New Oyo NOA Director, Ajolayo Akande, Assumes Office Amidst Torrents of Prayers
The Oyo State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) witnessed a spiritually charged atmosphere on Monday, June 24, as Mrs. Ajolayo Sinmiat Akande formally assumed office as the new Director of the agency. Her arrival was met with a cascade of prayers from staff and well-wishers, marking the beginning of her tenure with strong spiritual and emotional support.
Mrs. Akande, who officially received her appointment letter from the agency’s national headquarters earlier in the day, was warmly received by the management team at the state office. The brief but emotionally resonant event saw both Christian and Muslim staff offering prayers for wisdom, strength, and divine guidance as she takes on the leadership of the Oyo NOA.
In her inaugural remarks, the new director expressed deep gratitude to God, attributing her elevation to divine intervention rather than mere coincidence. “My assumption to this seat is more divine than being fortuitous,” she declared. She prayed for continuous divine elevation not just for herself but for all her colleagues as well, affirming her faith in the supreme being who “designs and perfects the ways of all creatures.”
Mrs. Akande also used the opportunity to pay tribute to her predecessor, Dr. Olukemi Afolayan, who has been promoted to the national level as Director of Civic Values and Democracy Education at the NOA headquarters in Abuja. She described Dr. Afolayan as a mentor and a pillar of support during her low moments, praising her for the guidance and encouragement that helped shape her career path.
“I thank her for being my fortress during trying times,” Mrs. Akande said, adding that the former director’s impact on her life and others in the agency was profound and enduring. She also acknowledged numerous unnamed individuals whose timely words and acts of encouragement acted as stepping stones in her journey to the top.
The new NOA director did not fail to extend heartfelt appreciation to the Director General of the agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu. She commended his leadership and strategic expansion of the agency’s organogram, which has opened promotion opportunities for staff members who had been stagnated for years due to lack of vacancies.
“His restructuring efforts have brought hope and motivation to many staff who once felt stuck in their roles,” she noted. “Like Oliver Twist, we believe the DG would do even more to move the agency forward and set it on a deserving pedestal.”
Following her address, the event transitioned into an interfaith prayer session. Both Muslim and Christian members of staff prayed fervently for Mrs. Akande’s success, asking for divine wisdom, courage, and grace to lead the Oyo NOA to new heights of accomplishment and impact.
The management staff, heads of departments, and desk officers all expressed joy and satisfaction at the appointment of one of their own to lead the agency. Many of them described her as a hardworking and committed officer whose years of dedicated service had earned her the respect and support of her peers. They pledged their unflinching loyalty and support for her administration.
With a renewed sense of unity and hope, the Oyo State Directorate of NOA begins a new chapter under the leadership of Mrs. Ajolayo Sinmiat Akande, one that many staffers believe will usher in a period of growth, motivation, and excellence.