Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has described the late former Head of Service in the State, Mrs Susan Modupe Oluwole, as an exemplary leader who devoted her life to the ideals of diligence, integrity, and service to the people.
The Governor spoke at the Wake Keep ceremony in honour of Mrs Oluwole, held at the state Banquet hall, opposite Government House, Ilorin.
“As we pay our last respects to a remarkable and dedicated public servant, and a pillar of our civil service, I’ll like to say that her passing is not just a loss to her immediate family, but also to the entire State, public service and everyone who had the privilege of working with her,” the Governor said.
The Governor was represented at the occasion by his Deputy, Elder Kayode Alabi.
AbdulRazaq said the late bureaucrat was reputed for carrying out her duties with wisdom, professionalism and a deep sense of responsibility.
“Her impact on the civil service remains indelible, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come,” the Governor said.
“I extend my deepest condolences to her beloved family, colleagues, friends and associates. I know that words cannot fully ease the pain of this loss, but I hope you find comfort in the knowledge that she was deeply respected and her contributions will never be forgotten.
“May God grant us the strength to bear this loss and may her gentle soul find eternal rest”, the Governor added.
Alhaji Salman Adelodun Ibrahim, a former Head of Service in the State, for his part, said one thing that always compelled attention on Dupe, as she was fondly called, was the loyalty, enthusiasm, and dedication, with which she always discharged every assignment.
Ibrahim said her contributions to the service within her 7-year tenure will be written in letters of gold, adding that she made her mark in the process of reforming the state civil service.
“As the officer in charge of government quarters, Mrs Oluwole always had every information about every quarter at her fingertips. She was always a go-getter, dedicated, principled, humble, disciplined and transparent,” he said.
Chairman, Association of Retired Permanent Secretaries in the State, Prince Ayo Fagbemi, said late Mrs Oluwole was a true embodiment of professionalism, integrity, and dedication, adding that she was a role model to many people.
He described her exit as too painful given her recent retirement that he noted would have been filled with rest, reflection, and further meaningful Impact on the polity.
“Her leadership was guided by the fear of God, equity, justice and fair play to all. She guided the State’s Civil Service through thick and thin and her tenure was marked by significant reforms and a commitment to the professional growth of those under her,” Fagbemi said.
Some of Oluwole’s childhood friends and classmates, such as President of Class of ’82 at Saint Clare’s Anglican Girls’ Grammar School in Offa, Adefunke Oyinloye (FCIA), and Mrs Opeyemi Oladipupo, took turns to eulogise her virtues, mental capacity and excellent service delivery.
Barrister Rotimi Bello, who spoke for the family of the deceased, thanked Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and other individuals for contributing, in one way or the other, to her life journey.
He said the former HoS would be missed for her commitment to strengthening the bond within the family, and prayed to God to uphold the family after her demise.