It was a day of glowing tributes, emotional moments, and celebration of excellence as Dr. Olukemi Afolayan, the outgoing Oyo State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), formally bowed out of her role to assume a new position as the National Director of Civic, Values, and Democracy Education at the NOA headquarters in Abuja.
The send-off ceremony, held in Ibadan, attracted dignitaries from across government and civil society, including the Special Adviser to the Governor on Finance, Budget and Planning, Alhaji Kolawole Gafar Bello (representing the Governor), the Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, former and serving NOA directors, media professionals, market leaders, and other stakeholders.
In her farewell speech, Dr. Afolayan expressed gratitude to God, her parents, and the NOA Director General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, whom she hailed as a visionary leader. She also commended the Oyo State government, the media, and other partners for their unwavering support during her tenure.
Notable Achievements as Oyo NOA Director:
Organized 79 mega town hall meetings across the state
Conducted advocacy engagements with over 500 Mogajis (traditional leaders)
Facilitated 106 sensitization programs, including public health and security awareness campaigns
Reached over 300 primary and secondary schools
Played a pivotal role in the federal government’s recognition and compensation to the late Michael Akinkunmi’s family
Successfully implemented key national programmes such as the National Integrity Programme (NIP), anti-get-rich-quick campaigns, and hygiene education initiatives
Touching Moments and Commendations: Emotions ran high when the Iyaloja of Ibadanland, Alhaja Iswat Amerigun, broke into tears while paying tribute to Dr. Afolayan, underscoring her impact on market women and the larger community.
In their tributes, stakeholders described Dr. Afolayan as a passionate advocate for social justice, a leader of integrity, and a friend of the press.
“You have an exceptional personality and a true friend to the press. Your promotion is well-deserved and your absence will be deeply felt,” said Mr. Ademola Babalola, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State.
Veteran broadcaster Mayor Isaac Brown remarked: “Her one year and six months as Director felt like a decade of impact.”
Former NOA Oyo Director, Baale Moshood Olaleye, described her as a “dogged striker” whose promotion came as no surprise.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of an award of excellence by the Oyo State NUJ in recognition of Dr. Afolayan’s remarkable contributions to public enlightenment and her exemplary relationship with the media.
Dr. Afolayan pledged to continue her commitment to national development and promised to be a worthy ambassador of Oyo State in her new role.