The outgoing Oyo State NOA director, Dr Olukemi Afolayan was on Wednesday honoured with prizes, awards as top dignitaries were all present at the State Directorate in Agodi during her befitting Send Off program from the agency, she received many awards including an outstanding and exemplary service award by the Nigerian Union of Journalist (NUJ) led by the Chairman, Alhaji Demola Babalola.
It was indeed a glorious occasion at the Oyo State Directorate office when Dr Olukemi Afolayan, the outgoing state director was showered with endless praises and awards for her commitment and unwavering services to the growth and development of the state NOA.
The NUJ through the Chairman, Demola Babalola ably represented by the Secretary, Sola Olapade presented an award of excellence and exemplary service to Dr Olukemi Afolayan which was presented by the Mayor Isaac Brown of Fresh FM and Kemi Olaitan who were also present as a media representative to celebrate the woman of humility and excellence.
The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde was also represented by the Executive Assistant on Finance, Budget and Planning, Alhaji Kolawole Gafar Bello who spoke highly of the deep influence and commitment of Dr Afolayan to get things done. He eulogised her unwavering passion to service and urged whoever takes over from her to emulate such enviable character.
Alhaji Gafar Bello also assured the NOA of continued support from the Oyo State government, which according to him will birth more positive stories including the promised vehicle by the state governor as well as other considerations including subventions and welfare support.
While speaking, Dr Olukemi Afolayan was overwhelmed with the expression love, many awards and shows of compassion towards her exit from the state agency. She appreciates everyone for their kind words and unreserved gestures.
“I became the NOA director in 2023 September when the public image of the NOA was at its lowest ebb, it was more pronounced in Oyo State because the media particularly were not in partner with the NOA for effective publicity.
“Then came Mallam Lanre Isaa-Onilu as the Director General who changed the narratives, he is an Inspiring leader, a patriot, mentor who is also passionate about the task at hand.” the NOA boss said.
Dr Afolayan also appreciated the support of the team of the Oyo State government especially the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade who has also been instrumental to information sharing and services to the agency.
She lauded the efforts of the Director General of the Oyo State Mobilisation Agency for Socio-Economic Development (OMASED), Dr. Morounkola Thomas for the synergy and effort to work in harmony with the agency.
She also eulogised Gov Seyi Makinde on his concerted efforts to improve road infrastructure connecting towns and cities within the Oyo State which made movement around the state a lot easier, where she particularly highlighted the Ibadan to Iseyin road.
Dr Afolayan also highlighted her many achievements and successes in the NOA which includes organizing Town Hall meetings in Akesan market, Oyo, Aseyin Palace etc. She prepared town hall meetings bordering on security within Ibadan city with about 500 Mogajis present. She championed the Federal Government’s compensation of the families of Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi who designed the national flag.
Key programs and campaigns statewide include: State fight campaign against Drug Abuse, Security Consciousness Campaign, Campaign Against Get Rich Quick menace among the youth, Health Awareness Campaign on Infectious Disease such as Measles, Lassa Fever and Cholera and many others.
Present at the Send Off program includes many past State Directors of the Oyo State NOA like Baale Moshood Olaleye, Kayode Adedokun, Iyaloja of Ibadanland, Alhaja Iswat Oyinlola Ameringun, top media personalities like Mayor Isaac Brown and Dr Olayinka Agboola (Parrot) and a host of other top dignitaries across different governmental agencies and departments.
