BY ABU-SATAR HAMED
AYOBO-IPAJA, LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA – Pastor Olabayo of RCCG, Ayobo-Ipaja, Lagos, emphasized that “he that endureth to the end shall be saved and rewarded.”
He made this statement on September 11, 2024, during the retirement ceremony of Princess (Mrs.) Oluwabusola Abiade Bailey, née Olugbenle, who retired as Director/Principal of Olorunnisola Community Junior High School, Ayobo, Lagos State.
Princess Bailey officially retired on September 11, 2024, after 35 years of dedicated service.
He described Princess Bailey as a disciplined, honest, and committed civil servant who left a significant impact during her 35 years with the Lagos State government.
Pastor Olabayo noted that “better is the end of a good beginning,” urging those in public service to remain dedicated and sincere in their duties.
In his sermon at the event, Pastor Olabayo posed a rhetorical question about why the end of a good beginning is often seen as better, stating, “Your experience grows if you can endure, and fulfillment and accomplishment will follow.”
He celebrated Princess Bailey’s journey, declaring, “She started well, and to God be the glory, she ended well by enduring the ups and downs of her service.”
The Olu of Ilaro & Paramount Ruler, Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle MFR, extended heartfelt congratulations to his elder sister, Princess Bailey, on her retirement from the Lagos State government.
In a statement e-signed by the Kabiyesi, he acknowledged her distinguished career and expressed pride on behalf of the Asade Agunloye Ruling House of Ilaro-Yewa, along with the royal fathers, chiefs, and the entire Yewa community.
Oba Olugbenle’s statement read, “As you embark on this new chapter, we pray that it will be filled with joy, peace, and fulfillment. Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement, dear sister.”
Guests at the event praised Princess Bailey for her dedication and positive relationships with staff and students.
Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, along with Olori Olugbenle, also graced the retirement ceremony of Princess (Mrs.) Oluwabusola Abiade Bailey, accompanied by members of the Olu Ilaro Honourary Chiefs.
As a mark of respect and appreciation for her impeccable 35 years of service, the Kabiyesi’s entourage presented Princess Bailey with a gift, symbolizing their love and commendation.
The delegation included distinguished chiefs such as Chief Thomas Lala, the Bobaseto of Ilaro-Yewa; Chief (Mrs.) Adenike Akintade JP, the Iya Eto of Ilaro-Yewa; Chief (Mrs.) Adunni Onifade, the Otun Ita Ewe of Ilaro-Yewa; Chief Atinsola Amore, the Bobaseye of Ilaro-Yewa; Chief (Mrs.) Remi Amore, the Yeye Bobaseye of Ilaro-Yewa; Otunba Idowu Onifade, the Otun Onimoero of Ilaro-Yewa; Chief (Mrs.) Ganiyat Onifade, the Yeye Onimoero of Ilaro-Yewa; and Chief (Elhadj) Abu-Satar Idowu Hamed, the Otun Baaroyin of Ilaro-Yewa, alongside palace staff.
This heartfelt gesture demonstrated the deep appreciation of the Ilaro-Yewa community for Princess Bailey’s outstanding dedication to public service.
The celebration also featured cultural performances, with students entertaining guests through various traditional dances.
A band also delighted attendees with a medley of gospel and juju music, making the retirement ceremony a memorable occasion.
Princess (Mrs.) Oluwabusola Abiade Bailey’s retirement not only marks the end of an esteemed career but also heralds the beginning of a new journey filled with promise and fulfillment.