Kunle Adelabu
The Tutor – General/ Permanent Secretary, Education District II, Mrs Anike Adekanye, is bowing out in a grand style, thirty – five years after her meritorious and excellent service to Lagos State.
In continuation of her pre – retirement activities, Staff of Education District II, in collaboration with the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary School (ANCOPPS) Lagos State, and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), in the district, hosted her grand reception at the District Hadquarters, Maryland, Lagos, on Monday.
A football novelty match had been (last Thursday) organized in her honour by the District.
At the retirement celebration on Monday, stakeholders paid glowing tributes to the outgoing Tutor – General/Permanent Secretary, who was posted to the District II five years ago and within the period instituted the culture of excellence and made the district number one not just in Lagos State but the entire country.
Honourable Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Honourable Jamiu Tolani Ali-Balogun, speaking at the ceremony lauded the retiring TG/PS’s impacts on District II, stating that, “It takes a lot for someone to make an impact but the retiring TG/PS has made hers.”
He was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Bisola Dokunmu-Adegbite.
The Commissioner praised her leadership for the excellent status attained in District II under her leadership, emphasing that under her tutorship, the district emerged as the best.
Hon. Alli – Balogun commended the Principals for turning out in large number to honour her.
In her own remarks, Mrs Mopelola Peregrino, Chairman, Lagos State Teaching Service Commission, represented by, Mrs. Kafayat Ajenifuja, also acknowledged the dedicated and selfless service of Mrs Adekanye and congratulated her on her successful retirement.
“Your legacy in District II will be felt for years to come. Your unwavering dedication, exceptional leadership and profound commitment to the advancement of education in Lagos State have left us an indelible mark. We celebrate your legacy of service, integrity and excellence,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the Chairman, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LSUBEB), Hon. Babatunde Ademola also congratulated the retiree and wished her well after her exit from the service.
Mrs Adenike Adelaja, who spoke paid tribute on behalf of Education District II and said that the district will never forget her outgoing boss for her efforts in making it to an unbeatable and excellent district.
The Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary Education District IV, Mr. Olusegun Osinaike, while speaking on behalf of others, commended Mrs. Adekanye for her contribution in lifting the standard of education in Lagos State, adding that the teaching service and the state in general will miss her greatly.
In her emotional response, Mrs. Anike Adekanye expressed deep gratitude for the honour, saying, “I am overwhelmed by this show of love and appreciation. Serving Education District II and Lagos State at large has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. I thank everyone who walked this journey with me.”
She also acknowledged the unwavering support of her family, particularly her husband, Hon. Oladele Adekanye, who stood by her throughout her career.
Students from schools across Education District II presented cultural performances and renditions in praise of their outgoing Tutor – General.
Also at the ceremony were Hon. Adekanye, husband of the retiree, Board members from the Lagos State Teaching Service Commission, Board members of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, Tutor-Generals/Permanent Secretaries across Lagos State Education Districts, the Chairman, Lagos State Public Service Club and retired Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary of Education District VI, Dr. (Mrs.) Sherifatu Yusuf, among others.
