It was a gladdening fun, showers of encomium on Dr Mrs Olajumoke Oguntoye when the National Association of Health Educators, (NAHE) Ekiti State Chapter hosted the outgoing director and State Health Educator to a befitting and warm reception on friday, January 9th, in Ado Ekiti.
The event which served as a double edge activity, firstly, as send forth for Dr Olajumoke Oguntoye’s retirement and get – together party for the members of the association has been described as first of its kind in the history of the association, significantly, as it was a display of appreciation and tributes to the retiring officer who have demonstrated love, honesty, and passion for her job while in office.
In her opening address, the chairman, National Association of Health Educators in the state, comrade Iyabo Ogundola described Dr Oguntoye as a respectful, compassionate, intelligent, brave and hardworking woman and leader.
She noted further that through her bravery, and transparency as the state health educator, the agency has been able to achieve tremendous successes. While congratulating her for the privilege to witness her retirement after serving the state for 35 years, Ogundola noted that her humility is second to none.
In her words; “you have contributed immensely to the progress of this profession through your dedication and steadfastness, especially in social mobilisation within Ekiti State. It is my prayer that Almighty God will grant you sound health and long life to enjoy the fruits of your labour.”
The NAHE chairman stressed further that the past year has been one of unprecedented growth and resilience, noting that as a cadre, they fàced many challenges that tested their technical skills and patience but through thèir perseverance and endurance, they consistently met their targets and upheld the standards of the profession.
Ogundola highlighted some of the achievements of the association as, the promotion of many members to the ranks of Assistant Director, Deputy Director, appointment of a member as Deputy Director of PHC, increasing membership from 26 at inauguration to nearly 80 members, enhanced recognition within the State and Local Government structures among others.
In his remarks, the director of administration and supply, EKSPHCDA, Mr S. T Olajide who represented the Board Chairman of the agency, Dr Funke Ogunbunmi said, it is very difficult for him to believe that Dr Olajumoke Oguntoye is retiring. He said he ones called Dr Olajumoke and said he wanted to write to extend her stay in the service but her response was unique.
According to Olajide, her response was straight and direct; “please let me go and rest. I have served the state for many years, I need to go and rest, I need to concentrate on my family, myself and the work of God. And immediately she said that, I did not know what to say again.” Olajide said.
The Director of Administration said further that since his arrival at the Agency, one of the people that inspire his stay is Dr Olajumoke Oguntoye who is being celebrated. He said further that the retiring officer has been a wonderful woman even though some people might want to misunderstand her due to some reasons.
“When I got to know her very well, I discover that this woman is the type of woman that we need at the agency working with us all time. Apart from the way she carried the association, the way she took health education in Ekiti State upon herself was great and inspiring.” Olajide said.
He noted that he really enjoyed working with her and used to tell her that she is beautiful, bold, brave, brilliant and courageous. He also asserted her confidence and ability to face anyone or situation no màtter who you are or what the situation might be. He maintained that Olajumoke has been a very wonderful representative of the association at the agency.
He prayed that the Almighty God will continue to go with her in all her journeys and her success will not end with the Agency.
While appreciating God on the life of the celebrant, Mrs Ajayi, her predecessor who gave the genealogy of the struggle, battle and conspiracy that transpired before Dr Olajumoke Oguntoye became the State Health Educator thanked God for a successful tenure and the grace which God has given her to prove the doubters wrong and also, retire in good health.
She advised other health educators who are not computer literate to enhance themselves with the knowledge as it is a strong yardstick for advancing to top position. She noted further that honesty and integrity are components that attract success, therefore, all health educators should imbibe it as exemplified by Dr Olajumoke Oguntoye who is retiring
The State nutrition Director, Dr Bolanle Olorunyomi in her remarks said she wòrkeď closely with Dr Olajumoke Oguntoye and in the relationship while working together was one of the best people she ever worked with. She which her the best in her future endeavours.
In her response, Dr Olajumoke Oguntoye said she was overwhelmed by the way she was celebrated by the cadre, health educator cadre, Ekiti State. She described the members as wonderful people who really surprised her with what they put together to celebrate her.
While showing profound appreciation for their benevolence, Dr Olajumoke said it will be to her great desire to see every health educator working and committed to the job given to them. She maintained that she will be better fulfilled if they make it paramount to go to the communities to save lives by creating awareness so that Ekiti State will be free of communicable diseases.
Olajumoke appreciated God for the gift of life to attain this feat, she also expressed her gratitude to the management of EKSPHCDA, partners of the agency, health educators whom she said were the pillars behind her success.
Among those present at the event were, representative, Board Chairman, Mr ST Olajide, representative of UNICEF, Rewane Olasunkanmi, representative of WHO, Mr Busari, acting SHE, Mrs Daramola, Mrs Famuyide, Mrs femi Jinadu, Chairman, NAHE, Comrade Iyabo Ogundola, Dr Bolanle Olorunyomi and host of others.
