By Oluremi Modupe Rebecca
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) Ondo State Coordinating Office participated in a heartfelt farewell ceremony honoring Mr. Oluyinka Owolabi, who served with exceptional distinction as State Coordinator in Ondo State for several years before his transfer to Oyo State. The retirement ceremony was held at the Oyo Federal Secretariat in Ikolaba, Ibadan, on June 16, 2025, marking the end of an illustrious 35-year career in the Federal Civil Service.
Mrs. Tejumola Folasade, the current State Coordinator for Ondo State office, led a distinguished delegation to honor her predecessor. She was accompanied by some members of the Ondo State team including Mr. Idowu Akeem (Principal Scientific Officer), Mrs. Oluremi Modupe (Scientific Officer II), and Mr. Awwal Abdulrosheed (Scientific Officer II), representing the collective gratitude of the entire Ondo State coordinating office.
In her goodwill message, Tejumola praised Mr. Owolabi’s transformative leadership during his tenure in Ondo State saying, “Celebrating Excellence and Honoring a Legacy of Distinguished Service”, is very important and worthwhile.
She described him as more than just a boss, but a mentor, teacher, and father figure who took time to guide staff through every aspect of their duties. “He didn’t just give instructions; he explained the reason behind every task, helping us understand the bigger picture of our work and its impact on national development,” she stated.
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Mrs. Tejumola emphasized how Mr. Owolabi’s exceptional work ethic and visionary leadership has helped and elevated Ondo State’s profile in the national raw materials development landscape. She noted that his patient mentorship, open-door policy, and inclusive leadership style created a foundation that continues to guide the Ondo State office operations. “Today, as I occupy the position, he once held with such distinction in Ondo State, I carry with me the lessons he taught and the examples he set,” she added.
The current State Coordinator further stated that, when Mr. Owolabi was transferred to Oyo State, the transition was remarkably smooth due to his meticulous planning, comprehensive documentation, and commitment to ensuring continuity of service. She praised the robust systems, efficient processes, and well-prepared team he left behind, noting that even after his transfer, he remained available for consultation and guidance.
Mr. Owolabi’s remarkable career achievements include receiving the RMRDC Best State Coordinator award in 2017, 2019, and 2023 for his exceptional impact in the annual raw materials quiz competition. Many of these achievements had their foundations in the solid experience and expertise he developed while serving as Ondo State Coordinator. He also represented the Director-General at various national fora, advocating passionately for raw materials research and industrial development.
The ceremony drew dignitaries from various places, including HRM Oba Adedire Adewole Solomon (Onifegunwa of Ifegunwa, Ile Ife), former Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Akure Emeritus Prof. Adebisi M. Balogun, and coordinators from various states. Other state coordinators present included Mr. Adeyemi Saheed A. (Osun-RMRDC), Mr. Rabiu B.O (Ogun-RMRDC), and Mr. Adeogun O.A (Acting Oyo-RMRDC Coordinator).
The Chairman of the occasion who is a retired permanent Secretary in Oyo State, Pastor (Dr.) Adewale A. Jimoh (JP), praised Mr. Owolabi’s dedication to duty, strong faith, and commitment to teamwork, noting that his remarkable ability to bring people together had enabled the achievement of shared goals throughout his career.
HRM Oba Adedire Adewole Solomon commended Mr. Owolabi’s leadership and commitment, offering prayers for God’s continued blessings. The RMRDC staff expressed heartfelt appreciation for his mentorship and leadership, particularly praising his ability to build strong relationships and foster teamwork.
In his response, Mr. Owolabi thanked the Council, particularly the Director-General of RMRDC, Professor Nnanyelugo Martins Ike-Muonso, for his impactful leadership style. He also expressed gratitude to his wife, Mrs. Owolabi, and all attendees, saying, “I am humbled by your presence and appreciation. Thank you for being part of my journey.”
The Ondo State delegation left the ceremony with renewed commitment to uphold the high standards established by their predecessor, carrying forward the legacy of excellence that Mr. Owolabi established during his distinguished tenure as Ondo State Coordinator. His retirement marks the end of an era for both Ondo and Oyo states, where his contributions to raw materials development and industrial growth will be remembered for generations to come.
