Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti
A University Don, Professor Olumide Ogundipe has said corruption, substandard materials, Poor workmanship and lack of maintenance culture are responsible for the incessant road failures in Nigeria.
Professor Olumide, an engineer, of the Department of Civil Engineering at the Ekiti State University said this while delivering a public lecture organised by the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers(NICE) Ekiti State Chapter in honour of the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Engineer Johnson Oluwole Adeola on his retirement and birthday celebrations at the ministry of works Ado Ekiti on 8th December 2023.
While celebrating the retiree, Engineer Johnson Oluwole whom he described as an astute and level-headed civil servant who has served humanity in various capacities, said Nigeria would have been a better place if everyone would emulate his personality.
The lecture, titled “Road Failures : Causes and Solutions” highlighted the causes of road failures, types of road failures and subsequently stated the solutions, which includes proper examination of the foundations, use of standard materials, adoption of mechanical designs, budgeting for maintenance and investment in other modes of transportations, as well as making sure corruption and all elements of syphoning funds meant for the general well-being of the people are prevented.
Earlier, the Head of Service, Engineer Sunday Komolafe did not mince words in extolling the virtues of Engineer Adeola, a man he described as a senior colleague and a father to his junior ones in the civil service.
He declared that the civil service will surely miss the permanent secretary whom he described as an icon.
In his own words, the chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers in Ekiti State, Engineer Ayodele Banji Ayegbusi said the life of Engineer Adeola is a testimony that there are Angels in human form.
“When I came into the civil service, he welcomed me like his own blood and would do everything within his power to make sure we feel at home.
“He helped many of us find our feet and the way he relates with us one will think he is our mate but yet the fact is he was far above us all in everything.”
Engineer Ayegbusi described Engineer Johnson as brilliant, quiet and an easy going person. “He is always ready to assist you in any means possible” he concluded.
The celebrant, Engineer Adeola who could not contain his joy described his experience as a memorable one which was full of ups and downs in his 35 years of service.
He was full of praises to the Almighty God, his family, friends and associates , the workers he was leaving behind as he bows out of service in a grand style after 35 years of meritorious service which coincidentally marks his 60th birthday anniversary.
Engineer Adeola joined the civil service on 8th of March 1989 from the old Ondo state and redeployed to Ado Ekiti when Ekiti state was created in 1996.
Engineer Johnson, who was once a Lecturer at the University of Ado Ekiti now Ekiti State University, was presented with many awards, gifts and words of commendations from friends, junior colleagues, former students and well wishers.
The event had in attendance the Head of Service in Ekiti State, Engineer Sunday Komolafe, Mr. Babatunde Patrick Adesola, the Permanent Secretary, Central Internal Audit, Prof. Olumide Moses and many other dignitaries.
