Ekiti State Ministry of Information has held a pen-down ceremony in honour of the outgoing Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Olusesan Alabi, who is bowing out of service after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 60
The event held at the State Secretariat complex in Ado-Ekiti was attended by some Members of the State Executive Council, the State Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, permanent secretaries, top government officials, members of Agape Christian Ministries, family, friends and well-wishers.
In her remarks at the well attended event, the Head of Service, lauded Alabi for his administrative acumen, exceptional communication skills and the passion with which he discharged his duties and protected the integrity of the civil service.
She also commended the retiring Permanent Secretary for his legacy of hard work while in service affirming that his values and legacies will continue to influence the service after his retirement
Dr Olomojobi described Alabi as “a man of destiny and purpose whose second name is resilience” adding that he had served the Ekiti State Civil Service with integrity, resilience, and distinction.
“Greater is the end of a thing than the beginning. Prince Alabi has reproduced himself through those he mentored, and his impact will continue to live on,” she noted.
Also speaking at the event the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, congratulated the celebrant for a meritorious career, commending his impartiality, love for humanity and excellence in service.
He lauded Alabi’s ability to build cordial working relationships while maintaining professional discipline.
“He is a man of excellence who leaves behind a strong legacy of service, fairness, and humanity,”
Olatunbosun urged Alabi to continue to contribute to humanity and mankind after retirement noting that the State and his community still have a lot to benefit from his wealth of experience.
In their goodwill messages former Commissioner in the State, Mr. Wole Adewunmi praised Alabi’s administrative rigour; Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs and former Head of Service of the State, Mrs. Olapeju Babafemi , appreciated his exceptinal writing and communication skills while representatives of permanent secretaries, general managers, and directors spoke about his mentorship, credibility, and unwavering commitment to truth.
Also speaking, the Olosi of Osi-Ekiti, Oba Adegboyega Alabi who spoke through Chief Femi Robinson described Prince Alabi as a reliable community leader and thanked him for his contributions to the Osi community.
In her remarks, the Director General of the Bureau of Values Orientation and Citizenship, alongside leaders of Agape Christian Ministries, also testified to his influence as a mentor, orator, and man of God.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Director of General Publication of the Ministry of Information, Mrs. Adesola Fadiran who is the Chairman of the Planning Committee, described the event as a celebration of integrity, diligence, and sacrifice. “True leadership is about the legacy one leaves behind. Today, we celebrate not an end, but the beginning of a new chapter in the life of Prince Alabi,” she said.
In his valedictory address, the celebrant expressed gratitude to God, his family, colleagues, and the government of Ekiti State for their support throughout his career.
He recalled his appointment process in 1989, his work under successive governors, and his experiences navigating trials and triumphs in service.
He lauded Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his support for the civil service, particularly for ensuring stability and not retiring any permanent secretary since his assumption of office.
The retiring urged civil servants to continue striving for international recognition in their work.
Alabi also used the occasion to honour long-serving aides with plaques, including Mr. Adesina, Mrs. Florence Ojo, Mrs. Akintoke, Mr. Ishola Ilesanmi (Gaddafi), and Mr. Fatoba, appreciating their dedication and loyalty.
Alabi, a Prince of Osi-Ekiti, studied History at Obafemi Awolowo University before beginning his civil service journey in Ondo State in 1990 .
He later transferred to Ekiti State, where he rose through the ranks, serving as Director of Finance and Administration across several MDAs, and as Deputy Director and Director of State Finance.
In December 2012, he was appointed Permanent Secretary, serving in nine MDAs including the Office of Establishments and Training, TESCOM, and the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
Serving for almost 13 years as Permanent Secretary, he holds the distinction of being the longest-serving Permanent Secretary in Ekiti State’s civil service.
Beyond the civil service, Prince Alabi is a prolific writer, a recipient of the maiden Pentecostal Fellowship Award in Ekiti State, and author of several publications including the best-seller “Agape: People Helped by God.”
He has also been an influential leader in his hometown, Osi-Ekiti.
The symbolic pen-down ceremony saw him officially hand over to the most senior director in the Ministry, Mrs. Adesola Fadiran, marking the end of an illustrious career.
The event featured special renditions, prayers, and presentation of gifts from the Ministry of Information, Osi-Ekiti indigenes, and several government departments.
Prince Alabi, who retires at the age of 60, is blessed with three children—two sons and a daughter—alongside grandchildren. As he steps into a new chapter, he leaves behind a legacy of excellence, resilience, and faith both in the civil service and in the ministry of God.