GOV. OYEBANJI’S ADMINISTRATION COMMENDED FOR APPOINTING AN IMPRESSIVE NUMBER OF WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP POSITIONS -PEJU BABAFEMI
... AS TITILAYO TOBA-OJO, PERMANENT SECRETARY, LOCAL GOVERNMENT SERVICE COMMISSION, RETIRES AT 60 WITH BOOK LAUNCH
By Olugbolade Ogboro-Cole
The commitment of the administration of Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, to driving development through the appointment of women into leadership positions has been hailed as a strategic enabler of sustainable development.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Peju Babafemi, made this known on Thursday in Ado Ekiti as a reviewer of a new book at a triple celebration marking the retirement, 60th birthday, and public presentation of a literary work by Mrs Titilayo Toba-Ojo, the state’s first female Permanent Secretary to rise from the local government cadre.
Mrs Babafemi praised Governor Oyebanji for his inclusion of women in administration and governance, adding that women are great managers and leaders; leveraging their talents and skills in decision-making roles will engender sustainable development.
She noted that the retiring officer’s performance while in office attests to the fact that when women are in leadership positions, they lead with hearts and make a great impact on the people they serve.
In her tribute, the Commissioner celebrated the celebrant as a true trailblazer. She highlighted Toba-Ojo’s remarkable journey from joining the Local Government Service on June 13, 1994, to her appointment as a Permanent Secretary by Governor Oyebanjiin 2023.
Presenting the book titled “The Grassroots Engine,” Mrs Babafemi described the 233-page book as a resource for institutional memory and leadership development.
Quoting the author, the Commissioner read: “I am documenting this story because institutions do not fail because they lack potential; they fail because they stop reflecting. If we do not capture the lessons of the past, the future will force the next generation to repeat our struggles without our wisdom.”
Mrs Babafemi appreciated the retiring Permanent Secretary for her exemplary leadership, diligence and initiatives. She remarked that Mrs Toba Ojo is an inspiration to upcoming female leaders in the public service.
Described by peers as an “Administrator per Excellence” who never compromised on standards, Toba-Ojo was showered with encomium from well-wishers who credited her nurturing leadership for shaping their careers.
The chairman of the occasion and State ALGON Chair Hon.Ojo Samuel ,Onisan,Oba Ayodele Adejuwon and Olufaki,Oba Adegbenro Falore in separate interviews eulogized the author -Titilayo Toba-Ojo as a skilled communicator of policies and stunch local government administrator to the core and wished her grace in the next phase of your endeavors.
In her valedictory address, an elated Toba-Ojo expressed profound gratitude to Governor Oyebanji for what she termed his “non-intrusive governance style,” which allowed professionalism to thrive.
“I feel happy! I don’t even know how to describe it,” she exclaimed. “I thank the Governor for allowing us to serve without interference. The Chairman of the Commission and the board members made the job very easy for me; we worked like a father and daughter.”
Overwhelmed by the massive turnout, she admitted she had not fully grasped her impact until that moment. “People said I touched their lives in a different way. I didn’t think much of it, but seeing them drop everything to be here shows that God has been faithful.”
Addressing the next generation of civil servants, she urged transparency and loyalty: “Let transparency be your watchword, just as Governor Oyebanji has demonstrated, which is why we are seeing even development across the state.”
Her husband, Mr. Toba Ojo, described her as a “rare gem,” adding that her impact always leaves astonishing footprints.
Dignitaries at the event included all local government chairmen; leadership of ALGON; permanent secretaries; traditional rulers including the Onisan, Oba Ayodele Adejuwon, and the Olufaki, Oba Adegbenro Falore; and Commissioner for Women Affairs,families , friends and well wishers.
At 60, Toba-Ojo did not merely step away from the desk—she turned a page, leaving behind an administrative footprint that will echo through Ekiti’s grassroots corridors for generations.
