Engr. Omosebi steps in as Engr. Akinyeye bows out as Ondo minning officer
The Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development is set to experience a new dawn with the appointment of Engineer Mayowa Omosebi as the Federal Mining Officer in charge of Ondo State.
This follows the formal handover from his predecessor, Engineer Edward Olajide Akinyeye, who retired from civil service on Friday, September 13th.
Speaking at the retirement ceremony held at the ministry complex in Igbatoro, Akure, Engineer Omosebi praised Akinyeye as a dedicated public servant, noting that his resilience means he will never truly retire.
“I don’t see him going back to sit down and do nothing. There is no advice for such people other than to continue doing good.
“Our prayer is that the good Lord will continue to be with him,” Omosebi remarked.
Omosebi highlighted that he had gained valuable experience working alongside Akinyeye in various offices across the country.
He credited this experience with shaping his own career, stating that Akinyeye’s intelligent questioning in meetings made him stand out as a role model and mentor.
“He is resilient and diligent. Engineer Jide Akinyeye is someone who is very technically grounded. If you call him at any time, he can quote the mining law as if it were his Bible.
There is no part of the Minerals Act that he cannot recite. He is always a game changer,” Omosebi added.
Engineer Bamisaye Eyitayo also spoke at the event, describing Akinyeye as a factual and strict individual, though acknowledging some minor lapses.
He prayed for God’s continued support and encouraged Akinyeye to remain steadfast in facing future challenges.
Miner Temiloluwa Alexander Oluwalade shared that he would miss Akinyeye’s fearlessness and bold approach to addressing issues, noting that Akinyeye consistently supported operators despite challenges.
In his remarks, the retiring officer, Edward Olajide Akinyeye, expressed gratitude for the kind words shared about him and thanked his colleagues for their support throughout his career.
He recounted his success in reducing illegal mining activities in Ondo State through staff collaboration and cooperation with security agencies.
He also introduced initiatives to provide workers with equipment for artisanal mining to enhance service delivery.
“We were able to reduce undue interference from subnational entities, including local governments and communities, and ensured adequate enlightenment for those in the mining business,” Akinyeye said.
Akinyeye emphasized the importance of maintaining good human relations, conducting thorough investigations, and fostering open administration.
He advised his successor to support teamwork and ensure transparency in all operations.
Akinyeye, who turns 60 today Sunday, September 15th, plans to begin consultancy services post-retirement, continuing his contributions to society.
