Colleagues, family, and friends gathered for a nostalgic, heartfelt send-off ceremony to honour Mr Akeem Shola Folaranmi, fsi, former Deputy Director of Administration and Human Resources, as he retired from public service and celebrated his 60th birthday on 22 August 2026.
Mr Folaranmi bowed out after a distinguished 35-year public service career, 25 of which were spent at the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). Many described him as a mentor, dependable problem-solver, and exemplary administrator; his tenure was defined by unwavering integrity, remarkable humility, and steadfast dedication to duty.
Welcoming guests to the occasion, Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr Jimoh Sulahiman, emphasised that the event celebrated not just the retiree’s departure, but the enduring legacy he built, particularly his role in nurturing younger colleagues, offering steady leadership, and strengthening administrative systems within the Commission.
He noted that the idea for a befitting send-off arose spontaneously among a few staff shortly before Mr Folaranmi’s last day. The creation of a WhatsApp group elicited an overwhelming response; over 100 staff from various departments and state offices contributed within just three days, a testament to the widespread goodwill the honouree had cultivated over the years.
This profound affection translated into a tangible gesture. After meeting event expenses, the staff presented Mr Folaranmi with a cheque for ₦4 million, framed by the Committee as a personal collective exit package in appreciation of his service, mentorship, and lasting impact on personnel across the Commission.
Earlier, a glowing citation delivered by Mallam Hassan Salihu, Deputy Director of Media and Public Communications, traced Mr Folaranmi’s career trajectory through several public institutions.
He had served as Secretary to the pioneer Director-General of NAFDAC and subsequently to the pioneer ICPC Chairman, Hon. Justice M.M.A. Akanbi. Within the Commission, he held numerous key posts, including Administrative Officer, Assistant Director of Research and Documentation, Deputy Director (Legal), Head of Petition Registry, and Deputy Director (General Administration).
Further tributes highlighted his enduring influence on peers and subordinates alike. Deputy Director Mrs Ese Okwong, fsi, recalled attending a course at the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS), where she was struck by the effusive praise staff there had for Mr Folaranmi, who had attended the institute a year earlier. She noted that the experience reinforced her appreciation of the positive impression he consistently leaves on people.
Chairman of the occasion and Director of Special Services, Prince Hassan Mohammed, also paid tribute to the retiree, urging staff to emulate his exemplary leadership and dedication. He offered prayers for Mr Folaranmi to attain even greater accomplishments in the next phase of his life. Other colleagues, friends, and family members similarly described him as humane, passionate, and deeply committed to his work.
In his gracious response, Mr Folaranmi expressed profound gratitude for the unprecedented honour and affection shown to him. Reflecting on his eventful 25-year journey at the ICPC, he thanked the Almighty God for the privilege of concluding his civil service career without blemish.
The memorable celebration, which coincided with his diamond jubilee, concluded on a high note, with colleagues wishing him robust health, continued fulfilment, and abundant success in retirement, while celebrating the indelible mark of professionalism, mentorship, and friendship he leaves behind.