Oyo Director of Nursing Services, Dr. Kehinde Oyebode retires
By Adejayan Gbenga –
The Director of Nursing Services in Oyo State, Dr. Omokehinde Arinade Oyebode, fondly known as Ojuoluwa, has officially retired from active service after decades of remarkable contributions to nursing education and healthcare delivery in the state.
Dr. Oyebode, who holds multiple qualifications including RN, RM, BSc (Nursing Education), MSc (Community Health Nursing), and a Ph.D. in Social Welfare, began her career as a Nursing Assistant before serving as a Staff Nurse and Instructor at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). She joined the Oyo State Civil Service in 1998, rising through the ranks as Principal of the School of Midwifery, Yemetu, and Deputy Director of Nursing, before attaining the apex position of Director of Nursing Services.
At a grand retirement and 60th birthday celebration at the Oyo State College of Health Science and Technology (OYSCOHEST), Eleyele, the state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, commended Dr. Oyebode’s professionalism and dedication. Describing her as “a wonderful ally and a thorough professional,” the Commissioner urged other civil servants to emulate her exemplary record of service.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Akintunde Ayinde, praised Dr. Oyebode for embodying the six core values of nursing — Care, Compassion, Competence, Communication, Courage, and Commitment. He noted her legacy would remain an inspiration and that her departure would leave a difficult-to-fill vacuum.
In her goodwill message, Professor Ayede described the celebrant as “a highly dedicated nurse and a gift to humanity,” encouraging public servants to reflect on their journey and reminding them that “selfless service pays.”
Delivering a keynote lecture titled “Empowering the Future of Nursing: Lessons from a Seasoned Nurse Leader,” Professor Adekemi Olowookere of Obafemi Awolowo University hailed Dr. Oyebode as a true embodiment of compassion and excellence, recalling her personal connection with students and commitment to practical training.
In his sermon, Reverend Kunle Balogun described her as “a gift from God — trustworthy, energetic, and God-fearing,” urging attendees to use their talents in divine service and praying for continued blessings on Dr. Oyebode and her family.
The event attracted top dignitaries, including the Chief Medical Director of UCH, Ibadan, Prof. Jesse Otegbayo; the Provost of OYSCOHEST, Pharm. Oluyemis Oyewo; Permanent Secretaries, Directors, colleagues, students, and family members, all of whom celebrated Dr. Oyebode’s enduring impact on nursing in Oyo State.
