By Emmanuel Oluwakorede.
It was an atmosphere of joy and commendations in Ijumu Local Government secretariat as the Director Local Government Administration in the Area, Mr. Olukayode Dare retires after his 35 years meritorious service.
Staff and other management personnel were happy for the DLG, having served as a honest, incorruptible and hard working civil servant at the third tier of government.
Born on the 22nd of March, 1960, at Iyara headquarters of the present Ijumu Local Government Areas, Mr. O. J Dare attended Saint Paul’s Anglican Church Iyara for his primary school education between 1969 and 1974.
He proceeded to Ijumu Anglican Secondary School for his secondary school education where he came out in flying colours in 1981 and thereafter went to the Nigeria Airways Ground Training School, Ikeja Lagos for a Passenger Handling Basic Course Certificate.
The outgoing DLG who is known by many as a prolific writer and an historian gained admission into the prestigious University of Sokoto where he studied English language. Also, Mr O. J Dare obtained a Post Graduate Degree in Mass Communication at the International Institute of Journalism, Abuja and bagged a Masters Degree in Public Administration.
He has worked in Kogi State including teaching until he transferred his service from school services to Local Government Unified Service. By the grace of God, Mr. O. J Dare rose from rank and file until he was appointed as the Director, Local Government Administration and Head of Service for Ijumu Local Government by Governor Yahaya Bello in March 2018.
Apart from his civil service career, the handsome and God fearing O. J Dare has served his community, Iyara, Ijumu Kingdom and Okun land as a leader of Community Development Association.
This service, especially that of Iyara Development Movement and Ijumu Development Movement now Ijumu Development Union, has been adjudged by many as selfless, eventful and rewarding.
His doggedness, hard work and quality leadership style even to the Christian faith in Iyara, Ijumu and Okun land has earned his several awards.
As Mr. O. J Dare bows out of the civil service this week, friends, colleagues as well as staffers of Ijumu Local Government have said that he will be greatly missed for his numerous contributions to the Local Government. They prayed God to grant him long life, reward and bless him in his future endeavours.
The outgoing DLG, while speaking with newsmen, expressed appreciation to Governor Yahaya Bello for the privilege given to him to get to the peak of his career as a public worker.
Mr. O. J Dare who was very delightful also thanked God for his protection and mercies throughout the service year.
He advised others still in service to be disciplined and hard working, adding that there is a reward for everything.
