Management and staffers of Ondo State Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry on Friday, 26th January , 2024, celebrated the former Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Hon. Olayato Aribo for providing quality leadership during his tenure in one of the biggest Ministries in Ondo State.

Encomiums were poured on Hon.Olayato Aribo for what he was able to achieve during his 2 years in office, which were described by many as unprecedented positive turnaround in the Agriculture and Forestry sectors of the economy.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (Agriculture sector), Mr Edward Tubosun Ogunmola, said after a decade in darkness, Hon. Aribo facilitated the connection of electricity supply back to the ministry.

He also described him as an unbiased Commissioner while in office, stressing that he believes so much in the ability and capability of civil servants in the ministry.

The Permanent Secretary added that the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project became activated due to the quality leadership styles displayed by Hon. Olayato.

In the same vein, the Permanent Secretary, Forestry and Produce sector of the Ministry, Mr Oluwagbenga Akingbasote, mni described the former Commissioner as a God-fearing boss who will never compromise anything, adding that such attitude also manifests in his way of life.

Mr Akingbasote further described the former Commissioner as a visionary leader and a highly innovative personality who always plan ahead, noting that the legacies he left behind will continue to speak volumes after him.

Responding, the celebrant, Hon. Olayato Aribo appreciated the management and the entire workforce of the Ministry for celebrating him after his meritorious service to the people of the state.

He said: “Today marks a bitter and sweet moment for me as I stand before you to bid farewell to a chapter that has been an integral part of my life.

” As I leave the position of Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry in Ondo State, I am filled with a myriad of emotions, gratitude, nostalgia, and anticipation for the next phase of my journey” he said.

The former Commissioner added that the ministry has sown seeds of progress and innovation in the Agricultural landscape of the state, through modernized farming practices to promote sustainable forest management.