Umahi, Goronyo Celebrate Retiring Works Permanent Secretary, Adeladan, After 35 Years of Meritorious Service
The Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, has commended the contributions of the former Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Mr. Adeladan Rafiu Olarinre, FCIPSN, describing him as a dedicated, honest and hardworking public servant whose legacy will remain significant in the ministry.
Goronyo gave the commendation on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, while representing the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, at a retirement ceremony organised in honour of Adeladan at the Boardwalk Event Centre, Utako, Abuja.
The event attracted thousands of civil servants from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Permanent Secretaries, senior government officials, colleagues, friends and other dignitaries who gathered to celebrate the retired administrator’s 35 years of meritorious service.
Speaking at the ceremony, Goronyo said his assessment of Adeladan was informed by their close working relationship at both the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and the Federal Ministry of Works.
He described the retired Permanent Secretary as a man of integrity, discipline, sincerity and dedication, noting that his commitment to public service and religious obligations distinguished him throughout his career.
According to him, Adeladan demonstrated exceptional dedication to duty, practically living in the office to ensure effective coordination and delivery of the ministry’s responsibilities.
He particularly acknowledged his contributions to the implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through infrastructure development, including the flag-off of several road projects and the execution of the four Renewed Hope Legacy Road Projects.
The Minister of State described him as one of the administrative pillars behind the ministry’s achievements, adding that his quiet disposition and commitment to results earned him widespread respect.
“We are behind you, wherever you are. He is a man of his word, a quiet and silent achiever,” Goronyo said.
In his welcome address, the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Muhammed Aminu Ahmed, FCNA, explained that the retirement ceremony, initially scheduled for August, was postponed because the former Permanent Secretary had to be persuaded to accept the honour.
Ahmed described Adeladan as an accessible and accommodating leader whose open-door policy provided staff with guidance, direction and opportunities for professional development.
Also speaking, the Director of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. David Yiltong Dechi, and the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mrs. Emily Osunde, praised the retired Permanent Secretary for his administrative competence, humility, hard work and leadership qualities.
Dechi captured the occasion with the Hausa expression, “Yabon gwani ya zama dole,” meaning that the achievements of an accomplished professional deserve recognition and praise.
Similarly, a retired Director of Public Procurement, Alhaji Yusuf Argungu, described Adeladan as a versatile administrator, committed peacemaker and result-oriented professional whose achievements deserved emulation.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdulkareem Ozi, noted that the impressive turnout at the ceremony reflected the retired official’s character, professional accomplishments and positive relationships built throughout his career.
He emphasised that retirement was an inevitable stage of public service and urged civil servants to prepare for it from the beginning of their careers.
Responding, Adeladan expressed gratitude to Almighty God for granting him a successful career in public service. He also appreciated his parents for their love, upbringing, care and contributions to his achievements.
Highlights of the ceremony included the presentation of gifts on behalf of the Ministers and management staff, the cutting of the retirement cake, cultural performances, the presentation of his professional citation and a documentary showcasing his career journey and contributions to the Nigerian public service.
Other dignitaries at the event included Permanent Secretaries Alhaji Danjuma Sanusi of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdulkareem of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, and Fatimah Sugra Mahmoud of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
Adeladan’s retirement marks the end of 35 years of public service, leaving behind a legacy of discipline, humility, institutional commitment and purposeful leadership.
