(C) ADENIJI (2020) No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronics or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the copyright holder. ISBN 13-978-978-2918-51-2 Published by: Landmark Communications Email: [email protected] Tel: 08102756049 Cover Designs/Layout: Grafix Global Services ii CONTENTS Dedication IV Foreword V Acknowledgments VII Preface XI Chapter 1: The Beginning 1 Chapter 2: In Search of Light 9 Chapter 3: Golden Fleece 21 Chapter 4: The Hand of God 41 Chapter 5: Crowning Glory 51 Chapter 6. The Home Front 60 Chapter 7: The Grandmaster 68 Chapter 8: Reminiscence 74 Appendix 84 iii DEDICATION Dedicated to the goodness and sweetness of the Living God. iv FOREWORD hen I got the request to write a foreword to this book, 'A Product of Grace', autobiography of Mr. Segun Adeniji, I Wagreed to undertake the task without any reservations for three major reasons. First, I saw it as my own modest contribution to the celebration of an Officer and gentleman whom I have since discovered to be a pleasant, humble and amiable person. Second, I saw it as an opportunity to encourage other Officers (men and women alike) to chronicle their life and career development for the benefit of the younger ones. Considering the advantage of permanence and continual readership that books offer over other forms of documentation, I am convinced such narrative will serve as a reference book, archival material and memorabilia in years to come. Third, I was sufficiently persuaded that intellectual activity, such as is evident in this book, would help to modify and remodel some of the defective fixed opinions that some hold about Public Servants. There is no gainsaying that reading promotes mental stimulation, enhances stress reduction, increases knowledge, expands vocabulary, improves memory, boosts thinking and analytical skills, develops focus and concentration, enriches writing skills, develops confidence and heightens exposure. It is, therefore, my conviction that this modest effort would reinvigorate the culture of reading in our society. Reading about the real life story of a successful or remarkable person often influences, motivates, or encourages young minds. And by learning about the challenges that others have overcome, they can make connections to their own lives. Reading through the book, I was able to discover many other attributes other than those I knew about the author. In addition to appreciating his kind nature and honesty, it is inspiring to discover v that the author is such a conscientious lover of God. As revealed in the book, his modesty and compassionate attitudes, commitment to God, total meekness toward others, assiduousness and truthfulness, as well as pleasant rapport with people from varied settings, easily make him a typical role model. The exceptional ethical propriety as well as courteous manifestation of the Christian virtues entrenched in the author evidently underlines quality upbringing and the virtue of meticulous parental training. This book also reveals in the author, a prudent and self-motivated team player. Rather than lording it over his staff/colleagues and unnecessarily being domineering, he leads by example and motivates others to put in their best, no matter the challenges. One inimitable affirmation offered by the book is the need for leaders at all levels to be compassionate, particularly to the downtrodden. It is only in doing this that we can have a fair and just society that is pleasant for us all to dwell in. I congratulate the author, especially for using the book to subtly draw the readers' attention to those Christian virtues and values that could help us to be better children of God and responsible members of the society. It is my earnest prayer that the almighty God will continue to guide, direct, preserve and honour Mr. Segun Adeniji in his future endeavours. May the Almighty God prolong his days in good health, joy and sound mind. Finally, it is my pleasure to commend this book to policy makers, researchers, members of the academia as well as the general public. Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, Head of Service, Lagos State November, 2020. vi ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This publication wouldn't have seen the light of the day but for the persistent assistance and priceless inputs of many individuals. To start with, I will love to express my profound gratitude to the Almighty God for graciously seeing me through an eventful Public Service career. The Lord is surely my fortress and solid rock. It is chiefly by his grace that I am singing and will continue to sing the song of victory. If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, now may Israel say; if it had not been the Lord who was on our side, when men rose up against us: Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us; Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul (Psalm 124: 1-4). May the name of the Lord be praised forever! Also, my profound