BY EMMA PETER, ABUJA
The Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, has described the retiring Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Adeladan Rafiu Olarinre, as a dedicated, disciplined and dependable public servant whose contributions played a significant role in advancing the ministry’s infrastructure development mandate.
Goronyo, who spoke on behalf of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, at a retirement ceremony organised in honour of Adeladan in Abuja on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, said the former Permanent Secretary distinguished himself through integrity, hard work, humility and commitment to public service.
The ceremony, held at the Boardwalk Event Centre, Utako, Abuja, attracted thousands of civil servants from various ministries, extra-ministerial departments and agencies, as well as Permanent Secretaries, senior government officials, colleagues, family members and other dignitaries.
Goronyo said his assessment of Adeladan was based on their close working relationship at both the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and the Federal Ministry of Works, where he had the opportunity to observe his professional conduct and administrative capacity.
He described the retired Permanent Secretary as a man of integrity and sincerity who remained committed to his responsibilities, adding that his dedication to duty and personal discipline made him an invaluable member of the ministry’s leadership.
According to Goronyo, Adeladan demonstrated exceptional commitment to his assignment, often spending long hours in the office to ensure effective coordination of the ministry’s activities and proper execution of its responsibilities.
He noted that the former Permanent Secretary contributed significantly behind the scenes to the ministry’s achievements, particularly the flag-off of several road projects and the implementation of the four Renewed Hope Legacy Road Projects under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Goronyo described him as one of the administrative pillars behind the ministry’s efforts to deliver critical infrastructure across the six geopolitical zones in line with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We are behind you, wherever you are. He is a man of his word, a quiet and silent achiever,” Goronyo said.
In his welcome address, the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Muhammed Aminu Ahmed, apologised for the delay in organising the retirement ceremony, explaining that the event was initially scheduled for August but was postponed until Adeladan was eventually persuaded to accept the honour.
He described the former Permanent Secretary as an accessible and accommodating leader whose open-door policy provided staff with guidance, direction and opportunities for professional development.
Ahmed commended his leadership style and wished him a peaceful, fulfilling and successful retirement.
Similarly, the Director of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, David Yiltong Dechi, and the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Emily Osunde, in their goodwill messages, praised Adeladan’s administrative initiatives, professional contributions and leadership qualities.
They described him as a calm, hardworking and dependable administrator whose positive influence would remain evident in the ministry.
Dechi, while acknowledging his contributions, used the Hausa expression, “Yabon gwani ya zama dole,” meaning that the achievements of an accomplished professional deserve recognition and commendation.
Also speaking, a retired Director of Public Procurement, Yusuf Argungu, described Adeladan as a versatile administrator, a master of many disciplines and a committed peacemaker.
He said the former Permanent Secretary was result-oriented and had an impressive record of achievements worthy of emulation by serving public officers.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Ibrahim Abdulkareem Ozi, said retirement was an inevitable phase of every public servant’s career, stressing the importance of preparing for life after active service from the beginning of one’s professional journey.
Ozi noted that 35 years of meritorious service must eventually come to an end, adding that the calibre of personalities who gathered to celebrate Adeladan reflected the quality of relationships, professional accomplishments and positive impact he had established throughout his career.
He said the impressive turnout at the ceremony was a clear testament to the respect and goodwill the retired Permanent Secretary had earned among colleagues and associates.
In his response, Adeladan expressed gratitude to Almighty God for granting him a successful and fulfilling career in the Nigerian public service.
He also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of his parents, thanking them for their love, care, upbringing and sacrifices, which he said played an important role in shaping the person he had become.
Highlights of the ceremony included the presentation of gifts on behalf of the ministers and management staff by Ahmed, as well as the ceremonial cutting of the retirement cake led by Osunde.
The event attracted several Permanent Secretaries and senior government officials, including Danjuma Sanusi of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Ibrahim Abdulkareem Ozi of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, and Fatimah Sugra Mahmoud of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
The celebration also featured colourful cultural performances, the presentation of Adeladan’s professional citation by the Director of Library Services and a documentary showcasing his career journey, achievements and contributions to the Nigerian public service.
Adeladan’s retirement marks the conclusion of 35 years of public service, characterised by discipline, humility, institutional loyalty and purposeful leadership, leaving behind a legacy expected to inspire future generations of civil servants.
