Celebration and Hope Take Centre Stage as Information and Civic Orientation Department Ushers in a Promising New Year.

Celebration and Hope Take Centre Stage as Information and Civic Orientation Department Ushers in a Promising New Year.

By: Asubiojo G. O.

The Information and Civic Orientation Department of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government on Monday ushered in the new administrative year in an atmosphere of joy, thanksgiving, and renewed hope, as management and staff converged for a colourful celebration marked by spirited praises, vibrant dancing, and heartfelt fellowship.

The occasion radiated unity and cultural elegance, with staff appearing in outstanding modern and traditional attire, beautifully complemented by distinctive headgears and caps. Under the leadership of the Director, Mr. Asubiojo, voices were lifted in praise and thanksgiving to God Almighty, acknowledging His grace, mercy, and divine protection throughout 2025, and for ushering the department into a promising new year in sound health and renewed opportunities.

Speaking at the event, the Head of Local Government Administration (HLA), Mrs. Akinbobola Deborah-B, commended the department for its strong spirit of unity, cooperation, and mutual understanding. She described the gathering as a clear reflection of internal harmony, applauding the collective gratitude to God and the warm fellowship shared during the celebration.

Mrs. Akinbobola further charged staff to enhance their official efficiency and productivity by upgrading their professional qualifications. Drawing from her humble beginnings, she encouraged staff to remain steadfast in faith, emphasizing the power of absolute trust in God. She also assured the department that, given its exceptional performance—being one of the best in the Local Government—the provision of a more conducive, expansive, and aesthetically pleasing office space would be accorded top priority.

Delivering a pragmatic address on behalf of the Executive Chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, the Surveyor-General, Mrs. Adelola, expressed deep satisfaction with the unity and love displayed among members of the department. She described the atmosphere as impressive and motivating, urging staff to remain committed and responsive to their duties, just as they had demonstrated in previous years. She further assured that the request for a larger office space to accommodate the hardworking staff of the department would be presented to the proactive and kind-hearted Chairman for objective consideration.

In a collective response, staff members demonstrated remarkable camaraderie through cheerful interactions, humour, and positive engagement. The opportunity was also used to respectfully appeal for a more spacious and comfortable office environment to further enhance productivity in the new year.

Mr. Adedipe Olakitan, a benevolent staff member, rendered gratitude to the Holy Trinity for the success of the gathering, expressing confidence that the department would attain greater heights in the year ahead. He attributed this optimism to the efficiency, effectiveness, and brilliance of the Director.

Also speaking, Barrister Wale Fajuyigbe, a highly professional and articulate moderator, expressed delight at the occasion and appreciated Mr. Asubiojo for his inclusive leadership style and consistent encouragement of staff, both in official duties and personal development. He described the Director as morally supportive, accessible, and people-centred.

Mrs. Omolayo Okeowo expressed profound gratitude for her posting to the department, noting that her administrative focus and social life had gained renewed purpose and direction since joining the team.

In his characteristic manner, Mr. Augustine Tope offered prayers for increased love, divine grace, sound health, and excellent vision for all members of the department, expressing hope for even greater performance than the previous year.

Reflecting on his professional journey, Mr. Afolabi Sunday spoke of his long-standing relationship with the Director, stating that he had no regrets working in the department, having witnessed tangible achievements rooted in love, teamwork, and dedication over the years.

The NULGE Chairman, Comrade Aina Olawole, praised the establishment of the department and its notable achievements since inception. He commended the Director and the HLA for their unwavering support and commitment, describing the department—despite being one of the newest—as outstanding and officially impressive. He offered prayers for the Director’s elevation and for continued growth and upliftment of the department.

Similarly, Prince Adekunle expressed excitement and delight at the occasion, offering prayers for sustained excellence and greater achievements for the department.

The Deputy Director, Mrs. Salawu Esther, described the day as one that would remain eternally memorable in her life. She appreciated her colleagues for their love, dedication, and commitment to duty, while giving special commendation to the Director, whom she described as selfless, humane, altruistic, and exemplary in leadership.

In his closing remarks, the Director of the Department, Mr. Asubiojo, offered profound thanksgiving and adoration to God for His unwavering support over the years. He appreciated staff for their diligence, unity, and collective effort in turning vision into reality, expressing strong confidence that the new year would usher in greater excellence and glory.

The celebration concluded in a relaxed and refreshing atmosphere, featuring assorted fruit-flavoured wines, soft drinks, palm wine, sumptuous meals, snacks, and beverages. Music, singing, dancing, laughter, and warm conversations filled the air, making the event a memorable landmark in the history of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government.

As the echoes of praise gradually gave way to quiet reflections, the gathering stood as more than a celebration—it became a declaration of unity, faith, and renewed purpose. Anchored by gratitude for the past and strengthened by hope for the future, the Information and Civic Orientation Department steps confidently into the new year, poised to deepen its impact, elevate service delivery, and write yet another inspiring chapter in the progressive journey of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government.