to Otunba Ojo for his exemplary leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to advancing trade and commerce in Oyo State.
They lauded his strategic initiatives, proactive approach, and inclusive management style, which promoted a conducive work environment and propelled the Ministry to greater heights within short period of time.
The Permanent Secretary, Mr Bunmi Babalola, who spoke on behalf of the entire management staffs commemded the commissioner and his approach to leadership noting that his administrative skills which helped the ministry to accomplish some key success including resolving the age long crisis rocking the leadership of Oyo Market Leaders Council among others, would be sorely missed.
He wished him the Commissioner well on behalf others in his new portfolio and assured of sustaining the robust relationship built at the ministry after which prayers were offered.