The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Osarodion Ogie have mourned the passing of former SSG and Head of Service, Mr. Olu Garuba, who died at the age of 75.
In a statement, the governor celebrated the life of the former SSG, noting that his contribution to the development of the civil service in the state was commendable.
According to Obaseki, “It is with a heavy heart that I received news of the passing of former Secretary to the State Government and Head of Service, Mr. Olu Garuba. He was a delight to behold as a civil servant, resulting from his dedication to duty and an ever-cheerful disposition to work and affable relations with his colleagues.
“He made tremendous contributions to the civil service in Edo State. Aside serving as the SSG and HoS, upon his retirement, he was appointed the Chairman, Edo State Civil Service Commission from 199 to 2004. His achievements would be remembered for a long time to come.”
The governor commiserated with the deceased’s family, praying that God grants them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
On his part, Ogie said Garuba’s death is not only a loss to his family but the entire people of Edo State.
He said, “The exemplary roles he played in administration and governance of Edo State are noteworthy and will remain indelible in the sands of time.”
The SSG said late Mr. Garuba was survived by a wife, Mrs. Abieyuwa Garuba, a retired Permanent Secretary, four children and many grandchildren.
The late Mr. Garuba who obtained a B.sc (Hons) degree in Sociology in 1969 from the University of Ibadan was seasoned career civil servant. He served meritoriously and was appointed a Permanent Secretary in the year 1986. He became the Head of Service and Secretary to the Edo State Government in 1993, and subsequently, upon his retirement, was appointed the Chairman, Edo State Civil Service Commission in 1999, a position he held until 2004.
