...AS PUBLIC SERVICE DAY CELEBRATION WINDS DOWN

The Ogun State government has highlighted the urgent need for fundamental transformation of the Public Service to one that is driven by innovation, sustained through adaptability and powered by technology, as it  resonates deeply with the present administration's commitment.

The Governor made this known in his remarks at the grand finale of the year 2025 Public Service Day celebration with the theme: "Managing the Public Service for Excellence and Service Delivery in the 21st Century: The role of Innovation, Adaptation and Technology", held at the Obas Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Prince Abiodun said the apt theme of the celebration is more than just a subject of discourse but a clarion call for action, as all hands must be on deck to achieve this.

While saluting the invaluable contributions of the workers to serve the community with integrity and a focus on results, Gov. Abiodun said his administration remains committed to reforms that promote efficiency, transparency, creativity and professionalism in the Civil Service, as efforts to digitise all its operations are ongoing.

He pledged that his administration will continue to expand Information and Communication Technology (ICT) training, strengthen infrastructure and provide the tools necessary to increase service delivery, as the goal remains a public service that is modern, responsive and capable of meeting the evolving needs of the citizens.

"I join others in saluting every Public Servant in Ogun State and indeed across Nigeria on the celebration of this year's Public Service Day. This annual event not only affords us the invaluable opportunity to recognise and celebrate our workforce, it also presents a great moment to reflect on the critical role of Public Servants in shaping the socio-economic development of our dear State and the nation at large.

"I am confident that together, we have continued to record significant achievements in the delivery of quality service to the people of Ogun State", the gov. said.

In his welcome address, the Chief Celebrator, the Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, said the Public Service Day was set aside by the United Nations as a dedicated moment every year to celebrate the values and virtues of the public service to the community, highlight their contributions in the development process and recognize the laudable works of the Public Servants.

He said it was an avenue to celebrate and appreciate the selfless sacrifices and contributions of the workers as the 'engine room of government' and added that this year's edition has upheld the legacy with vibrancy and purpose and called on the workers to remain focused and committed to improving service delivery, while they remain undeterred in the steadfast efforts towards the continued successful implementation of the 'Building Our Future Together' agenda of the present administration.

Mr. Onasanya appreciated the worker-friendly governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun for graciously approving the celebration, as well as his consistent prioritisation of the welfare of workers through laudable policies, projects and initiatives that keep lifting and dignifying the Civil/Public Service of Ogun State.

"As we round off this year's celebration, I heartily congratulate all Civil/Public Servants across the State and reiterate that your roles in driving the engine of governance are deeply appreciated", the HoS said.

In his presentation, the Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, representing Ogun Central Senatorial District, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, while speaking on the theme of the celebration said the workers must upgrade themselves technologically in cyber security and Artificial Intelligence, as well as deploy a learning management system where they can login and take courses relevant to their jobs and also learn at their own pace.

The Senator, who is also the Chairman, Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber security also recommended that a service innovation unit that will look into what each Ministry, Department and Agency (MDA) is embarking on and make them improve on such is instituted, with a view to rewarding such Agency at events such as the Public Service Day celebration, which will in turn encourage others to brace up and the workers be encouraged to be innovative, amongst other recommendations.

In his remarks, the Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide noted the level of professionalism in the State Civil Service, and  acknowledged their proactive and supportive roles which he said, has been instrumental to the successes recorded by the administration.  

In their separate goodwill messages,  the Chairman, House Committee on Establishments and Public Service, Hon. (Prince) Tunde Tella, a former Head of Service in the State, Elder Sola Adeyemi and the  Chairman, Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries, Engr.  Adeniyi Abiola  appreciated Governor Dapo Abiodun for consistently building the capacities of the workforce through various training programmes for all categories as well as the subsidization of the Health Insurance Scheme, release of funds to organise the 2025 Public Service Day, amongst others.

They acknowledged  the Governor's commitment to the wellbeing and welfare of the public servants and the retirees in the State, which they said would further spur the workers to retain their best position in the Civil Service among the comity of States.

They added that the workers should count themselves lucky for having this kind of programme because innovation,  adaptation and technology play vital roles in managing the Public Service for excellence and service delivery as it helps in transforming how government operates and delivers to the citizens.

They urged the Public Servants as custodians of public trust to embrace technology and move away from the bureaucratic system that slows down government operations.

Appreciating all dignitaries and the workforce for the support at making the week-long event a huge success, the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Establishments and Training, Office of the Head of Service, Mrs. Lydia Fajounbo, urged the workers to return to their duty posts rejuvenated and imbibe all the lessons gained from the celebration.

The Public Service Day Lecture drew dignitaries to include top government officials, both serving and retired, political office holders, labour leaders and Civil Servants in their large numbers.