Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday, described a former Head of Service (HOS) in the state, the late Dr Akinsanya Sunny Ajose, as the epitome of integrity and diligence, saying that his unwavering commitment to excellence was evident throughout his illustrious career in office.
Chief Ajose died early on Thursday, 16 January 2025, aged 78.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who spoke through his wife, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, made these remarks at the public presentation of the biography of the late Ajose, titled “The Sunny Side of Ajose,” which took place at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, The Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu further described the late Ajose, a member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), as a committed Head of Service, saying that his tenure was full of resourcefulness, leaving an indelible mark that contributed to the state’s progression.
The governor also noted that his role in the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) showcased his dedication to good governance and his vision for a progressive Lagos State.
“Today, we gather to honour an exceptional leader and son of Lagos State, Dr Akinsanya Sunny Ajose.
“Dr Ajose’s unwavering commitment to excellence was evident throughout his illustrious career as Head of Service. He was the epitome of integrity and diligence.
“He was a committed Head of Service, and his tenure was full of resourcefulness. In the civil service reform, he has left an indelible mark as the state progresses.
“In his professional achievements, Dr Ajose was a mentor, a leader, and a unifying force within our community. His role in the Governance Advisory Council showcased his dedication to good governance and his vision for a progressive Lagos State,” the governor said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, therefore, enjoined Nigerians to draw inspiration from and emulate the late elder statesman, praying that God should make his “biography serve as a testament to the future and inspire future generations.”
“On behalf of the Lagos State Government and the good people of Lagos State, I express our gratitude to Dr Ajose’s family for sharing him with us. His legacy will continue to drive and inspire us, as we strive for greater exploits,” the governor further prayed.
Former Governor, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), paid a glowing tribute to the late Ajose, recalling his encounter with him first as Chief of Staff (COS) to then Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, now President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Fashola, who was represented by Mr Oladimeji Sofowora, said Ajose, as then permanent secretary, taught him the rules and bureaucracies that existed in the public service, noting that he was helpful in that regard as he made him understand the fact that nothing was impossible to achieve.
The former minister commended the book for wide reading in order for people to gain from the legacies left behind by the late permanent secretary.
In his speech, the Lagos State Head of Service (HOS), Mr Olabode Agoro, urged civil servants to do their best by emulating the late Ajose, who left a good legacy with his selfless service to humanity, as captured in his biography. He said the state government would continue to appreciate his contributions.
Former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Dr. Babatunde Olaide-Mesewaku, who is Secretary of the Book Launch Committee, in his welcome address, described the deceased as an icon, a towering figure in the state public service, saying that the gathering was a celebration of life.
The retired permanent secretary described Ajose’s passing as painful but quickly urged those he left behind to take solace in that his life was full of accomplishments.
Babatunde Olaide-Mesewaku said the late Ajose envisioned the book to serve as a guide to produce more Ajoses in the public service, adding that “we are not only unveiling a book, but also celebrating a lovely personality.”
Former Head of Service (HOS), Mrs Josephine Williams, in her speech, noted that what was being unveiled was not just a book but a journey, saying that it was to ensure that the late Ajose’s legacy was not only remembered but became an inspiration to leaders and followers.
“In an era where role models are needed, this biography stands as a testament. This book is a tribute not only to the late Ajose, but to the values he stood for,” she said.
In his own remark, the book reviewer and former Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University (LASU), Prof Olanrewaju Fagbohun (SAN), said Ajose’s legacy would endure for long as he led an impactful life and touched many lives.
Fagbohun described the book, which, according to him, was meticulously supervised by Ajose himself while alive, as a life-capturing book and very engaging, as well as thought-provoking about leadership and followership in the country.
“The book is more than an autobiography. He meticulously supervised the book, making it compelling reading.
“Reading the book, it has been a life-capturing book, very engaging. It’s a thought-provoking book about leadership and followership in Nigeria,” he said.
Also speaking, Dr (Mrs) Aderemi Taire, paid several tributes to the late Ajose, describing him as one of the brightest and most outstanding “among us in the civil service from Badagry.”
Taire said Ajose was respectful, dutiful, diligent, and focused in achieving the goal of the office he occupied.
Earlier, the author of the book, Ololade Olatunji, described the book as a lighthouse for future leaders who dared to stand out in rendering services to the public and humanity.
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