Ibadan: Mr Ayoola Opadeji, a newly retired Controller of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) from the Oyo State Command, has urged officers to uphold the service’s ethics and core values. Opadeji shared this advice during his retirement and pulling-out parade ceremony, organized by the state command in Ibadan.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Opadeji, who joined the service in 1990 as a Prison Assistant Grade II, completed a 35-year tenure marked by meritorious service. He emphasized that rebellion and insubordination are unacceptable within the service. Opadeji encouraged officers to maintain discipline, dedication, and integrity, highlighting these qualities as essential legacies for the future.
The retired controller also stressed the importance of reliability, which he said would help officers earn the trust of their superiors, subordinates, and colleagues. Opadeji attributed his rise to the rank of controller not to personal power or wisdom but to divine grace, noting that he was the only one among his 1990 colleagues to achieve this position.
Reflecting on his career, Opadeji described his journey as one marked by resilience, continuous learning, and divine intervention. He acknowledged the challenges he faced as a young officer, including temptations and obstacles that tested his resolve, but credited his steadfast commitment to integrity as the key to overcoming these hurdles.
Opadeji expressed gratitude to the Controller General of NCoS, Sylvester Nwakuche, his management team, family, friends, and mentors for their support. Assistant Controller General Iyabode Oluyole, the NCoS Zone F Coordinator, praised Opadeji as a man of integrity who served with dignity, adding that the service is proud of his contributions.
Retired Deputy Controller of Corrections Tunde Ladipo commended Opadeji’s dedication and discipline, noting his significant contributions to the service and the nation. The ceremony was attended by Lagos State NCoS Controller Stephen George, Osun NCoS Controller Rotimi Oluwalekan, and other state controllers, who lauded Opadeji’s hard work and leadership.
The event, which included an inspection parade and a march past, also saw the presence of representatives from various security agencies in the state.