Reflections on Mrs Ranti Odutola, the unique permanent secretary in Alausa

For thirty seven (37) years, this reporter has been covering, uninterruptedly, the seat of Lagos state government at Alausa as a practical journalist. In major climes of the world, this will make me (with all modesty) an authority on government affairs.

What this means is that since 1977,  I have been coming across and interviewing governors, military administrators, commissioners, permanent secretaries and other top functionaries.

Whenever I pick my pen to write about any of these officials, it must be as a result of careful observation over time and not necessarily out of favour done or intended to be done to me or to my organization

In the body of permanent secretaries, I have many friends, whether ex permanent secretaries or serving ones. While some of them are truly down to earth, willing to serve and help their fellow citizens, others are out-rightly rude, arrogant, proud and sadistic. The latter group do not remember there is a tomorrow they cannot predict. They forget they will one day retire and join the larger society, where the land of inter-dependence applies fully.

The former group sows seed of love and reciprocity. They remember that every human being is important and that respect is reciprocal. This group members retire and still feel free to visit Alausa and be warmly welcomed.

I am, therefore, beaming my searchlight on one of such permanent secretaries, whose conduct and relationship will earn her a good reception in Alausa long after she would have retired.

I am speaking of the incumbent permanent secretary in the ministry of Information, Mrs. Ranti Odutola. I have kept watch over this unique lady for quite some time and saw an embodiment of a good mother, a well comported lady, a compassionate leader and a dedicated officer, committed to her job and good governance.

Her staffer confess that she is passionate about helping others and ensuring that her staff are not only happy but succeed in their career.

I gathered that contactors for her ministry are well handled and honorably treated, leaving no one in debt. Some of the contractors told this reporter that the woman will not accept any gift from them or from her staff. Instead, she prefers greeting cards to tangible gifts.

Her workers have great respect for this lady because she shows respect to other people.

Anyone who sees her will not doubt the grace of God in her life. She is always radiating joy and exuding pleasantness.

By her status in the ministry, one needs not be told that she is materially okay. She dressed beautifully and relates well both horizontally and vertically.

Her commissioner, Mr. Lateef Ibironke, accords her great respect. He hardly takes any decision without carrying her along. No wonder both of them have struck a right rhythm in that ministry; although, the fusion is a product of Ibirogba’s professional experience as a journalist, his native intelligence and academic brilliance.

Like I did in my previous edition for the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Aderonke Adefulire-Orelope, I decided to devote this column to this unique career officer, whose politeness, kindness, respect for others and passion for good governance are similar to the ones mentioned in the deputy governors' report.

For us in Oriwu Sun, we appreciate this lady's recognition for community journalism. She readily agreed that grassroot papers should be encouraged as much as the national papers.

Another plus for this lady is her spirit of forgiveness, confessed by many workers, who have come across her. They admit that she has a forgiving heart and never bears grudges or malice for anyone. When offended, she easily forgives and forgets. Such people, who are pure in heart, will surely live long and see God.

I am, therefore, devoting this column to her for these excellent virtues. She is not the first permanent secretary in that Information ministry, but she has shown sterling qualities worth emulating and commending. She remains one of the best in her group in the state and we wish her more grace from God and higher callings.