ADO NORTH LCDA CHAIR -GBADAMOSI PRAISES GOV.OYEBANJI’S RURAL FOCUS AS CATALYST FOR TRUE DEVELOPMENT

By Olugbolade Ogboro-Cole

It was a moment of high praise and heartfelt tributes in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday as the Ado North Local Council Development Area Chairman, Mrs. Tokunbo Gbadamosi, showered encomiums on the retiring Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Titilayo Toba-Ojo, describing her as a paragon of virtue and an exceptional leader who perfectly balances politics with professionalism.

Speaking at the triple celebration marking Toba-Ojo’s retirement, 60th birthday, and book launch, Gbadamosi took a moment to commend Governor Biodun Oyebanji, hailing him as a true democrat whose administration remains acutely responsive to the needs of rural communities. According to her, the Oyebanji-led government does not turn a deaf ear to the plight of those at the grassroots, a development she says has strengthened local governance.

She maintained that the local government administration had not had it better until now when communities can boast of well constructed road networks opening up the region for investment and investors.

Portable solar powered boreholes for residents and improved healthcare centers and services for residents irrespective of political, religious and ethnic coloration,his mandate was clear – prosperity for all.

Turning her gaze to the celebrant, Gbadamosi painted a vivid picture of a woman of many parts. “Ojo is a woman of virtue, she’s a fantastic leader, and you know why? She strikes the balance,” Gbadamosi stated, reminiscing on the unique blend of political acumen and career discipline that Toba-Ojo embodies. She revealed that the retiring Perm Sec had shared her political journey with her, noting that despite decades in the civil service, her passion for politics remains undiminished.

The Chairman shared a glowing testimony of the celebrant’s administrative style, revealing that no request made to her had ever been ignored. “There’s no time that I’ve ever gone to her for a request—any request, name it—that she has not yielded to me in 24 hours. If it is too high, she will say, ‘Ah, don’t worry about me, I’ll look at it,’” she recounted, illustrating Toba-Ojo’s pragmatic and humane approach to governance.

Gbadamosi further justified her own presence at the event as a testament to the retiring Perm Sec’s impact. She noted that despite having a scheduled Ward meeting, she chose to abandon it to honour a woman whose influence transcends bureaucratic boundaries. “You see how we have turned out in our numbers? On a weekday, I’m supposed to be in my Ward meeting, but I’m here. I have to be here. To celebrate this triple celebration,” she declared passionately.

Describing the milestone as a moment of divine grace, the Chairman prayed for continued strength and relevance for the celebrant.

The event, which drew dignitaries from across the political and public service spectrum, served as a fitting tribute to a woman described as a bridge-builder, a mentor, and a virtuous leader whose legacy will endure long after her formal retirement from the state service commission.