Law Officers in the Ogun State Civil/ Public Service have been reminded that  the “Building Our Future Together” agenda is a shared responsibility, hence, they must continue to uphold the rule of law, protect public resources, provide timely legal advice and ensure that government business is conducted with integrity, fairness and accountability.

The Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Olanrewaju Saka made the call when he delivered a goodwill message at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Retreat for Management Staff of the Ministry of Justice with the theme "Navigating Emerging Legal Challenges by Law Officers in Public Service of Ogun State", held at the Crown City Resort, Lusada-Agbara Expressway, Ogun State.

According to him, the theme of the retreat is highly relevant to the realities of modern public administration, as the legal environment within which government operates is becoming increasingly complex, owing to new technologies, evolving regulations, emerging social issues and growing public expectations and added that Law Officers are required  to remain knowledgeable, adaptable and professionally prepared.

"As the principal legal adviser to the State Government, the Ministry of Justice occupies a strategic position in ensuring that government policies, programmes and actions are firmly grounded in law. Your responsibilities extend beyond litigation and legal representation. They include providing sound and timely legal advice that enables government to make informed decisions, protect the public interest and effectively discharge its mandate.

"The significance of this Retreat also resonates strongly with the ISEYA mantra of the administration of His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, as well as its vision of “Building Our Future Together.” As public servants, we have a shared responsibility to contribute to the realisation of this vision through professionalism, integrity and effective service delivery. The Ministry of Justice has an important role to play by providing sound legal guidance that promotes good governance, protects public resources and supports the effective implementation of government policies and programmes", the HoS said.

He commended the leadership of the Ministry for the crop of resource persons invited and expressed confidence that their presentations would stimulate useful reflections on the evolving responsibilities of the State Counsel as well as provide valuable insights into the need for professionalism, innovation and sound legal judgment in the public service.

Mr. Saka urged the participants to translate all knowledge gained into professional practice and greater efficiency in the discharge of their statutory responsibilities.

On his part, the Alagbara of Agbara, Oba Lukmon Agunbiade, Esq appreciated the Ministry for bringing the retreat to his domain and charged the participants to always stand by justice no matter what as challenges are bound to be encountered in the course of discharging their duties, especially in the electioneering era.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary/Solicitor General in the Ministry, Mr. Olusegun Olaotan, charged the Officers to embrace team work, dismantle silos, share knowledge and not hoard, celebrate collective successes over individual brilliance, as no one is an island and added that legal advice, litigation, drafting, human rights, commercial services, finances amongst other things that make up the Ministry are not isolated islands but interconnected tributaries feeding one great river and as such, it must be collectively done.

He charged them as leaders to guide and   guard their integrity jealously, never stop  learning, respect and build the law institution, treat people with dignity and never forget why they were employed and added that public service is not a place to be served but a place to serve.

The Solicitor General said the retreat was meant to make them think beyond their immediate environment and challenges, envision the Ministry they desire as well as design the needed systems and urged them to mentor young officers who are the future leaders and continue to serve the citizens diligently and conscientiously.

Mr. Olaotan, who is billed to be conferred as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), next month, appreciated for all the feats achieved, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Sina Ogungbade for his visionary leadership and collegial support and all the Management and  Staff for their unwavering commitment, quiet sacrifices and dedication to duty in enabling him to have a successful landing as their Permanent Secretary, who can look back as he bows out of active service, that he has contributed his quota to the justice system in the Gateway State.

On their parts, participants at the retreat, the Director, Public Prosecutions, Mrs. Rofiat Kadiri and her counterpart in the Commercial Services, Mr. Olumuyiwa Ogunsanwo said the retreat had broadened their horizons and knowledge gained would be translated  to impact positively the Civil Service and the State in general.

They appreciated the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun for the approval, especially to take the retreat to a serene environment in order to learn from the experiences of the resource persons.

Paper presentations on the "Role of State  Counsel in a Conservative Legal System: Nigeria as a Case study",  "Forensic Awareness Guide", amongst others were delivered at the retreat, with Honourable Justice of the Federal High Court, Abuja, Hon. Justice James Kolawole Omotosho and the retired Permanent Secretary/Solicitor General and SSA to the Governor on Legal Matters, Mr. 'Fuyi Osunfisan, Mr. Ayodeji Isiolaotan and Mr. Damola Lapite in attendance as Resource Persons.