Segun Atanda/
A golden jubilee celebration filled with colour, class, and commendation marked the 50th birthday of Mrs. Toluwalope Eyinadetomi Layade Kowo, the Ogun State Director of Information (Planning, Research and Statistics) in the Ministry of Information and Strategy.
Held in Abeokuta, the event drew an impressive gathering of top government officials, including the Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya; Permanent Secretaries; General Managers; and Directors across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). The occasion also welcomed retired senior civil servants, professional colleagues, family members, friends, church associates, and neighbours — all coming together to honour a woman many described as an embodiment of grace, humility, and excellence.
In his tribute, Mr. Onasanya praised Mrs. Kowo as “a seasoned civil servant and a communicator par excellence,” noting her unwavering commitment to the growth of Ogun State through diligent service and professionalism.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Waheed Adesina, emphasized that milestone birthdays like this provide moments for reflection and gratitude, particularly when celebrating a life of impact.
Described by many as a selfless listener and a mother whose love knows no bounds, the celebrant received glowing remarks from colleagues and friends. “She listens not based on age or status, but on value,” said Dr. Ayo Babalola, a longtime friend.
Kowo’s sons, Joshua and Joel, delivered tributes to their mother. “She is our pillar of support, a beautiful soul and the best human we’ve ever known,” they said. “She’s always firm in her convictions and generous in love.”
Mrs. Kowo attributed much of her success to the tutelage of her late father, Prince Samuel Layade, whom she described as her greatest hero.
Born on June 14, 1975, into a devout Christian family, Toluwalope began her educational journey at St. Bernadette’s Private School, Ibara, and continued at Abeokuta Girls’ Grammar School. She later earned a degree in English Language from Ogun State University (now OOU), before completing her NYSC in Abia State.
Her civil service career began in the Federal Ministry of Interior, but her heart soon led her back to Ogun State in 2003, where she joined the Ministry of Information and Strategy. Over the years, she distinguished herself as a content producer, editor, press officer, and media strategist – pioneering programmes such as Ijoba Tiwa n Tiwa and playing a key role in the editorial development of the Ogun Update newspaper.
Her professional ascent continued as she rose through the ranks, eventually becoming Director of Information (Strategy) in 2023 and later transitioning to lead Planning, Research and Statistics in 2024.
An active member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), and several other professional bodies, Kowo has enriched her craft through local and international trainings in journalism, public relations, public administration, and cultural diplomacy.
As she stepped into her sixth decade, Kowo shared a reflective yet forward-looking message:
“I will never have a better yesterday. I want to be a better version of myself — in my career, in my relationship with God, and in how I relate with people. Not to please men, but to fulfil my purpose.”
Her golden celebration was not just a personal milestone, it was a tribute to a life of service, compassion, and unwavering excellence.
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