....AS PUBLIC SERVICE DAY STARTS WITH JUMAT

The Ogun State government has once again pledged to continue to do its best for the Public Service of the State so that the legacy the administration will leave behind will be that of a  committed government to the integrity and welfare of the State Civil/Public Service.

The Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun reiterated this pledge when he joined the Civil/Public Service of the State in a Special Jumat Service to herald the year 2025 Public Service Day celebrations, held at the Government Secretariat Mosque, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Represented by his Deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Prince Abiodun said his aim is to make the Service a reference point on how to make things work in the State and how to make the State the preferred and the best Civil Service in the country.

He affirmed that there is no Ogun State government without the Public Servants and appreciated them for the invaluable support received since his administration came on board in 2019, describing it as 6 years of unprecedented support, because without them, he would not have been able to deliver on his mandate to the people.

"Without you, we are nobody and would not have been able to deliver on our mandate to the people of Ogun State. Our "Building our Future Together' agenda has been delivered with your support, insight, goodwill, day-to-day perseverance and dedication to building the State, and we say thank you.

"The Public Service Day is an opportunity to celebrate ourselves, to celebrate the Ogun State workers and all other public servants who work together to make the State what it is. Our government is committed to the welfare of the workers because a healthy and happy workforce is a productive one, and from what we get from you, we are obliged to also ensure that your welfare is paramount to us, as we are also committed to you, even after leaving the service as the pensioners are also taken care of. I thank you for your prayers, support and assure that we'll continue to do our best for the public service", Gov. Abiodun said.

In his remarks, the Head of Service, who doubles as the Chief Host, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya charged the Civil/Public Servants to reciprocate the kind gestures of Governor Dapo Abiodun by rededicating themselves to  efficient and effective service delivery, as well as exhibit greater commitment to the 'Building Our Future Together' agenda of the administration.

He lauded the various initiatives of the worker-friendly governor towards enhancing the well being of the workers to include, continuous training and capacity development, timely and regular payments of salaries and leave bonuses, filling of vacancies in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to prevent fatigue and work overload, subsidization of the Ogun State Health Insurance Scheme by 50 percent, as well as the  implementation of the Sites and Services Scheme for the workers through the acquisition of 350 hectares of land for the creation of an estate, named "Prince Dapo Abiodun Bureaucrats' Estate, amongst others and reassured them of more commitment. 

"I want to appreciate God for the opportunity to witness another Public Service Day. I also extend gratitude to the Muslim community for their prayers and support to the present administration and for maintaining cordial and peaceful coexistence with other religions, thus, creating an atmosphere devoid of religious crises.

"I equally in a special way appreciate the Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for approving funds to celebrate the week-long activities and for his resolute support to the wellbeing and welfare of the workers", Mr. Onasanya said.

He revealed that the essence of the Public Service Day is to celebrate the remarkable contributions of the workers as they are the major driving force behind the growth and development of the State in particular and the nation at large.

On his part, the Chairman, Executive Committee of the mosque, Alhaji Mufutau Towolawi in his welcome address urged the workers to appreciate all the efforts of the organisers by participating actively in all the scheduled activities, especially as a mark of honour to the government who deemed it important to support the programme.

In their separate goodwill messages,  a Judge of the State Judiciary, Justice Basirat Adebowale, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Alhaja Moriamo Oloko and the Clerk of the State House of Assembly, Alhaji Sakirudeen Adebakin felicitated the workers for witnessing another celebration, and urged them to remain committed to duties, be diligent, trustworthy, loyal and live peacefully with all men in accordance with the tenets of Islam.

The Deputy Imam of the mosque, Alhaji AbdulFatai Odusanya, who led special prayers for Nigeria, Ogun State and the Public Service, sought for Allah's help to make the State a pride to all other States of the federation.

In attendance were members of the Body of Permanent Secretaries, Principals Generals, Labour leaders, directors and all cadres of Civil/Public Servants.