OSPA honours 3 retirees, appreciates Egbewole
By Mustafa Abubakar
The Okun Security Progressive Association (OSPA) of the University of Ilorin has honoured three of its retired members at a send-off ceremony organised to celebrate their meritorious years of service and contributions to the Association, the Directorate of Security and the University community.
The honourees are Elder Samuel Medayese, former Vice Chairman of the Association; Mr Solomon Idowu Adeleye, former Financial Secretary; and Mr Benjamin Ogunbiyi, who was represented by his children.
Speaking at the ceremony, the President of OSPA, Rev. Femi Olatunji, expressed appreciation to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, and the University management for their continued support and encouragement to the Association.
He said the support had significantly contributed to the ability of the Association to promote unity, welfare and mutual support among its members.
The President also commended the University Security Directorate for its understanding, cooperation and support, noting that such collaboration remained important to maintaining a peaceful, safe and conducive environment for teaching, learning and other University activities.
He urged members to remain actively involved in the activities of the Association, stressing that its growth and effectiveness depended on the commitment and participation of its members.
The President prayed for the Vice Chancellor, the University management, the retirees, serving members and the entire University community, seeking God’s continued protection, guidance, good health and prosperity for all.
Speaking on behalf of the Acting Director of Security, Mr Paul Ogidi, the OC Administration, Security, Mr Abubakar Ismaila Ibrahim, commended OSPA for organising the ceremony.
He described the celebration of retirees while they were alive as a worthy tradition and urged members to sustain the spirit of togetherness and mutual support.
Representing the Chairman of the Okun Association at the University, Prof. Arosanyin, Dr Obasanjo Balogun of the Department of Criminology and Security Studies stressed the importance of unity, cooperation and security awareness.
He commended the organisers for recognising and celebrating the contributions of veteran officers, saying the gesture would help preserve their legacy and strengthen the bond among members.
Also speaking, Mrs Ogunlade prayed for long life and prosperity for the retirees and encouraged members, particularly female members and families, to remain supportive of one another.
In his lecture, Pastor Onibede Mathew charged members on love, unity and lending a helping hand, urging them on the spiritual and practical benefits of active association membership and unity, while praying for the protection and financial prosperity of the retirees and serving staff.
The Chairman of the ceremony, Mr Elewa Sunday Adewumi, challenged the leadership and members to consolidate efforts towards bringing all Okun indigenes within the University together under one strong umbrella.
A past President of OSPA, Rev. J. Oni, advised serving officers on the importance of early financial planning and savings before retirement, as well as the task of bringing all Okun members in the University of Ilorin together.
Responding on behalf of the honourees, one of the retirees, Mr Adeleye Solomon, reflected on their years in active public service, describing retirement as a period to look back with gratitude on the experiences, challenges and achievements that shaped their careers.
He urged serving staff to remain dedicated, uphold integrity and work as a team despite the challenges they might encounter in the course of their duties.
While appreciating the University management, OSPA executives, donors, families and other guests for their contributions to the success of the event, Elder Z. O. Aiyedijah disclosed that benefits await membership of the association.
The event featured the presentation of plaques and gifts to the retirees, donation, goodwill messages, prayers and reflections on their years of service.
