Time they say is the currency of life; a legal tender which reminds us that power is indeed transient and must be utilized judiciously for the benefit of humanity. Yesterday I bowed out in high spirits as the Secretary to Akoko South East Local Government Area, Ondo State. I’m grateful to God Almighty for the privilege to serve in this capacity.

My immense gratitude goes to my irrepressible leader and father who nominated me against all odds and in the midst of severe adversities to serve in that capacity, His Excellency, Barrister Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), the Executive Governor, Ondo State. Thank you my father, may the Lord Almighty perfect his healings over you Sir.

Even though for me the experience was one of mixed feelings as the functionality of the Secretary to Local Government was severely undermined, I however remain grateful for the experience of governance attained at the grassroot level which I sincerely believe will come to bare as I make an upward trajectory in Public Service and the quota I contributed in making certain reforms while in Office.

Going forward, it is my hope that the office of the Secretary to the Local Government in the various councils in Ondo State is strengthened and empowered to effectively perform its administrative role of coordinating the policies and programmes of government at the third level of governance as envisioned by the extant laws.

My sincere appreciation to Hon. Paul Adurogboye, Chairman of Akoko South East Local Government, under whom I served and his wife. I am also thankful to the Management and Staff of the Akoko South East Local Government Area for their support.

It’s worthy of note & appreciation that while in office, I worked with three different Heads of Local Government Administration ( HOLGA): Prince Juba, Mr. Kolade Akinwunmi and Mr. Omoriwo.Dr. Kolade wunmi stood tall amongst them as he gave reverence to the Office of the Secretary to the Local Government in the midst of the glaring attempts to subject the office to ridicule. Posterity will be kind to him as per his efforts in Ondo State Local Government Civil Service and I remain immensely grateful to him and others for his sense of empathy and experience.

Special appreciation goes to Sir Chris Atuegwu and my Father in-law Col Victor Ozodinobi (rtd) Former Military Governor, Borno State & Hon. Rotimi Olasogba: men who are pillars of support and whom God has used to play vital roles in my journey of life. To my family and friends ( the list would be so ‘innumerable’ to mention) I thank you for your guidance, support and prayers. May the Lord Almighty reward your labour of love.

I move ahead with the utmost peace in my heart that I delivered my assignment with the utmost efficiency and with no regrets of any sort. The journey ahead is in God’s hands. I am a man whom God has shown mercy and leveraging on His abundant grace.

To God alone be the glory, thank you Jesus.

Adeola Henry Adegboro,
Former Secretary to the Local Government, Akoko South East Local Government Area, Ondo State.