Morolake Oluwatosin
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists NAWOJ Ekiti state chapter has congratulated Chief Adijat Bimbo Yusuf on her retirement and Meritorious Service.
Nawojians who had prior to the retirement ceremony celebrated Mrs Yusuf on the Vibrant Platform of the association described the veteran journalist as a dedicated journalist and a role model.
The NAWOJ Chairperson Mrs Adewumi Ademiju in a congratulatory message affirmed that Chief Yusuf is an “exemplary model and epitome of commitment and dedication”
The NAWOJ Chairperson further said:
“Chief Adijat Bimbo Yusuf is a woman of substance and virtue. Her role in gender development cannot be overemphasized. She is impactful as far as ensuring progress and greatness in the lives of others
” NAWOJ wishes her success in her endeavors”. Ademiju said.
Mrs Yusuf was a two term Vice Chairperson of NAWOJ in the state .
Meanwhile,the executive Chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, Hon. Gbenga Oluwatuyi and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Ekiti State Chairman, Comr. (Pharm.) Kolapo Olatunde, Chairman of the Local Government Information Chapel, Mr Taiwo Ajibola, members of Professional Pen Managers and the Chairman of NULGE Irepodun/Ifelodun LG, Comr. Festus Aina Olawole, Members of NULGE ,Religious Leaders, joined dignitaries, colleagues, and well-wishers to celebrate the retirement of the Vibrant Journalists
Mrs. Yusuf, who served as the Director of Information and Civic Orientation at Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, retired after 35 years of meritorious service. She was widely praised for her dedication and contributions to the public service in Ekiti State.
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Chairman,Hon.Gbenga Oluwatuyi and the Acting Head of Local Government Administration, Prince Adegoke Oladimeji, commended the retiree’s outstanding career, noting that her absence would be deeply felt. “It will not be the same here without her. The Local Government Administration is grateful to have worked with her,” he said, while wishing her success in her next phase of life.
Similarly, Comr. Kolapo Olatunde, Chairman of the NLC in Ekiti State, described Mrs. Yusuf as a diligent and loyal officer. Recalling their time working together between 2019 and 2022 when she was a member of the Administrative Council of the NLC, he lauded her commitment to excellence. “She is a shining example of what public service should be,” he remarked.
Barr. Akinyemi Borode, who chaired the occasion, also commended the retiree’s integrity and work ethic. “She is an intellectual officer whose career was marked by dedication. Her exemplary service serves as a model for young and upcoming officers,” he stated.
In his own contributions,the State Chairman of Local Government Information Chapel, Prince Taiwo Ajibola thanked God for Chief Mrs Bimbo Yusuf who starting well,end well and strong.He then prayed for her to enjoy her retirement and serve God more .
Speaking on behalf of other directors, Mrs. Kehinde Akode congratulated Mrs. Yusuf on her remarkable achievements and prayed for divine guidance in her future endeavors.
Friends and colleagues reminisced about her time in service, showering her with encomium for her dedication and professionalism.
The retirement ceremony was followed by a thanksgiving service at Christ Miracle Church Ministry (CMCM), Grace Assembly, Textile, Basiri, Ado Ekiti. Officiating minister, Pastor Kolawole Afolayan, advised the celebrant to continue her legacy of service. “I thank God for the grace you received to serve diligently. I urge you to maintain your virtues and serve God even more in this new phase of your life,” he said.
In her appreciation speech, Chief (Mrs.) Adijat Bimbo Yusuf expressed gratitude for the honor bestowed upon her, acknowledging the support of her colleagues, in NUJ,NLC,NULGE,NAWOJ, families, and friends throughout her career.
She further urged Local Government staff to uphold professionalism and embrace opportunities for self-improvement, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and development.
“Being local government staff does not mean we should be local in intellect and intelligence. We must seek every opportunity to develop ourselves, learn, and study more,” she said.
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including Otunba Kayode Ajibola, retired Deputy Controller of Nigerian Customs; Deaconess Abike Fadimu, a Veteran journalist; Prince Sola Adetule her Mentor ,Members of Progressive Pen Professionals, Chief Olu Oree, Onijesa of Ifaki; Chief Idowu Olofinkua from the USA; Mrs. Funke Olarewaju from Lagos; Engr. Yunisa Sule; Hon. Bayo Famoroti, Secretary to Isokan LCDA; Pastor Mrs. Precious Ajayi; Alhaja Anike Omolade; Deaconess Fatimo Babalola; Mr. & Mrs. Kola Sule; Dr. Funmilola Kolawole from ABUAD;Mr.Johnson Enoch Ojo,Mrs Ogunrinde , Marriage Officer,,Chief Adenike Adedayo,Arowoseso of Ilero,Ifaki,members of Fantastic Ladies ,Mrs Shade Iyabo Gboyega,Mrr Dare Otele, Ekiti State; Directors of Information across local governments in the state; members of NAWOJ, Ekiti State; and members of NULGE Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, among others.
Gifts, including cash and material items, were presented to the celebrant by various groups, including information officers from all local governments in the state, the Department of Information and Civic Orientation, and directors from Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government,CMCM Church ,Grace Assembly Ado,individuals etc.
Earlier, Mrs. Yusuf and her colleagues paid a courtesy visit to the Local Government Chairman, Hon. Gbenga Oluwatuyi, who also joined in celebrating her remarkable career.
NAWOJ was represented at the event by Princess Joke Ajayi of State information Chapel and Mrs Christie ishola of Broadcasting Service of Ekiti State,BSES Chapel.