In a heartfelt valedictory ceremony in Ilorin, Mr. Feyisayo Ayeni, the outgoing State Coordinator for the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) in Kwara, delivered a powerful mandate to his colleagues: the relentless pursuit of personal and professional capacity development is non-negotiable for effective national service.
Ayeni, recently promoted to Deputy Director and transferred to SON’s Training Department in Lagos, framed his farewell not just as a goodbye, but as a strategic call to action. His message underscores a critical truth for regulatory bodies worldwide—that the strength of an institution is directly proportional to the competence of its people.
“The success we achieved here in Kwara was never a solo effort,” Ayeni stated, expressing profound gratitude for the dedication of his team. He highlighted a tangible outcome of this collective focus on excellence: the Kwara office has become a notable talent incubator, having produced three State Coordinators and several team leaders deployed across Nigeria. This track record transforms his charge from abstract advice into a proven blueprint for career advancement and institutional impact.
The testimonies from colleagues painted a clear picture of the results driven by this philosophy. Hajia Abiola Bayero, Chief Standards Officer, revealed a landmark achievement: the certification of 86 products within Kwara State under Ayeni’s leadership. This figure is far more than a statistic; it represents enhanced consumer safety, increased market access for local businesses, and a stronger culture of quality within the state’s industrial landscape.
“Throughout his tenure, Mr. Ayeni Feyisayo exemplified professionalism, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to quality assurance, standards enforcement, and consumer protection,” Bayero said. She emphasized that his leadership fostered crucial internal teamwork and fortified relationships with external stakeholders—from manufacturers to traders—which is essential for voluntary compliance and effective regulation.
This focus on capacity building addresses a core challenge in developing economies. A robust national quality infrastructure (NQI)—comprising standards, metrology, and accreditation—relies on a skilled workforce to combat substandard goods, protect public health, and boost export competitiveness. Ayeni’s move to the national Training Department suggests his advocacy will now shape strategy at a systemic level, potentially influencing curriculum and training programs for SON personnel nationwide.
The incoming Kwara Coordinator, Mr. AbdulRazaq Oyewopo, acknowledged this solid foundation, commending Ayeni for his diligent work in achieving the organization’s mandate. The seamless transition and celebration of documented achievements indicate a workplace culture that values continuity and recognizes performance—a culture that itself is a product of invested capacity development.
Ultimately, this event transcends a simple staff transfer. It serves as a case study in public sector leadership, demonstrating that when officials prioritize team competence, stakeholder engagement, and tangible results, they leave behind a legacy that strengthens the institution’s very fabric. Ayeni’s final task to his workforce is a reminder that in the mission to safeguard national standards, the most important standard to uphold is that of one’s own professional capability. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
FATY/AOS
=========
Edited by Bayo Sekoni
About Author
