Public/Civil Servants in the State have been urged to remain committed to the values that make the Public Service worthy of the trust placed in it as well as continually strive for higher standard performance.

The Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Olanrewaju Saka gave the admonition in his remarks at the 2026 Public Service Day celebrations Thanksgiving Service, held at the Ogun State Government House Chapel, Isale-Igbein, Abeokuta.

According to him, the Public Service Day provides a valuable opportunity to pause from the routines of administration, and reflect on the significance of the work entrusted to them as public servants, and added that it was not only a celebration but also a reminder of the values that defined public servants' integrity, diligence, professionalism, compassion and commitment to the common goal of the public service.

The Head of Service said the gathering at the chapel was not only meant to mark the 2026 Public Service Day celebration but to give thanks to God for His unfailing grace, preservation and guidance over the lives of Public/ Civil Servants, their families and the State in general. 

He acknowledged the progress recorded by individual public servant and the public service, which he said was made possible by God's grace and therefore important to return to Him with grateful hearts, recognising His faithfulness in sustaining them through the demands and responsibilities of the public service.

"This year's celebration is particularly meaningful because of the sustained commitment of the State Government under the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun to the welfare and development of the public service. The approval for the extension of the palliative transport allowance and the weekly one-day off with other welfare - focused initiatives, timely payment of salaries and continued investment in capacity building and professional development demonstrate a clear appreciation of the workforce as a vital asset of government", the HoS said.

The Number One Civil Servant however charged the public servants to reciprocate the confidence of Government and the citizens by giving their best to the assignment entrusted to them which must be reflected in higher productivity, discipline, innovation, accountability and excellence in service delivery.

He equally emphasized the importance of keeping the environment clean, as Public Servants have the responsibility to keep their workplaces clean, healthy and conducive through a sustained culture of cleanliness, responsible waste management and respect for the environment, and commended them for their dedication and contribution to the development of the State.

Earlier in his sermon titled "Come to me: I will give you rest", Ven. Peter Ayoade said the word of God as captured in the book of Matthew chapter 11 and verse 28 is an open invitation to everyone irrespective of the status to come to Jesus and benefit from the immense love of Christ to all mankind.

The preacher said as children of God, civil servants inclusive, God knows what everyone is passing through and wants to give us relief physically and spiritually as well as a secured future spent in peace.

The Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Establishments and Training, Mr. Akintomiwa Osibodu, read the only bible passage taken from Matthew 11: 28-30.

The Head of Service at the service led the Permanent Secretaries, Labour Leaders, Directors and all Civil Servants in attendance to the altar to offer thanksgiving to the Lord.

Prayers were also offered for the Governor and the Government, Public/ Civil Servants, the  Public Service and the State in General.

Tunde Olayiwola 

Office of the Head of Service