gratitude goes to my late parents Mr. Michael Adeniji and Mrs. Comfort Aduke Adeniji, who gave me a good upbringing. They were both wonderful and their memories linger on for good. My prayer is for the Lord to grant them eternal rest. It is equally vital to show deep gratitude to former Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, who appointed me first as General Manager (LAWMA) in June 2016 and as a Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Public Service in December, 2018. Sir, you would always be appreciated. I am convinced that you are going to higher grounds. Similarly, my intense indebtedness is also extended to the current Governor of the State, Mr. Olusola Babajide Sanwo- Olu, who graciously retained me as a Permanent Secretary till my statutory retirement date. May the Greater Lagos vision of vii the administration never falter in Jesus name. Amen. Equally, I wish to thank all the political heads that I was privileged to work with in my entire Public Service career. These include Prof. Idowu Shobowale (Office of Special Adviser on Education, OSAE), Mr. Segun Dawodu (Ministry Youth and Social Development), Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (Ministry Youth and Social Development), Late Prince Ademola Adeniji Adele, (Ministry Youth and Social Development), Hon. (Dr) Dolapo Badmus (Ministry Youth and Social Development), Hon. Cornelius, Ojelabi (defunct Ministry of Rural Development), Tpl. Toyin Ayinde (Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development), Mr. Olumuyiwa Adejokun (LAWMA), Hon. Hakeem Popoola Fahm (MoST), Mr. Olatunbosun Alake (Ministry of Science and Technology), Mrs. Josephine Oluseyi Williams (Rtd. Head of Service) and Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, (current Head of Service, Lagos State). They were all part of the reasons why I had a remarkable Public Service career. My insightful gratitude equally goes to Mr. Hakeem Muri- okunola for being well-disposed to penning a foreword to this book. Thank you sir for such kind gesture. Most importantly, I am highly indebted to members of my family, especially my darling wife, Oluwatoyin and children, Mr. and Mrs. Omolade Obadina, Toluwalase, Anjolaoluwa and Victor for standing by me through my Public Service career and, indeed, life in general. My wife, in particular, have always been a great source of support, encouragement and motivation for me in the journey of life. I sincerely appreciate her for always being a huge pillar of support for me through the good and rough patches of life. Darling, may the good Lord abundantly reward all your labour of love over me and the whole family in Jesus name. Amen. viii To all my siblings, Mr. Moses Olutola Adisa Adeniji (Olori- Ebi), Prince Bamidele Macdee Adeniji, Mrs. Adunni Godfrey (nee Adeniji) and Mrs. Funmilayo Ijamakinwa (nee Adeniji) whose amazing affection and sacrifice have made my life such a stunning experience, I say a big thank you. Ajose wa o ni baje loruko Jesu. It is also important to appreciate the valued editorial and professional input of Mr. Tayo Ogunbiyi, Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of Information and Strategy and his team comprising Anu Thomas, Ekundayo Olatunde and Dotun Oguntade. I also acknowledge all those who mentored me in my Public Service career such as Late Mr. Gbolahan Owolabi (Rtd. Permanent Secretary), Late Engr. Adedayo Adeyemi (Rtd. General Manager, Lagos State Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, and Permanent Secretary Ministry of the Environment), Late Mr. Yomi Ajibodu, Mr. J.O. Coker mni (Rtd. Permanent Secretary), Mr. Kamal Junaid (Rtd. Permanent Secretary), Arc. (Mrs.) Oluwatoyin Ajayi mni (Rtd. Permanent Secretary), Arc. Adebayo Dipe (Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development), Mr. Abiodun Bamgboye (Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Establishment, Training and Pension), Engr. Abdulwahab Ogunbiyi (Rtd. General Manager, Lagos State Waste Management Authority, LAWMA), amongst several others. In same vein, I appreciate the contributions of my colleagues in the Public Service such as Lanre Rufai, my career twin brother, my Oga - Mr. Gbolahan Ojora, Gbolahan Adetoro, Mr. Ishola Raphael Bello, Lateef Lamina amongst several others to my successful Service career. It is also quite expedient for me to express my appreciation to all my spiritual mentors such as Pastors Kola Aiyedogbon, ix Yemi-Lebi, Solomon Cole and Dele Jayeoba and their wives. May the Lord continue to fill the cup of your anointing to overflow in Jesus name. Amen As for others, who are too innumerable to mention, my prayer is that the Almighty God will continue to defend you and your respective families now and always in Jesus name. Amen Segun Olufemi Adeniji, Lagos. November, 2020 x PREFACE The motivation to pen this biography came from the Almighty God and out of a burning desire to put down my Public Service experience in a book to serve as inspiration to others.