The Director of Nursing Services in Oyo State, Dr. Omokehinde Arinade Oyebode, popularly known as Ojuoluwa, has officially bowed out of active service after a distinguished career devoted to advancing nursing education and healthcare delivery in the state.
Dr. Omokehinde Oyebode, RN, RM, BSc (Nursing Education), MSc (Community Health Nursing), Ph.D. (Social Welfare), began her career as a Nursing Assistant and later served as a Staff Nurse/Instructor at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), rising through the ranks to become a Nurse Educator. She joined the Oyo State Civil Service in 1998, serving in various capacities — including Principal, School of Midwifery, Yemetu, and Deputy Director of Nursing — before attaining the pinnacle of her career as Director of Nursing Services, Oyo State.
At the retirement and 60th birthday ceremony held in her honour on Monday at the Oyo State College of Health Science and Technology (OYSCOHEST), Eleyele, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, commended the celebrant for her professionalism and exceptional service. She described Dr. Oyebode as “a wonderful ally and a thorough professional,” urging others in public service to emulate her exemplary dedication so that their legacies, too, will be fondly remembered.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Akintunde Ayinde, also praised Dr. Oyebode’s sterling character and commitment, stating that she exemplifies the 6Cs of Nursing — Care, Compassion, Competence, Communication, Courage, and Commitment — and more. He described her as a model professional whose impact would continue to be felt in the Ministry, adding that “the celebrant will become like a book often read to remember her times in service, and her absence will create a vacuum that will be difficult to fill.”
In her goodwill message, Professor Ayede described Dr. Oyebode as “a highly dedicated nurse and a gift to humanity” who gave her all to nursing in Oyo State. She encouraged public servants to always reflect on their beginnings and eventual end in service, emphasizing that “selfless service pays, and the Great Rewarder will surely reward it.” She prayed for divine guidance and blessings as Dr. Oyebode embarks on a new chapter in life.
Delivering a lecture titled “Empowering the Future of Nursing: Lessons from a Seasoned Nurse Leader,” Professor Adekemi Olowookere, Professor of Community Health Nursing at Obafemi Awolowo University, described nursing as a noble profession built on love, compassion, empathy, and dedication — virtues Dr. Oyebode embodies. Citing testimonials from colleagues and former students, she remarked:
“As a Clinical Instructor, Dr. Omokehinde is dynamic, intelligent, and highly dedicated to students’ learning. She remarkably knows each student by name — even in large classes and she follows up diligently to ensure they gain strong clinical experience.”
In his sermon, Reverend Kunle Balogun described the celebrant as “a gift from God, who is God-fearing, trustworthy, and still full of energy, just like in her single days.” He urged attendees to view their talents and opportunities as divine gifts, noting that “a man can receive nothing unless it is given from above.” He prayed for continued mercy and blessings upon Dr. Oyebode and her family.
The colourful event was graced by dignitaries, including the Chief Medical Director, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Prof. Jesse Otegbayo; the Provost, OYSCOHEST, Pharm. Oluyemis Oyewo; Permanent Secretaries from various Health Zones; the Executive Secretary, OYSHIA; Directors from the Ministry of Health; as well as colleagues, students, family members, and well-wishers who came to celebrate a life of service, excellence, and leadership.
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