ONDO FINANCE COMMISSIONER: A JEWEL OF INESTIMABLE VALUE.

By Comrade Olabode Akinwale

SATURDAY the 25th of October, 2025 will forever remain an unforgettable day in the life of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Ówó, Ondo State.

The day marked the first time in 13 years that the school will convocate its graduating students in a ceremonious way.

For 13 years the state’s owned institution has not being financially buoyant enough as to organize a befitting convocation ceremony for its graduates.

The Polytechnic which is about 40 years old has become a shadow of its old self due to neglect by successive governments.

Salary payment were inconsistent, pension and gratuity payment non existent while infrastructural decay became the signpost of the school.

The institution could hardly do anything substantial. Subvention or Running Grant were never released or at worse released piece meal, which made any serious planning impossible.

Then came the government of Hon (Dr) Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

Immediately after the swearing in of the Governor on 27 December, 2023 the fortune of the Polytechnic changed for good.

The efforts and financial dexterity of the state’s finance team led by Mrs (Chief) Omowunmi Isaac helped to reorder the finances of the Sunshine State and N2Billion was made available to the Polytechnic as bailouts in two installments.

Before this time, the Polytechnic’s workers were owed about 14 month salary arrears.

Again by cheer financial astuteness, the state paid about 6 months salary out of the 14 months owed the workers and for this unprecedented magic wand the school’s workers composed a praise song in appreciation of the Governor and his team.

As at today, all the outstanding salaries have been paid and monthly salary are now paid as and when due.

The pension and gratuities of retired workers have also been settled.

The infrastructural decay that has become an eye sore have now given way to a more beautiful and well reconstructed edifice..

The school management and students who have waited years in, year out for their convocation and those who now see new and more attractive infrastructures on their campus could not hid their happiness and appreciation for the state government especially the Governor, Hon (Dr) Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the Honorable Commissioner for Finance – Mrs (Chief) Omowunmi Isaac.

It was because the government of Aiyedatiwa paid the 13 years Accumulated Expenses meant to cover the 13 years joint convocation, that made the ceremony to hold.

The Polytechnic Council’s Award of Recognition and Appreciation for the Honorable Commissioner is well deserved.

That Award is another feather in the hat of the first female Commissioner for Finance in Ondo State.

In her response after the Award presentation, the UK trained financial and accounting expert expressed her appreciation and joy thus:

“I would like to dedicate this award to my late father, Alhaji Adefemi Adegoke Yusuf a.k.a Odide KAJOLA — a man of deep principle, unwavering integrity, and quiet strength. His wisdom and discipline shaped the foundation of who I am today.”

She also went further by saying that “The values he instilled in me — of service, humility, and excellence — continue to guide every decision I make, both personally and in public life. It was through his example that I learned that true leadership begins with character, and that our duty is not to ourselves but to the people we serve.”

“This recognition is not mine alone; it is a reflection of his legacy living through me.
May his gentle soul continue to rest in perfect peace.”

Although, the remarks of the Honorable Commissioner did downplay her role in giving life back to the Polytechnic but the fact is not lost on every right thinking indigene of Ondo State, especially members of the Polytechnic community that the Finance Commissioner is the X – factor in the equation of the institution’s new success story.

Its hoped now that normalcy has returned to the institution, that the workers and students will reciprocate the state government’s good gesture.

Its now an indisputable fact that Ondo State is lucky with a jewel of inestimable value as its Commissioner for Finance.

The EASE is here.

Comrade Olabode Akinwale writes from Akure, Ondo State