Gafar Alabi,

The Management and Staff of the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) have celebrated the Chairman, Evang. Olalekan Ifede, on his 66th birthday, describing him as a visionary, selfless and God-fearing leader who understands basic education administration and prioritises staff welfare.

Speaking at the event which took place at the Board’s Conference Room, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Permanent Member IV of the Board, Hon. Akeem Balogun, described the Chairman as a loving and responsive leader who served as a father figure to his staff, prayed for his long life, good health and prosperity.

Earlier, the Board Secretary, Mrs. Olubunmi Oso, described the celebrant as a game changer and committed team player whose contributions had positively impacted the Board, noting that his leadership had strengthened love, unity and cooperation among staff members.

She also expressed satisfaction with working alongside him, commending his leadership style and wishing him good health, greater accomplishments and many more years of impactful service.

Lending their voices, the Education Secretary, Imeko-Afon, Tpl. Paul Ayoola and the Headteacher-General of the Egba Division, Mrs. Folake Onabajo, commended the celebrant’s leadership and positive impact on lives, describing him as a caring father who prioritises staff welfare. They wished him greater achievements in the years ahead.

Responding, Evang. Ifede, described birthdays as opportunities to appreciate God for the gift of life, urging staff to embrace kindness, humility, faithfulness and mutual respect, irrespective of their positions, expressed gratitude to the staff for their support and pledged to do more to improve their welfare. 

He emphasised the need for effective monitoring and appropriate systems to enhance service delivery, while encouraging staff to remain patient, trust in God and uphold good character, commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for facilitating access to Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) counterpart funds up to 2026, noting that the achievement had enhanced Ogun SUBEB’s standing among its counterparts nationwide.