Umahi Hails Retired Works Perm Sec, Adeladan for Dedication to Duty

The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has praised Mr Rafiu Olarinre Adeladan, the immediate past Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, for his dedication to duty and service to Nigeria. Umahi was represented by the Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, at Adeladan's retirement ceremony in Abuja. Goronyo described Adeladan as a God-fearing and silent achiever who will never be forgotten.

Goronyo conveyed the Minister's best wishes, noting that Adeladan served with distinction and sacrificed his comfort to ensure the delivery of President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, including the flag-off of numerous road projects. Adeladan was commended for his commitment to excellence in service delivery and his role in mentoring several procurement officers. He was appointed a Federal Permanent Secretary by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and served at the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy before being moved to the Works Ministry.

In his response, Adeladan expressed gratitude to God for a successful career in public service and thanked his parents, wife, and colleagues for their support. He urged serving public officers to remain steadfast and resilient in their duties and committed to national development. Adeladan also appreciated the management and staff of the Ministry of Works for organising his send-off and prayed for the ministry's continued success.

Born on 26 August 1966, Adeladan hails from Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State. He began his education at Okegboho Baptist Primary School, Igboho, and proceeded to Irepo Grammar School, Igboho, and Oliver Baptist High School, Oyo. Adeladan obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Ibadan in 1989 and later earned a Master of Science degree in Industrial/Organisational Psychology from the same institution in 1993.

Adeladan commenced his professional career in 1993 as a Personnel Officer in the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Services. He received an Award of Excellence and was recommended for conversion to the Planning Cadre in 1995. With the creation of the Procurement Cadre in 2008, he transitioned as one of its pioneer officers and underwent specialised training as a Procurement Officer under the World Bank-Assisted Health Systems Development Project II.

Over the years, Adeladan built extensive professional experience through participation in several national and international conferences and training programmes. These include the E-Government Procurement Training at Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., and Procurement for Policy Makers, organised by the International Law Institute, Washington, D.C. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria and served as a key adviser to Permanent Secretaries on procurement-related matters.

Adeladan is a devoted family man, happily married with five children. Before his elevation to the position of Federal Permanent Secretary, he served as Director of Procurement at the Federal Ministry of Works. His 35 years of meritorious service have earned him recognition and commendation from the Minister of Works and other stakeholders.

Key points

• Adeladan served with distinction and sacrificed his comfort to ensure the delivery of President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.