*OUTGOING WOMEN AFFAIRS COMMISSIONER APPRECIATES HIS EXCELLENCY FOR OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE*

As I stand at this juncture of history in the making to reflect on a humbling and deeply enlightening journey of service, I would like to extend my most profound and sincere appreciation to my Numero Uno Leader,Principal and Pathfinder;

His Excellency, Governor Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde(*FNSE, GSSRS*) & the First Lady of Oyo State; Her Excellency Engr Tamunominini Makinde(*FNSE)* for affording me the privileged opportunity to serve our people in the Oyo State Executive Council, the highest decision making organ of the Oyo State Government and a member of his cabinet as the Commissioner in charge of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Social Inclusion, a ministry I nicknamed the *Humane Face of Government* because of its broad mandate and direct impact on the diverse demographics that constitute the vulnerable in our dear state .

I appreciate His Excellency for his rare knack for not only identifying people especially the youth with raw talents but also for creating platforms that enable them to showcase their God given talents and competencies

Both their Excellencys belief in my abilities and their unstinting support was the leverage which enabled me achieve the modest successes that have been celebrated by many to my surprise

The 2 of them are the wind beneath my wings and for this im eternally appreciative of them.Most appointees have one boss but because of the peculiarities of my job description,im privileged to have 3; His Excellency GSM,Her Excellency and my dear brother and Boss Otunba Seye Famojuro in that order.

Thanks Bossman( Otunba Famojuro) for being forthright always and for the tough love.I learnt a lot of lessons from him

To other leaders/colleagues on the state Executive Council using His Excellency the Deputy President of Council; His Excellency Barrister Bayo Lawal as a point of contact to all, I appreciate deeply his fatherly disposition and the camaraderie among Council members, we will definitely interphase along other planes, appreciate you all

To all leaders, executives,youth and my primary constituency, the vulnerable from the 33 local governments( from my resilient, creative, beautiful & dynamic women,the elderly, children and People Living With Disabilities and other members of our communities), I love you all.

To all Ministry officials from the committed, professional and proactive Permanent Secretary; Mrs Sotonwa-Roagess to the Directors, senior/ junior staff, I appreciate the support, the readiness to adapt and be more responsive to the needs of the vulnerable we represent which enabled us to collectively make the Ministry a Safe Space and an oasis for the vulnerable who we represent.The Ministry team is in safe hands because my colleague and sister Alhaja Fausat Sanni is a veteran of the Ministry who handed the baton to me and possesses the capacity to take the Ministry to the next level

Thank you for maximal cooperation and the enduring bonds and unforgettable experiences.I appreciate you all

This experience would remain one of the most impactful learning points and edifying experiences of a lifetime

I am further in perpetual appreciation of my Principal;His Excellency for enabling the ordinary to blossom extra ordinarily! Thank you for always seeking out the best in us, giving wings to the not-so-big to fly and His courage to lead,taking those hard decisions that need to be taken to steer our state in the right direction

May God Almighty continue to strengthen and reward His Excellency for his selfless service to Oyo State,sustain the continued ascendancy of his brand, bring his vision for Oyo State to fruition, grant all our candidates witjout exceptuon victory at the forthcoming polls,prosper His Excellency’s personal business and keep his family and loved ones safe in the palm of HIS hands

I express my heartfelt gratitude to the people of Oyo State once again, most especially our resourceful women for your sustained support, cooperation, and encouragement, your belief gave is the strength to overcome challenges and gave a hand of support to ensure all our efforts yielded great results according to the vision of His Excellency’s *OMITUNTUN 2:0 AGENDA* .I thank you all and remain eternally indebted.

Looking forward with confidence in God to the next exciting chapter of an eventful and impactful life

*Hon(Mrs) Toyin BALOGUN*