By Kayode Olopade
After 24 years of meritorious service, Mrs. Harriet Olufunmilayo Adesanya, fondly known as Iya Willy, on Thursday retired from the Lagos State Public Service amid a colourful and emotion-laden send-off ceremony held at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja.
Until her retirement, Adesanya served as Director, Information Production in the Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, where she earned widespread respect as a consummate professional, dependable team player, and mentor to many.
The well-attended ceremony drew top government officials, family members, friends, and colleagues, who paid glowing tributes to a career marked by diligence, integrity, and unwavering commitment to public service.
In a keynote address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Lanre Bajulaiye, described the retiree as a cheerful and dedicated officer who consistently delivered results within stipulated timelines. Represented by the Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Segun Ogundeji, Bajulaiye noted that her departure would be deeply felt, particularly within the Information Production Department.
He commended her exemplary service and wished her success in her future endeavours.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service/Public Service Office, Mrs. Sunkanmi Oyegbola,ak.a. 'Sukilicioussuky' 'recalled her long-standing personal relationship with the retiree, describing her as a dependable and hardworking individual, though tough, but goes the extra mile to achieve results. She expressed appreciation to the organisers for hosting a befitting send-off in honour of her friend and former roommate at the University of Ibadan.
In his goodwill message, a former Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. Olumide Shogunle, described Adesanya as a “go-getter” who could be relied upon to deliver assignments at short notice. “With her on the job, you could go to sleep with both eyes closed,” he remarked.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Director, Information Production, Mrs. Folashade Kadiri, described the occasion as a moment of shared pride and gratitude, noting that the impressive turnout reflected the deep bonds within the ministry.
“Moments like these remind us of how invaluable we are to one another—not just as colleagues, but as a family united by purpose and genuine affection,” she said.
Kadiri commended the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, the Permanent Secretary, directors, and staff for their support in organising the event, describing the retiree as “a beautiful soul whose presence has enriched the workplace and inspired many.”
In an emotional tribute, the retiree’s husband, Mr. Adeola Adesanya, said he was not surprised by the accolades showered on his wife, noting that she maintained the same admirable character both at home and at work.
“She has been a worthy ambassador of the Adesanya family in the Lagos State Public Service. As you retire today, you will not retire into ill health,” he prayed.
In her response, Mrs. Adesanya expressed profound gratitude to the Lagos State Government, her colleagues, and her family for their unwavering support throughout her career. She said she was leaving the service fulfilled and proud of her contributions.
The ceremony featured music, presentations, and the presentation of gifts as tokens of appreciation for her years of dedicated service.
Colleagues and well-wishers offered prayers and goodwill messages, expressing confidence that her legacy of excellence, professionalism, and motherly guidance—qualities that earned her the affectionate nickname Iya Willy would continue to inspire future generations within and beyond the Lagos State Public Service.
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