Kunle Adelabu
-Honoured by OCOSAN, ANCOPS, NUT, others
Mr. Akeem Oladimeji Bello, the School Administrator/Principal, Oriwu Model Senior College Ikorodu, has expressed fulfilment at his retirement, stating that the national and other awards that have been bestowed on him, are compensation for his efforts for contributing to the development of Lagos State and humanity in general.
Bello, who is the current Best Administrator in Nigeria, retired on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at an elaborate ceremony which also marked his 60th birthday celebration, at the College Sports Ground.
In his honour, the 1975 – 1980 Set, Oriwu College Old Students’ Association of Nigeria (OCOSAN), commissioned an interlocking road project constructed from the school’s main gate to the administrative block
The All Nigerian Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), the body that the retired Principal also belonged while in service, also presented him with Meritorious Service Award in recognition of his service to the state and the country at large.
He was also admitted into the Ikorodu NUT branch’s Elders’ Council, by the union Chairman, Comrade Oluwafemi Fakolade who attended the retirement ceremony with executives of the union.
The retired multiple award – winning Principal, speaking with THE IMPACT on his retirement, said that it has been a fulfilling experience serving the state.
“The last few months of my retirement gave me a sense of self fulfilment as a teacher. In the last two years, I won one intercontinental award, about four state awards and to my own personal credit, I have a national award”, he said.
“It has been fulfilling and I feel fulfilled as a teacher that has contributed to development in Lagos State, and I believe that the national award is one of the ways that God wanted to compensate me for the hard work and His grace upon my life for me to have done what I have done to the students, teachers and my family”.
“The last two years in Oriwu College, have been wonderful. I want to give glory to the Almighty God, because the last two years have been fulfilling in my career.
“It’s been a wonderful moment for me and the best way in life is to serve humanity as a teacher. The government has done a lot to improve education in Lagos State, and my own intention was to contribute to the development of education in the state and to build people that would be future leaders for the betterment of the society”, he said.
While relying on God for the next direction after retirement, Bello was full of appreciation for his former staff and friends for putting together a befitting retirement/birthday ceremony.
“I leave everything into the hands of God because I know that He is taking me higher and I believe in His time, the glory will shine, but I want to thank my friends because the party that you are seeing today was put together by my staff with friends providing sponsoring support”, he said.
“Today (Thursday) was meant to be a surprise because they told me that Oga, we will not tell you anything until that day, but I believe that after this party, they list of people that contributed to the success will be giving to me so that I can appreciate them and God in their lives.
“I say thank you to them and thank God for me to be part of history”, the retired Principal said.
On her successor whom he described as an award – winning individual, Mr Bello said that her knowledge of the school will make her succeed in her new duty post.
“I want to thank God for her coming. I do not know who will succeed me but since she has been transferred here, I thank God her life and mine too because I know that she will be a good successor. She is a multiple – award winner herself”, he said.
“She has been here (Oriwu College) for some time and won a national award while she was a teacher in this school. I believe that she knows the terrain and I think that it would be easy for her to weather the storm”.
Chief Labi M. Ishola Lemomu, Chairman, Board of Trustees (OCOSAN), speaking on behalf of the entire old students of the premier college in Ikorodu, expressed regret that the former Principal who, according to him, has sustained the school’s tradition of excellence and honours, has retired.
“It is with mixed feelings to give my address and goodwill message to the Best Public School Administrator in Nigeria and the Principal of the Pioneer Secondary School in Ikorodu Division, Mr. Akeem Bello, as you officially retire from Civil Service today”, the elder statesman said.
“We are happy for your achievements in the school and for the school, and at the same time, we, the Alumni of the school, want you to continue your good work in the school.
“We appreciate your meritorious service to the college, including your commitment to duty, sagacity, fatherly love, outstanding leadership qualities and styles that gave birth to many individual awards and records for yourself, awards for the current students of the college and our Alma mater. We can only say THANK YOU AND WE WISH YOU SUCCESS IN YOUR FUTURE ENDEAVORS”, he said.
The OCOSAN BOT Chairman also pledged that the body will not hesitate to support Mr Bello in retirement for his meritorious service to the school.
“The Chairman, BoT and the entire members of the Board of Trustees appreciate your support and commitments, we also promise to be of assistance to you in any ways after your retirement. Just call on us, we will be there”, he said.
“Lastly, on behalf of Oriwu College Old Students’ Association of Nigeria (OCOSAN), the Board of Trustees, National Executives and other members of our association, we say we appreciate your cooperation and support for our great association during your administration as the Principal of the Senior School”.
A childhood friend of the retiree and former Majority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, traced their journey from the same secondary school to Lagos State College of Education, Ijanikin, their teaching practice and admission into the Lagos State University, Ojo, to different programmes in establishing and buttressing how they have evolved over the years.
Agunbiade, who said that the retired Principal is an honest and hardworking man, added that his successes as the Principal of Oriwu College, has justified his posting to the school.
“He is a hardworking man. A workaholic to the core. He is a no – nonsense and blunt man. He is as blunt as his father. We are so close that you will think that he’s my blood brother. Mr Bello is a very honest man and transparent”, he said.
“When he was posted to Oriwu College, there were troubles, scheming, and troubles to contend with, but I always assured him that he shall survive it all.
“Most people never thought that Akeem Bello would retire in Oriwu College. They thought that he would be transferred because a lot of people did not want him here, but God wanted him here and He has vindicated those that wanted him here with successes.
“His declaration as the Best Administrator in Nigeria towards the end of his career is a vindication and testimony that he has served well. He has profited and he shall continue to profit”, Hon. Agunbiade added.
Mr Adekunle Arowolaja, Chairman, Imota Ayayo Development Association (IADA), described the retired Mr Bello has a selfless man who has rendered immensely service to his community, Division and humanity in general.
At the retirement ceremony, many others also showered encomiums on the retiree and presented him with gifts.
Also at event were the Agbaakin of Ikorodu Kingdom, Sir (Otunba) Ayodele Elesho, Yeye Opomulero of Ikorodu, Chief (Mrs) Adeola Agunbiade, National President, OCOSAN, Alhaji (Dr.) Hameed Sunmonu, chieftain of OCOSAN, Mrs Christiana Lee, chieftain of OCOSAN and businessman, Otunba Akin Awomodu, Commissioner, TESCCOM, Mr Adeleke Kara, retired Principal, Mr Saliu and the new Principal, Oriwu College, Agnes Elusakin and a retired Head Teacher, Mrs Bisi Bello Mustapha among others.
