After 26 years of distinguished service, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban Development, Lagos State, Gbolahan Oki, has retired, drawing glowing tributes from colleagues and government officials for his pivotal role in transforming the state’s urban landscape.
At a send-forth ceremony held on Friday, the Lagos State Head of Service, Olabode Agoro, described Oki as a “legend” whose contributions to urban renewal and public service left a lasting impact.
Agoro praised Oki’s professionalism and dedication, noting that he served across multiple ministries with distinction. “He was a seasoned professional who carried out his duties diligently. His efficiency earned him respect, and Lagos State is grateful for his service,” he said, adding that Oki mentored a new generation of competent officers to sustain his legacy.
Also paying tribute, the General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency, Builder Gbaye Florence, described Oki as a father figure and resilient leader. She highlighted his commitment to excellence and his insistence on high performance standards within the civil service.
“He saw possibilities where others saw challenges and ensured that everyone under him worked with efficiency and discipline,” she said, noting that his absence would be deeply felt.
The Senior Special Adviser on Urban Development to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Segun Williams, described Oki’s retirement as a major milestone, commending his integrity and the enduring legacy of his work.
Similarly, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Samuel Egube, lauded Oki’s selflessness and transformative contributions, noting that his reforms significantly improved service delivery and impacted lives across the state.
The General Manager of the Lagos State Transport Management Authority, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described him as fearless and dependable, adding that he inspired his team to excel and remained a pillar of support throughout his career.
In his remarks, Oki reflected on his years in service as “interesting” and urged civil servants to remain committed to integrity and diligence. “I simply did what I knew best. Always do the right thing and remember that true value lies within, not outward appearances,” he advised.
Throughout his career, Oki played a key role in enforcing building regulations and ensuring compliance with Lagos State’s standards, including the demolition of illegal structures where necessary.
He began his career in March 2000 as an architect in the Ministry of Works, later rising through the ranks. He served in various ministries, became Assistant Director at LASBCA in 2015, and later worked with the Lagos State Resilience Office, where he emerged as the first indigenous Chief Resilience Officer in 2019. In 2021, he was appointed General Manager of LASBCA before attaining the position of Permanent Secretary in the Office of Urban Development.
His retirement marks the end of an era defined by reform, discipline, and impactful public service.
