Directors in the Kogi State Ministry of Housing and Urban Development have described the retired and pioneer Permanent Secretary of the ministry, ESV (Dr.) Zainab Obadaki, as a visionary administrator whose leadership, integrity and commitment to public service repositioned the ministry for improved service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the directors during a farewell ceremony held in honour of the retired permanent secretary, the Director of Architecture, Arc. Emmanuel Sule, said Obadaki’s retirement marked not just the end of a distinguished career but the celebration of a life dedicated to excellence, professionalism and selfless service.
Sule noted that under Obadaki’s stewardship, the ministry recorded significant progress through purposeful leadership and a clear understanding of the role of housing and urban development in improving the lives of the people of Kogi State.
He said the retired permanent secretary consistently reminded members of staff that their responsibilities extended beyond official documentation to providing shelter, preserving human dignity and promoting sustainable communities.
According to him, Obadaki championed professionalism, due process and capacity building, creating an environment that encouraged young professionals to develop their skills and take pride in public service.
He described her as a mentor who believed that housing and estate management were critical to improving the quality of life of Kogi residents.
Sule identified Obadaki’s outstanding qualities as her deep knowledge of government processes, visionary leadership and unwavering integrity.
He said her sound understanding of public administration and policy formulation enhanced decision-making within the ministry, adding that she remained steadfast in her faith and commitment to serving God.
The directors also commended Obadaki for initiating programmes that advanced the ministry’s mandate, including the successful organisation of a two-day symposium on housing and urban development in Kogi State with the theme, “Modern Housing and Urban Renewal in Kogi State.”
They further recalled her commitment to the proposed Kogi Affordable Housing Scheme through the acquisition of survey plans and her efforts to initiate the review of the state’s urban renewal framework.
Sule observed that before her deployment to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Obadaki had served as permanent secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, making her one of the longest-serving permanent secretaries in the state.
He said the ministry was now better positioned because of the solid foundation she laid and assured that the standards she established would be sustained.
“On behalf of all directors, we thank you for your guidance, your motherly support and your years of selfless service to Kogi State. We pray that this new phase of retirement brings you good health, peace, joy and fulfilment,” Sule said.
The directors congratulated Obadaki on what they described as a well-deserved retirement and wished her continued success in her future endeavours.