Works Department honours Abidoye, Banigbe, 15 others, as VC sends appreciation
By Mustafa Abubakar
The Works Department of the University of Ilorin has honoured a former Acting Director of Works, Mrs Amudalat Mopelola Abidoye; and Chief Peter Banigbe, Electrical Unit, alongside 15 other staff members, on their retirement after years of meritorious service to the University.
The programme, tagged Works Department Annual Get-Together and Send-Forth 2024–2025, was held last Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at the University Multi-Purpose Hall.
Other retirees honoured include, Mr Ajiboye Joshua, Mr Musliu Jimoh, Mr Faruq Soliu, Mr Kamaldeen Salami, Mr Taiwo Gbenga, Mr Abdulsalam Haruna, Mr Agbale Theophilus, Mr David Iyanda, Mr Wahab Adeyemo, Mr Adefila Adeyinka, Mr Julius Amao, Mr Sasere Joseph, Mr Mohammed Bello, Mr Isiaka Ishola, and Mr Babatunde Yusuf.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion and Vice Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof Adegboyega Adisa Fawole, appreciated the retirees for their dedication and selfless service to the University.
He described them as quiet nation-builders whose technical expertise and loyalty had contributed immensely to the growth, safety and functionality of the institution.
The Vice Chancellor further noted that the Works Department remained one of the critical backbones of the University, whose efficiency determined the quality of teaching, learning and research environment.
He commended the retirees for upholding professionalism, discipline and commitment throughout their years of service, adding that their legacy of hard work would continue to guide younger officers.
In his lecture titled, “Without Good Health, Life Is Meaningless,” the Director of Health Services, Dr Rasheed Odunola, emphasised that “health is wealth,” and commended the Works Department for deliberately incorporating health education into its welfare programme.
Represented by Dr Caroline F Kolawole, the Director explained that health goes beyond the absence of illness and involves complete physical, mental, social and emotional wellbeing.
He urged staff, especially retirees, to adopt healthy eating habits, drink adequate water, reduce intake of fried foods, alcohol and energy drinks, and engage in regular exercise such as walking.
Dr Odunola also stressed the importance of regular medical check-ups, including blood pressure, blood sugar, prostate screening for men, breast examination for women, and eye pressure tests to prevent glaucoma. He further encouraged stress management, workplace safety and continued access to healthcare through the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) after retirement, advising them to live within the limits of their health status and age.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Deputy Director, Estate Unit, Dr Kale Sahid Baba; the Deputy Director, Works, Mr Yunus Olanrewaju; the Deputy Director, Electrical, Mr J. S. Adebayo; the Head, Mechanical Unit, Mr Isa Haroon; and Head, Parks and Gardens, Mr Iwolodun Elesanmi, praised the retirees for their commitment, loyalty and technical competence, describing them as dependable officers who served with integrity and dedication.
Earlier in his remarks, the Director of Works, Engr Ramoni Kolawole Amoo, described the retirees as pillars of professionalism and commitment whose contributions greatly strengthened the University’s physical and technical infrastructure.
He thanked the Vice Chancellor and the University Management for their continuous support, noting that no leader succeeds alone and that the progress recorded in the Works Department was a product of teamwork, unity and collective responsibility.
Engr Amoo also appreciated staff for sustaining the departmental welfare scheme, which made the event possible, and charged them to improve in punctuality, prompt response to service calls and integrity in all dealings, stressing that the University community remained their primary customers.
Engr Amoo disclosed that the Department lost two staff during the year, Mr James Ajagbe; and Mr Adolphus, who were also expected to be one of the celebrants, and a minute of silence was observed in their honour.
The event also witnessed special recognition awards to: Mr Muritala Ibrahim, Civil/Building; Mr Musbau T Durijaiye, COHS-Works; Engr Lucky Azobu, Electrical; Mr Akeem Bakare, Estate; Mr Semiu Komolafe, Mechanical (Plant Operator); Mr Oloyede Waheed, Mechanical (Driver); and Mr Sunday Alabi, Parks and Gardens.
Members of the Works Department Welfare Committee were equally commended for their dedication. They include Engr S.O. Aloga; Mrs F.F. Bello; Mrs G.F. Alabi; Mr Tunji Lawal; Engr Tosin Obafemi; Mr M.O. Luqman; Engr Abdullahi Sulaiman; and Engr Afusat Idowu.
In separate remarks, Engr Amudalat Mopelola Abidoye, who was the Guest of Honour, and Chief Peter Banigbe, expressed gratitude to the University Management and the Works Department for the honour, describing their years of service as fulfilling and praying for the continued growth and progress of the institution.
Engr Abidoye also reflected on her career journey, noting that the challenges and successes she experienced enriched her knowledge and strengthened her resolve to serve the University with excellence. She encouraged younger staff to uphold integrity, perseverance, and professionalism, emphasising that these qualities were the foundation for lasting impact in any organisation.
She further stated that the mentorship and collaboration within the Works Department were invaluable in achieving collective goals, and she expressed hope that her contributions would inspire future generations of officers to continue building a strong, reliable and efficient department.
Chief Banigbe, in his additional remarks, recounted memorable experiences during his years of service, highlighting the importance of teamwork and dedication in overcoming technical and operational challenges.
He urged the younger officers to take pride in their work, maintain high standards, and serve with loyalty and honesty to ensure the continued success of the University.
Present at the event were members of University Management, including the Deputy Vice Chancellor (RTI), Prof. Muhtar Etudaye; the University Librarian, Prof. Kamaldeen Tunde Omopupa; representatives of the Registrar, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla; the Deputy Registrar, Council Office, Mrs Mary Olayemi; the Director of Physical Planning Unit (PPU), Mr Toyin Jimoh; former Directors and Deputy Directors of Works, heads of units, colleagues, family members and friends of the retirees.
