“Looking back at the journey from GL 03 to Director, I see more than a career progression. I see a story of God’s grace, opportunity, mentorship, perseverance, service and the goodness of people. I dedicate this milestone to everyone who played a role in it”
35 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC SERVICE
(From GL 03 to Director: A Journey of Grace)
By Adeniyi Adekunle
On 21 October 1991, I began my career in the public service as a Personal Assistant IV, GL 03, with the then Ondo State Agency for Adult and Non-Formal Education, at the Government House, Alagbaka, Akure.
Along the way, I sought to improve myself academically and professionally. In 1996, I gained admission into the Ondo State University, Ado-Ekiti, where I studied Political Science. After graduation, I did my mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme in Delta State, serving for one year at Offor Comprehensive High School, Umunede.
After completing NYSC in December 2002, I resumed in the Ekiti State Government Public Service, having been on study leave without pay during my studies and national service.
With my additional qualification, I obtained approval for an inter-cadre transfer into the Information Cadre and was appointed Information Officer II, GL 08. This was a turning point that opened a new chapter in public information, communication, journalism and public relations.
By the special grace of God, dedication, hard work and the support of successive administrations, colleagues, friends and family, I rose through the ranks to become a Director in the Ekiti State Civil Service.
Special appreciation to the family of Prince Olusegun Olufemi Adegboyega
I am profoundly grateful to the family of Prince Olusegun Olufemi Adegboyega for the opportunity they gave me at the beginning of my career. Their confidence in me secured my employment without an interview. What looked like a simple opportunity became the start of a journey that has lasted 35 years.
I will forever remain grateful to the Adegboyega family for laying the foundation of my career. Their kindness and trust will always occupy a special place in my heart. To the family, I say a very big THANK YOU. May God Almighty continue to bless, preserve and prosper you, and richly reward you for your kindness.
Appreciation to my bosses and mentors
No journey of 35 years is complete without acknowledging those who discovered my potential, encouraged, mentored and corrected me, and gave me opportunities along the way.
I sincerely appreciate my bosses and mentors, particularly Baba Laniyan Jegede, Christopher Fajemifo, Ade Aribatise, Biodun Faokunla and Sunday Aribatise. They saw something in me and gave me room to learn, grow and contribute. Their guidance, corrections and confidence in me remain indelible parts of my career story.
For those who have gone to be with the Lord, I pray that God Almighty grant their souls eternal rest and comfort their families. Their contributions will never be forgotten.
Appreciation to my first editors and senior colleagues in the newsroom
I am deeply grateful to those who shaped my professional development during my years in the newsroom and information service: Mrs Eben Bola Durodola and Messrs Toyin Akode, Aare Biodun Alonge, Tope Babalola, DIS, Tunji Ajayi, Oyetunde Oyebode, Adeola Babalola and Mrs Lara Alokan.
They were more than colleagues or editors. They were teachers and professional guides who shaped my understanding of journalism, news writing, accuracy, discipline and the responsibility of communicating with the public. The lessons I learnt from them have stayed with me throughout my career. I am thankful for every correction, piece of advice and word of encouragement.
**Appreciation to others who supported my professional journey**
I also acknowledge Alhaji Deji Ayelabowo, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, Mr Idowu Oguntase, Olusegun Agunsimi, Engineer Sunday Jegede, Sola Alaso, the Mayegun of Ilamo, and all my friends for their support and encouragement.
At different times, they contributed to my work and provided platforms through which public-interest stories could reach wider audiences. Their goodwill and friendship formed part of the network of relationships that helped me discharge my duties as an information professional.
Special appreciation to Mr Akinyinka Akintola
I must make a special mention of Mr Akinyinka Akintola, who played a unique role in my development in journalism and public information.
While at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Ado-Ekiti, Mr Akintola gave me a platform and consistently published my news stories and press releases. He believed in the quality of my work and gave my stories valuable exposure by using them, at no cost to me and the MDAs I worked in, on the Federal Radio network, including Network News. At a time when I was still building my career, that confidence was a great source of encouragement.
