By Daniel Abe
The joy that radiates in the faces of public servants upon retirement is enormous. This expression of joy is a testament to both the relief of concluding their professional obligations and the excitement of embarking on the next chapter of their lives.This was manifested in Irewolede Local Council Development Area today, as the council’s management bid farewell to one of its best hands, Mr Lawrence Alabi of the Finance Department, as he bowed out of the Ekiti State Local Government Service Commission, after a meritorious 35 years in service.
Families, friends, former and present colleagues, kinsmen and women, old school mates and other well-wishers converged at the Irewolede LCDA secretariat, Iloro-Ekiti, to rejoice with a man they described as a dedicated, committed and diligent civil servant.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Chairperson of the council, Hon. (Mrs) Dupe Bakare, was represented by her Vice, Hon. Samson Kolawole, who congratulated Alabi for retiring without blemish after 35 years of meritorious service to his fatherland, described him as a straightforward person who always speaks out his mind no matter whose ox is gored.
“Alabi is a very dedicated officer. He handled every duty assigned to him diligently. He was in charge of our market in Ijurin and he handled the work to the admiration of all. I wish him a happy retirement”.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Ijero local government branch, Comrade Tope Ilesanmi, eulogized Alabi’s legacies of support and love, describing him as a strong pillar of support for the union.
“Though he was never at any time aspired to hold any position, but he was always ready to offer advice, love and support towards the success of our activities “, says the NULGE Scribe.
In his speech, Head of Local Government Administration, Irewolede LCDA, Mr Vincent Babatunde attested to Alabi’s humility, doggedness and sense of humour, saying the council will miss him a lot.
Other speakers at the event included the director of administration, Mr Oladele Olutoyin, representative of Egbe Akorewolu of Ara-Ekiti, Mr Tosin Ajerotutu, Director of Budget, Planning and Research, Ido-Osi local government,Mr. Ojo Duduyegbe,representative of Ijero local government Descendants in NULGE, Mr Abayomi Omobiriowo, family members and colleagues. They all eulogized Alabi’s dedication to duty and wished him well in his future endeavours.
Reminiscing on his experiences in the last 35 years, Alabi expressed appreciation to God Almighty for sparing his life to witness the end of his career.
He also thanked his families, friends, colleagues, well-wishers and management of Irewolede LCDA for honouring him with a befitting retirement ceremony.
He also paid glowing tribute to the late HLA in charge of Training, Mr Emmanuel Agbola, who he described as a childhood friend and partner in community development.
The event featured cultural display, mimic, chanting of panegyrics and presentation of gifts.
Mr Alabi Lawrence Olomi joined the Local Government Service Commission in 1990, where he rose to the position of Chief Executive Officer in the Finance Department before his retirement.
He has worked in several local governments, including Ijero, Moba, Ikole and Irewolede LCDA, where he bowed out today,14th November 2025.