The Ogun State Civil/ Public Service has been described as an entity that has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past five decades and has evolved in both structure and function to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.

These were the submissions of the immediate past Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, when he delivered a paper titled "Institutional Memory of Ogun Public Service at 50", where Ogun State indigenes of diverse professional backgrounds were brought together by the Central Association of Ogun State Indigenes in the United Kingdom at the Ogun State @ 50 London Summit and Jubilee Awards 2026, held at the Woolwich Common Community Centre, SE18 4DW, United Kingdom.

According to him, the Public Service that began as a largely manual, paper-driven system characterized by rigid hierarchies has gradually transitioned into a more dynamic, technology-enabled and results-oriented institution.

This evolution, Onasanya said reflects not only administrative reforms but also a conscious effort to align governance with global best practices, these he said the leadership of Prince Dapo Abiodun ensured to make the service remain relevant, responsive and capable of delivering on the aspirations of the people.

"In recent years, deliberate and strategic efforts have been made to strengthen the capacity of the Public Service across all cadres. Comprehensive training programmes—both local and international—have been institutionalized, with a strong emphasis on strategic leadership, policy development, and effective service delivery. These initiatives are designed not merely to enhance technical competence but to cultivate a new generation of Public Servants who are innovative, solution-driven, and equipped to navigate the complexities of modern governance with confidence and professionalism.

"A particularly noteworthy development is the integration of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence and digital governance tools, into administrative processes. This shift represents a significant leap from traditional bureaucratic practices to a more efficient, transparent, and data-driven system. By leveraging technology, the Ogun State Public Service is improving decision-making, reducing delays, enhancing accountability, and ultimately delivering better outcomes for the citizens. This digital transformation is not just a reform—it is a redefinition of how government works", Onasanya said.

He added that Ogun State is aimed at becoming a globally recognised economic powerhouse over the next 50years, driven by technology, industrial growth and a fully digitalised Public Service, thereby making it an African model of Industrial excellence, innovation and human capital development.

Mr. Onasanya urged  investors and members of the diaspora to explore the great potential and the State's position as a leading subnational economy in Africa by contributing their resources and rich professional background to annexing the State's continuous growth, particularly in sectors such as housing, agriculture, manufacturing, trade and investment, technology, and other critical sectors, and  pointed out that the next phase of growth would require long-term planning, digital innovation and stronger links between government, business and citizens.

The Head of Service who retired in May after serving as Ogun State's 20th Head of Service, said this future growth would depend on sustained investment in infrastructure, education, technology and public sector reforms, and pointed to transformative projects including the Gateway International Airport, deep seaport and inland dry port as well as efforts to attract new industries  as evidence of the State's economic ambitions.

He posited that  Ogun's strategic location next to Lagos has helped transform it into one of Nigeria's leading industrial centres, while its concentration of tertiary institutions has strengthened its reputation as a hub for education and skills development.

Mr. Onasanya said investors' confidence in the State was growing, and cited plans by a dairy company, 'Pure Dairy Herds' to establish a large-scale dairy farm in Ogun West with an initial investment of $250m.

The former Number One Civil Servant also gave credit to the Prince Dapo Abiodun led administration for recent reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business, reducing bureaucracy and strengthening accountability in government institutions.

“The era of red tape and bureaucratic bottlenecks is fast fading,” he said, and argued that better service delivery and stronger oversight had helped create a more attractive environment for investors and the power of vision in the success story cannot be overemphasized.

On his part, Nigeria's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Alhaji Aminu Dalhatu at the occasion commended the Association for putting the event together, and added that it would enable the indigenes in diaspora to  contribute their quotas to the development of the State. 

Speaking earlier, the President of the Association, Chief (Mrs) Jumoke Ariyo said Ogun State has truly lived up to its appellation as the Gateway State, and added that the event was put together to reflect on the gains and to further cross fertilize ideas on the potentials and opportunities that abound in the State for the betterment of all.

According to her, the Central Association of Ogun State Indigenes in the United Kingdom was founded in 2017 to re-awaken a sense of duty towards contributing to the development of their fatherland. 

She said the topic: "Public Service, Institutional Memory and Ogun at 50", among other papers presented was chosen to provide an authoritative reflection on the evolution of the Public Service in the State, the importance of Institutional Memory and the lessons that should guide the next 5 decades.