By Emmanuel Oluwakorede, Lokoja
The popular saying that the reward of hard work is more work is a reflection of the meritorious appointment of Mrs. Folashade Arike Ayoade, Ph.D as Secretary to the Government of Kogi State.
It is no longer news that Dr. (Mrs.) F.A. Ayoade has spent 10 years serving as the highest-ranking Government Scribe in the State.
In 2016, former Governor, Alh. Yahaya Bello found Dr. (Mrs.) F.A. Ayoade, an Amazon and Golden fish in faraway Lagos, appointed her as the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State.
The Position she served meritoriously, where she contributed immensely to the success of the immediate past administration.
After completing his two terms in office, his predecessor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Chief Servant in 2024, reappointed her to serve in his administration as the Chief Scribe of the State.
Two years later, the SGS, a tested, trusted, and outstanding public servant, has achieved a great deal in that office, thanks to the support and understanding of the Governor.
As the top appointed executive official in the State, after the Deputy Governor, the SGS is saddled with the responsibility of running the state’s day-to-day administration and ensuring the advanced new direction vision is actualised.
The office of the SGS serves as the engine room of the state government, driving its operations and machinery.
Its functions include: Policy and implementation, Cabinet secretariat, Coordination of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), bridge between the state and the Federal Government, other states, and external bodies, among others.
Since her reappointment by Governor Ododo, the office of the SGS has been streamlining government operations, processing over one hundred and twenty (120) Executive Memos, and signing over eighty (80) Memoranda of Understanding.
The Office of the SGS has coordinated regular security intelligence meetings in collaboration with Federal Security Agencies. It also recently hosted participants from National Defence College Course 34 during their study tour on “Solid Mineral Development and National Security.”
To boost voter registration across the State, the Office of the SGS directed all political appointees to mobilise support at the grassroots level.
Reflecting the present administration’s core values of accountability and transparency, the SGS has enforced full compliance with the Code of Conduct Bureau’s asset declaration process.
The Governor’s administration, through the SGS Office, has enhanced public service efficiency through the digitisation of records and the introduction of Proof of Address (POA) verification.
One remarkable achievement in the last two years of Gov. Ododo’s tenure in the Office of the SGS is the renovation of the Office building and commissioning by the Chief Servant.
Also, Kogi State is now digitisation inclined with the introduction of digital platforms for the State Executive Council.
In a move to enhance productivity, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State has been equipped with Internet connectivity, granting management and staff free access courtesy of the visionary leadership of Mrs. Folashade Arike Ayoade, Ph.D.
The Staff of the SGS Office have been exceptional in their dedication to duty as they have provided the needed support for the actualisation of the vision of the office.
Since she took office in 2016, she has sustained the tradition of hosting annual end-of-year gatherings for management and staff, an occasion marked by the celebration of retiring employees and the recognition of outstanding workers with gifts and fanfare.
Beyond her official responsibilities, Dr. (Mrs.) Ayoade’s commitment to public service extends to personal philanthropy. Through Folashade Ayoade Initiative for Widows and Orphans, she has sponsored the education of underprivileged students, supported widows, and built an orphanage for orphans. These interventions, often conducted quietly without media fanfare, reflect a philosophy that public office is ultimately about touching lives.
These achievements no doubt reflect the unwavering commitment to the vision of Governor Ododo for a secure, prosperous, and inclusive Kogi State.
The management and Staff of the Kogi SGS Office must be commended for their unflinching support to Dr. (Mrs.) F.A. Ayoade, who has ensured the success recorded.
In all, it is worthy to State that Mrs. Folashade Arike Ayoade, Ph.D as Secretary to the Government of Kogi State has done the unusual, as it is already obvious that if given a higher responsibility, she will not disappoint.
Therefore, former Governor Yahaya Bello should be commended for the choice of Dr. (Mrs.) Ayoade as Kogi SGS during his tenure, and the incumbent, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, a successful student of the FGYB School of Leadership, also saw the potential in her, hence her reappointment.
Undoubtedly, Mrs. Folashade Arike Ayoade, Ph.D, is a pride of Kogi State and Nigeria, standing as an exemplary figure for women who aspire to greatness.
– Emmanuel Oluwakorede is a Journalist and writes from Lokoja.
