The Ogun State Governor, His Excellency Prince Dr. Dapo Abiodun, CON, has made a significant appointment in the state’s civil service by appointing Engr. Olanike Olawunmi Ogunbona, FNSE, the Former Chairman of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) Abeokuta Chapter, as the Permanent Secretary of the Ogun State Local Government Service Commission.
This appointment, which was announced by the Secretary to the Ogun State Government (SSG), Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, underscores the government’s commitment to meritocracy and the recognition of exceptional talent within the civil service. Engr. Ogunbona brings to this role a wealth of experience and expertise garnered from her years of service in the engineering profession and her leadership role in APWEN.
Prior to her appointment as Permanent Secretary, Engr. Ogunbona served as the Head of Local Government Administration (HOLGA) in the Ogun State Local Government Service Commission, where she exhibited exemplary leadership and dedication to duty.
In addition to Engr. Ogunbona’s appointment, Mr. Augustine Adekunle Oyesanwen and Mrs. Arinola Nusirat Adetayo have also been appointed as Permanent Secretaries. Mr. Oyesanwen previously served as Director of Agric Planning, while Mrs. Adetayo was Deputy Director (Account).
Furthermore, in line with the government’s commitment to ensuring continuity and efficiency in the civil service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya has been appointed as the new Head of Civil Service (HoS) in the State, following the retirement of Mr. Kolawole Fagbohun.
Governor Abiodun congratulates the newly appointed Permanent Secretaries and the new Head of Civil Service, expressing confidence in their ability to contribute significantly to the continued development and progress of Ogun State.
PROFILE OF ENGR. OLANIKE OLAWUNMI OGUNBONA, FNSE
Engr. Olanike Olawunmi Ogunbona, an indigene of Ijebu-Igbo, a distinguished engineer and prominent figure in the Nigerian engineering community, has devoted her life to the advancement of her profession and the betterment of her community.
Olanike’s academic journey in engineering commenced at Obafemi Awolowo University, where she exhibited her dedication to excellence by graduating with First Class honours in Civil Engineering in 1989. Her strong academic foundation was acknowledged through prestigious awards such as the Zonta International Prize for the Best Graduating Female Student in the Faculty of Technology in 1989, the Oludotun Obadina Award for the Best Performance in Environmental Engineering in the same year, and the Ifedayo Akintunde Award for the Best in Soil Mechanics and Geotechnics. She went on to pursue a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering (Structures) at the University of Lagos in 1992, further cementing her expertise in the field.
In December 1991, Olanike initiated her remarkable career with the Ogun State Local Government, marking the beginning of a journey filled with dedication, service, and relentless contributions to the grassroots development of the engineering profession. Her unwavering commitment to her role has consistently elevated the standards of engineering services at the local government level. Olanike’s quest for knowledge did not wane over the years, and in 2013, she returned to her alma mater, Obafemi Awolowo University, to earn a Postgraduate Diploma in Local Government Studies.
Olanike became a corporate member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) in August 1998, a significant milestone in her career. Subsequently, in February 2000, she received recognition from the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), which further solidified her status as a registered engineer. In August 2021, Olanike reached the pinnacle of her professional journey when she earned the prestigious Fellow status of the Nigerian Society of Engineers.
Beyond her illustrious career, Olanike has actively participated in professional and community services. She served as the Past chairman of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Abeokuta Chapter, and held the positions of Ex officio and Financial Secretary on the Executive Committee of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Abeokuta branch. Her contributions to these organizations have been invaluable.
Her unwavering commitment to her profession is further reflected in her capacities held in various organizations. She served as the Internal Auditor for the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) on the National Executive Committee, and a member of the Engineering Regulations Monitoring (ERM) of State Technical Committee of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Ogun State, where she continues to ensure that engineering practices adhere to the highest standards.
Olanike’s achievements have been recognized through a series of awards that pay homage to her significant contributions to the engineering profession and the community.
Olanike’s dedication and exceptional performance have not gone unnoticed by her peers and superiors. In 2018, she was awarded the title of the Best Head of Local Government Administrator by the Ogun State Local Government Service Commission, a testament to her administrative prowess and leadership qualities. She is currently the Head of Local Government Administration, Ewekoro Local Government. She is also the Chairman of the Ijebu forum – an association of members of staff of the Ogun State Local Government service who are Ijebu indigenes. It is worthy to note that Olanike attended Emmanuel Anglican primary school, Italupe, Ijebu-Ode and the Federal Government Girls’ College, Sagamu, Ogun State.
Engr. Olanike Olawunmi Ogunbona’s story is one of determination, dedication, and achievement. She has not only excelled in her profession but has also continuously given back to her community and profession through her remarkable service and leadership. Her legacy as one of the pioneering female engineers in Nigeria and her contributions to the engineering community will undoubtedly inspire future generations of engineers to reach for the stars.
