The Oyo State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) bid a fond farewell to its esteemed Director, Dr. Olukemi Afolayan, as she assumes her new role as Director of Civic, Values, and Democracy Education at NOA headquarters, Abuja.
This was contained in a report signed by the NOA, Head of Media and Communication, Alhaji Isiaka Kehinde where he highlighted some of the outstanding legacies of excellence of Dr Afolayan during her tenure as the Oyo State director for the agency.
Her remarkable milestone includes organising: 79 mega town hall meetings across Oyo State; Advocacy meetings with 500 Mogajis; 106 sensitization programs, including security awareness and market women empowerment; Visits to over 300 primary and secondary schools; Campaigns against drug and narcotic abuse and a host of others.
On Wednesday during the official Send-off program organized at the Agodi office, there were a plethora of tributes and testimonials directed at her for outstanding services. Stakeholders and former directors praised Dr. Afolayan’s exceptional leadership, kindness, and commitment to social justice.
Among the dignitaries who eulogized Afolayan were a representative of Governor Seyi Makinde, his Executive Assistant on Finance, Budget and Planning, Alhaji Kolawole Gafar Bello; the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade; former State Directors and management staff of NOA; current State Director of Osun NOA, Stephen Adefarasin, and the Chairman of the Oyo NUJ, Ademola Babalola.
While speaking Gov Seyi Makinde through Alhaji Kolawole Gafar Bello 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.
The National Union of Journalist (NUJ), Oyo State also presented Dr. Afolayan with an Award of Excellence for her outstanding performance as NOA State Director and exemplary relationship with the press which was presented to her the Oyo NUJ Secretary, Mr Sola Olapade who was represented the state chairman, Alhaji Demola Babalola.
The program was not without some touching moments and commendations from top traditional dignitaries and media professionals. Emotions particularly ran high when the Iyaloja of Ibadanland, Alhaja Iswat Oyinlola Amerigun broke into tears while paying tribute to Dr. Afolayan, underscoring her impact on market women and the larger community.
Veteran broadcaster Mayor Isaac Brown remarked that Dr Afolayan’s impact was immeasurable “Her one year and six months as Director felt like a decade of impact.”
Former NOA Oyo Director, Baale Moshood Olaleye also described her as a “tenacious and diligent officer whose achievements came as no surprise.
At the end, Dr. Afolayan expressed gratitude to her parents, stakeholders, and the NOA Director-General, Mallam Lanre Isaa-Onilu, for their support. She promised to continue serving as a good ambassador of Oyo State in her new capacity.