To Mr Akintola, I say a heartfelt THANK YOU. May God Almighty bless you, strengthen you and reward you abundantly.
Appreciation to media correspondents, newspapers and social media practitioners
I place on record my sincere appreciation to correspondents of national and local newspapers, and to the journalists, editors, publishers, bloggers and social media practitioners who supported my work over the years.
Through their platforms, my press releases, news stories and public information materials were published, broadcast and shared with the public. As a public servant, I understand the importance of a strong working relationship between government information officers and the media. I am grateful to every practitioner who gave attention to my stories and helped ensure that government programmes, policies and achievements reached the people.
To all of you, I say a very big THANK YOU. Your contributions may not always have been visible, but they were an important part of my journey.
Special acknowledgement of Mr Foluso Daramola
I specially acknowledge my esteemed Commissioner, Mr Foluso Daramola, who I hold in very high regard, having worked directly with him. His personality, leadership qualities and impact in public service left a lasting impression on me. He later served as Secretary to the State Government (SSG) of Ekiti State.
To all these individuals, and to the many others whose names are not mentioned here but who contributed positively to my journey, I say THANK YOU. You were the building blocks that helped transform a young man who started at GL 03 into a Director in the Ekiti State Civil Service.
My years of service across government
Over the years, I had the privilege of serving in several Ministries, Departments and Agencies, including the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, the Signage and Advertisement Agency, and the Ministries of Health, Education, Information and Works, among others. At the Ministry of Information, I handled public information and communication assignments, including work relating to UNICEF.
Each assignment gave me the chance to learn, to interact with people from different backgrounds and to contribute, in my own small way, to the development of Ekiti State. The journey was not without challenges, but each one became an opportunity for growth and greater commitment to duty. I am deeply grateful to God Almighty for sustaining me and granting me strength, wisdom, good health and grace to serve.
Professional membership
I am a member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and an active member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). These bodies have contributed to my professional development and strengthened my commitment to ethical communication, responsible journalism, public enlightenment and effective information management.
Appreciation to my parents
My late father, Prince Rufus Adeniji Adeniyi Omo KAWO KABIYESI, Omo Owa, Omo Ekun, Omo Igi rabata lokun and my mother, Chief Mrs Victoria Adeniyi, My wife, OLORI KAWO KABIYESI oooo, Adeniyi Olarewaju, Princess from Akingbade Ruling House of Ilupeju Ekiti and my Children, Oluwadunsi Adeyinka and Adeboriota Oluwatosin played significant roles in my life. My father took the education of his children and the good name of the family very seriously. My mother, my motivator, sacrificed her comfort to stand with him, ensuring that my siblings and I received a sound education and good home training. I am forever grateful to them.
Retirement with gratitude
On 21 October 2026, I formally retired from the Ekiti State Government after 35 years of service. I bowed out with a heart full of gratitude to God Almighty, my family, colleagues, friends, mentors, superiors and everyone who contributed to my career.
I am particularly grateful to every administration and institution that gave me the opportunity to serve, and to the countless men and women whose encouragement, kindness and guidance supported me along the way.
My retirement is not the end of service, but the beginning of another chapter, in which I hope to continue contributing my experience, knowledge and resources to my community, Ekiti State and Nigeria.
Looking back at the journey from GL 03 to Director, I see more than a career progression. I see a story of God’s grace, opportunity, mentorship, perseverance, service and the goodness of people. I dedicate this milestone to everyone who played a role in it: those who opened doors for me, taught me, corrected me, encouraged me, gave me platforms, published my stories and believed in my potential when I was still finding my path.
To my family, friends, colleagues, professional associates, media practitioners, mentors and bosses, I say THANK YOU.
May God Almighty bless everyone who has been part of this journey, and reward every act of kindness, word of encouragement and opportunity given to me.
Above all, I give all glory, honour and adoration to God Almighty, who made it possible for a young man who started his public service career at GL 03 on 21 October 1991 to rise through the ranks and retire as a Director in the Ekiti State Civil Service after 35 years of dedicated and meritorious service.
To God Almighty alone be all the glory.
Adeniyi Adekunle
Retired on 21 October 2026
