Olajide Okesade Bags Oyo Labour Friendly Administrator Award

 

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Oyo State, Mr. Olajide Mamud Okesade has received Labour Friendly Award from the Nigeria Labour Congress    (NLC), Oyo State Chapter.

The NLC Award day ceremony was held at Ilaji Hotel and Sports Result Akanran road, Ibadan 

Speaking at the event, The Chairman Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Oyo State, Comrade Kayode Martins said "it is with profound honour and admiration that we celebrate an exceptional administrator, a seasoned public servant, and a committed advocate of institutional growth and workers’ welfare  Mr. Olajide Mamud Okesade.

Mr. Okesade is a quintessential civil servant whose career trajectory reflects dedication, integrity, visionary leadership and an unwavering commitment to the advancement of Oyo State Public Service.

 Born on the 11th of September, 1966, in Lagelu Local Government Area of Oyo State, he has over the decades distinguished himself as a dependable technocrat and a reform-oriented administrator with deep institutional memory and extensive experience across several Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government.

A scholar and administrator of remarkable capacity, Mr. Okesade obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Studies from the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University between 1989 and 1994. Driven by a passion for continuous learning and professional development, he later proceeded to earn a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration in 2021 and subsequently completed a Master’s Degree in Public Administration in 2024 from the same institution. 

His academic attainments further strengthened his administrative competence and broadened his strategic understanding of governance and public sector management.

Mr. Okesade’s journey in the Oyo State Civil/Public Service began with the States Universal Basic Education Board, where he served meritoriously as Deputy Director (Personnel) from 1996 to 2010. 

Since then, he has occupied several sensitive and strategic positions within government establishments, leaving behind remarkable footprints of excellence, accountability, innovation, and administrative reforms.

Over the years, he served at the Simeon Adebo Staff Development Centre as Director of Finance and Administration, where he played a pivotal role in securing official recognition for the institution in line with its enabling law. At the Ministry of Special Duties and later at the Ministry of Women Affairs, Poverty Alleviation and Community Development, he distinguished himself through prudent management of human and material resources, as well as effective coordination of administrative systems.

As Director to Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants in the Office of the Head of Service, Mr. Okesade demonstrated uncommon diligence, tact, and professionalism in coordinating executive administrative activities. His tenure at the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Cooperatives as Director of Planning, Research and Statistics further showcased his innovative capacity, particularly through the initiation of customized identification cards and certification programmes for artisans across Oyo State — an initiative aimed at strengthening the informal sector and enhancing economic inclusion.

While serving at the State Planning Commission as Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, he coordinated the State Monitoring and Evaluation Policy Document, thereby contributing immensely to evidence-based governance and policy implementation in Oyo State.

His exceptional service at the Office of the Executive Governor as Director of Administration and Supplies between 2019 and 2022 remains particularly noteworthy. During this period, he ensured strict compliance with global procurement standards in the engagement of contractors, consultants, and suppliers, while also championing reforms in the disposal and renewal of government unserviceable assets — initiatives that significantly boosted transparency and increased government revenue generation.

One of his most impactful contributions to governance was his proposal for financial support incentives for successful recruits into the Nigerian Army, a policy later adopted by the Oyo State Government to encourage qualified indigenes to participate in military recruitment exercises. This initiative demonstrated not only his patriotism but also his passion for youth empowerment and national service.

As Permanent Secretary and Inspector-General of Education for the Oyo Zonal Education Office covering Oyo East, Oyo West, Afijio, and Atiba Local Government Areas, Mr. Okesade brought stability, discipline, and administrative efficiency into the educational system. He later served as Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Establishments and Training, where he earned wide commendation for promoting cordial labour relations, strengthening institutional harmony, and prioritizing workers’ welfare and professional development.

These sterling qualities undoubtedly informed the decision of the Nigeria Labour Congress to honour him with the prestigious “Labour Friendly Administrator Award of Excellence” in recognition of his outstanding contributions to public service administration and constructive engagement with organised labour in Oyo State.

Presently serving as the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Oyo State, Mr. Okesade continues to deploy his vast administrative experience toward driving investment promotion, trade facilitation, cooperative development, industrial growth, and socio-economic transformation in line with the developmental vision of the Oyo State Government.

Beyond the shores of Nigeria, Mr. Okesade has represented Oyo State and Nigeria on several international assignments and leadership engagements. He attended leadership training programmes in South Africa, undertook professional exposure and self-sponsored training in the United States, and participated in trade and export missions to Algeria and Istanbul, where he represented Oyo State on investment, trade, and export development matters. These international exposures enriched his global perspective and strengthened his capacity for policy innovation, institutional networking, and economic diplomacy.

Known for his humility, accessibility, strategic thinking, and deep understanding of the “nooks and crannies” of Oyo State, Mr. Okesade maintains strong relationships with workers, stakeholders, and citizens alike. He is widely respected as a man who combines administrative firmness with human compassion — a rare attribute that has endeared him to colleagues and organised labour across the State.

Indeed, Mr. Olajide Mamud Okesade exemplifies the ideals of purposeful leadership, professional excellence, and selfless service. His life and career remain a shining testimony to dedication, discipline, and commitment to the growth of public institutions and the welfare of the people.