The Lagos State Education District IV recently held a grand and memorable retirement reception in honour of its former Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary (TG/PS), Mrs. Anike Adekanye, at the District Headquarters in Sabo, Yaba.
The event, filled with warmth and tributes, brought together dignitaries, education professionals, union leaders, and well-wishers from across the state to celebrate a woman revered for her transformational leadership and exceptional service to the Lagos State education system.
In his keynote address, the current TG/PS of Education District IV, Mr. Olusegun Osinaike, paid glowing tribute to Mrs. Adekanye, describing her as “a pragmatic administrator, a visionary leader, and a mother to many.” He highlighted her remarkable influence on the district’s growth and development, stating, “She is a leader among leaders whose name must be mentioned in any history of transformational leadership in our education system in Lagos State.”
Mr. Osinaike further emphasized that under her leadership, Education District IV experienced a new wave of academic progress. “She brought structure, innovation, and purpose to the District while raising academic standards and promoting student excellence,” he said. “Her mentorship inspired many to rise above limitations. She broke barriers, redefined standards, and left behind a trail of excellence that continues to guide many.”
The occasion also featured heartfelt tributes from major education stakeholders within the district. Mr. Abdullahi Laagbe, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Mainland Zone, commended Mrs. Adekanye for her unwavering commitment to the welfare of teachers, while Mrs. Florence Olodeoku, Chairman of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Surulere Zone, praised her for her open-door leadership style and her consistent dedication to improving educational standards.
Responding to the outpouring of goodwill, Mrs. Adekanye expressed deep appreciation to Mr. Osinaike and the entire staff of Education District IV for organizing the grand farewell event. “I am deeply overwhelmed by this gesture. I appreciate this and I do not take it for granted,” she said with emotion.
She extended special thanks to the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, his Deputy, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, and the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Honourable Jamiu Tolani Ali-Balogun, acknowledging their support during her tenure. “Their encouragement played a key role in raising the standard of education in the State,” she noted.
The event served as a powerful reminder of the impact of visionary leadership in public service and the lasting legacy one individual can leave behind in shaping the future of education.
