🔴 BREAKING: Igboho’s Rafiu Adeladan Bows Out As Federal Works Permanent Secretary — A Distinguished Son Returns Home With Honour

 

ABUJA — The Federal Ministry of Works has bid farewell to one of Igboho’s distinguished sons, Alhaji Rafiu Olarinre Adeladan, following his retirement from the Federal Civil Service after a remarkable career of public service, professionalism and national commitment.

Adeladan formally handed over the administration of the Ministry on Thursday, August 27, 2026, bringing to a close his tenure as Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works.

He handed over to the Ministry’s Director of Finance and Accounts, Alhaji Aminu Ahmed, who has assumed responsibility as Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary (DOOPS) pending the appointment of a substantive Permanent Secretary.

The development marks the end of an important chapter in the career of a civil servant whose rise from the historic town of Igboho in Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State to the highest levels of Nigeria’s Federal Civil Service has become a source of pride to his community and beyond.

A Farewell Filled With Emotion

The handover ceremony was reportedly colourful but deeply emotional as Adeladan addressed the management and staff of the Ministry for the final time as Permanent Secretary.

In his farewell remarks, the retiring Permanent Secretary expressed profound appreciation to the directors and members of staff for their support, cooperation and friendship throughout his tenure.

He spoke warmly about the professionalism and dedication of the workforce, acknowledging that the relationships built during his time in the Ministry went beyond official duties.

For Adeladan, it was not merely a retirement ceremony. It was the closing of a chapter filled with memories, challenges, friendships and accomplishments.

He also acknowledged that disagreements and difficult moments were inevitable in any organisation and used the occasion to apologise to anyone he might have offended during his tenure, asking for their forgiveness.

He urged the staff to remain committed to the ideals of the Civil Service, particularly professionalism, teamwork, honesty, courage and dedication to duty.

He further appealed to the directors and staff to extend to Alhaji Aminu Ahmed the same cooperation and support necessary to ensure continuity in the affairs of the Ministry.

From Igboho To The Federal Civil Service

For the people of Igboho, however, Adeladan’s retirement represents much more than the departure of a Permanent Secretary.

It is the closing of another remarkable chapter in the story of a son of the soil who carried the name of his community into the highest corridors of Nigeria’s public service.

His journey has been widely recognised as a testament to diligence, competence and perseverance.

When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved his appointment as a Federal Permanent Secretary in March 2025, Governor Seyi Makinde specifically identified Adeladan as an Igboho indigene of Oorelope Local Government Area, congratulating him and urging him to continue serving as a worthy ambassador of Oyo State.

The appointment was subsequently followed by his deployment to the Federal Ministry of Works, where he assumed duty as Permanent Secretary in November 2025. Official Federal Government records confirm his service in that capacity.

A Pride Of Igboholand

His emergence as a Federal Permanent Secretary was celebrated in Igboho and across Oke-Ogun.

The Alepata of Igboholand, Oba Dr. Joel Olalere Olawuwo, Olasorogan IV, had described Adeladan as a worthy son of Igboholand and a source of pride to the community, Oke-Ogun and Oyo State.

That recognition captures the sentiment surrounding Adeladan in his hometown: a man who rose to national prominence without losing his connection to his roots.

He has been regarded as not merely a successful public servant, but also as a community-minded son of Igboho and an ambassador whose achievements have continued to give his people reason to celebrate.

Colleagues Pay Tribute

At the farewell ceremony, colleagues reportedly described Adeladan as an accessible, disciplined and principled leader who understood the importance of carrying people along.

The Director of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. David Yiltong, praised his leadership and ability to identify shortcomings, guide colleagues patiently and bring people together.

The Director of Human Resource Management, Ahmad Muhammad Tukur, also commended his accessibility, leadership style and dedication to duty.

Similarly, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mrs. Emily Osunde, described him as a disciplined and principled civil servant whose directness, courage and sincerity positively influenced officers within the Ministry.

The tributes painted a picture of a Permanent Secretary who, despite occupying one of the most senior positions in the Federal Civil Service, maintained an approachability that earned him the respect of colleagues.

Aminu Takes Charge

Receiving the baton, Alhaji Aminu Ahmed expressed appreciation to Adeladan for his mentorship, guidance and encouragement.

He described the retiring Permanent Secretary as a brother, mentor and friend, acknowledging the impact of his leadership and personal support on his own career.

Aminu pledged to work closely with the management and staff of the Ministry to maintain continuity and ensure effective delivery of its mandate during the transition.

A Son Of Igboho Leaves Office, But Not His People

For Igboho, the story does not end with Adeladan’s retirement.

Rather, it is another opportunity for a community to celebrate one of its own — a son whose professional journey has taken him from the historic soil of Igboho to the pinnacle of Nigeria’s Federal Civil Service.

Public office may have an exit date, but the legacy of service has no retirement age.

As Alhaji Rafiu Olarinre Adeladan bows out of the Federal Civil Service, the people of Igboho can look back with pride at the journey of one of their own who served Nigeria at the highest level and represented his roots with distinction.

His retirement may mark the end of his official tenure, but for many who know and appreciate his contribution, it is simply the beginning of another chapter.

From Igboho to Abuja, from public service to retirement — the story of Rafiu Olarinre Adeladan remains a story of diligence, perseverance, service and the enduring possibility of greatness.

Ayekooto Media NG congratulates Alhaji Rafiu Olarinre Adeladan on his retirement and wishes him many more years of good health, fulfilment, peace and continued service to humanity.

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David Alani Ige (The Scribe)

Publisher & Editor-in-Chief, Ayekooto Media

David Alani Ige is a seasoned journalist, strategic analyst, and the visionary publisher of Ayekooto Media. With a relentless commitment to archiving Nigeria's political realities and delivering the unvarnished truth, he has built a formidable platform for deep-dive reportage and editorial excellence. He is widely known by his readers and peers as "The Scribe".