Workers in the Ogun State Civil/Public Service have been called upon to embrace the Reviewed Statutory Books, which 

have been described as comprehensive reference materials designed to serve as guides for all public officers in the discharge of their responsibilities for maximum output.

The Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, made the call at the public presentation and sensitization workshop on the Reviewed Statutory Books and newly introduced Induction and Orientation Manual for use in the State Civil/Public Service, held at the Obas' Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

According to him, rules and procedures serve as the compass that guides the actions of every officer in the Service and where these laws are outdated or misaligned with evolving realities, efficiency suffers, hence, the importance of the review cannot be overstated, as it represents a deliberate effort at ensuring that the operational framework of the Service reflects modern administrative realities and best practices.

He submitted that many provisions of the existing Statutory Books have become obsolete and inconsistent with emerging governance trends and administrative reforms, thus, the review was conceived to ensure uniformity and eliminate ambiguities that can promote a service guided by clarity and fairness.

The HoS appreciated the Governor of the State, Prince Dapo Abiodun for the gracious approval and financial provision of the review exercise, as well as his predecessor, Mr. Kolawole Fagbohun for his foresight and initiative at reviewing the Books and the Chairmen of the Committees including Alhaji Kehinde Ogunfowodu, Pastor Seye Senfuye and Alhaji Adekunle Adegbite, for the diligence and competence displayed throughout the course of the exercise.

"In keeping with this vision for a forward-looking Civil/Public Service, it is imperative that all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the State Government begin unlearning practices that have now been reviewed or replaced in these new statutory books. The Service cannot afford to continue operating on outdated norms. Accounting Officers are encouraged to organize step-down training sessions within their respective MDAs to ensure that all staff, irrespective of cadre or grade level, understand the new provisions, especially the sections that introduce new procedures or modify existing ones. Knowledge dissemination at every level will ensure consistency and compliance.

"As bureaucrats, we must recognize that rules and regulations are not obstacles but guides that safeguard accountability, fairness, orderliness, transparency and discipline. The reviewed Statutory Books will serve as part of the new moral and administrative compass of the Ogun State Civil/Public Service and adherence to them will strengthen professionalism and trust between government and the people. Every officer must, therefore, take personal responsibility for acquiring his/her individual copies, understanding their contents and applying them appropriately in the discharge of official responsibilities", the HoS said.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary Bureau of Establishments and Training Mrs Lydia Fajounbo said the event was historic and transformative as it represents another bold step in the effort to reposition the Public Service for greater efficiency, integrity and accountability.

She noted that the Public Service is the channel through which government policies and programmes are translated into actions that impact the lives of the citizens and urged the participants to continue to uphold integrity, impartiality, commitment and accountability, as these are the values that distinguish true Public Servants.

In separate goodwill messages, the Permanent Secretary, Civil Service Commission, Mr. Adesoji Adewuyi, as well as the duo of retired Permanent Secretaries, who served as Chairmen of committees, Alhaji Kehinde Ogunfowodu and Alhaji Adekunle Adegbite enjoined the participants to take advantage of the opportunity at their disposal by embracing the review with zeal and commitment for effective and efficient service delivery, in order to have a responsive, transparent and people-oriented service.

Some of the participants, Surveyor Oladele Ewulo, Mrs.Titilayo Oladogbon and Engr. Kehinde Akintomide said the review of the Statutory Books is overdue, while some of the sections are no longer in tandem with best global practices, and added that the workers would key-in to them as they would enhance their performances at their duty posts.