By Gbenga Ojikutu
Ekiti State Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities (MIPU), Prof. Mobolaji Aluko, has charged Management and staff of the Ministry to always put in the best while in service in order to leave lasting legacies that will stand the test of time .
The Commissioner made the call during the valedictory gathering for the retirement of Engr. Phillip Ekundayo Atere, outgoing Permanent Secretary of the Ekiti State Electricity Board in the Commissioner’s office in Ado.
He described Engr. Atere as a diligent , hardworking and focused accounting officer who believes in himself and is always ready to get things done with positive results.
Aluko applauded Atere as a remarkable and valued person, who was known for his notable achievements in the Power sector of the State, especially with regards to the rehabilitation of several kilometers of electricity grid which ensured the restoration of electricity supply to many connections communities in the State after many years disruption , as well as the yeoman’s job he did in the the commencement of Independent Power Plant (IPP) which was successfully installed and has been working uninterrupted in the State.
Aluko ascribed Atere’s successes and achievements to his strong convictions, courage, actions, passion and can-do spirit to get things done with positive results.
He thereafter referred to him as an object lesson to officers coming after him.
Earlier in his remarks ,the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. Olumide Ajayi who is a long-standing colleague of Atere, charged officers coming after him to emulate the retiring Permanent Secretary and see his retirement as an opportunity to do greater things that will exceed their predecessors noting that Engr Atere has done his best in the State civil Service, including seeing mentees appointed in various accounting-officer positions.
The retiring Permanent Secretary of Ekiti State Electricity Board, Engr Ekundayo Atere, in his own response to all the adulation coming from his attendees, graciously acknowledged God for the gift of life and His presence which eventually turned his life around, thereby helping him to attain his height of success today.
He recounted many highs and lows of his life, all over which God has blessed him to triumph over.
He expressed appreciation to former Governors Fayose and Fayemi for advancing his career during their tenures of office and for looking beyond his faults and the present Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for solidly believing and giving him a great amount of opportunity to serve the State in the present Administration.
He also commended the Commissioner on Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof. Mobolaji Aluko for also standing by him when it counted and for believing in him for supporting his various memos to the Governor.*
On a final note he described the Civil Service is a system urging the upcoming officers to uphold the core values of the service for the purpose of development and improvement.
He thanked everyone gathering in his honor and wished them well.
