Workers in the Local Government Service and by extension, all workers in the Ogun State Civil/Public Service have been called upon to strive for greater excellence,  uphold the core values of integrity, professionalism and be disciplined.

The Head of Service, Mr. Olanrewaju Saka, made the call at the year 2026 Local Government Service Week/ Public Lecture themed: ‘From Experience to Excellence: Strengthening Service Delivery at the Grassroots’, organised by the Ogun State Local Government Service Commission at the Obas' Complex, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta.

Mr. Saka, said the theme of the lecture was apt as it highlighted the need to translate accumulated experience into improved performance, technology-driven operations and sustainable development at the grassroots.

He maintained that Local Governments occupy a strategic position in the governance structure as the tier closest to the people and therefore its effectiveness remained critical to the delivery of essential services, promotion of community development and fulfilment of the aspirations of the people.

Mr. Saka, explained that the Public Lecture had provided a valuable platform for intellectual engagement, knowledge sharing and renewed commitment to excellence in Public Service, while he reminded the participants that responsibility required a workforce is adaptable, technologically equipped and committed to the highest standards of integrity, discipline and accountability, adding that today's rapidly evolving administrative environment, technology-driven governance had become indispensable to effective service delivery.

"The adoption of digital tools, automation of administrative processes, electronic record management and data-driven decision-making will significantly improve operational efficiency, transparency and accountability. Our Local Government Service must therefore embrace digital transformation as a strategic necessity, rather than an optional administrative convenience to ensure rapid and effective service delivery to the grassroots," Mr. Saka said.

He noted that the administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun, had consistently prioritised the development of an efficient, accountable and technology-driven Public Service in pursuit of the ISEYA development agenda, as well as the vision of Building Our Future Together, just as he appreciated him for his sustained support towards strengthening institutional capacity as well as ensuring that the Public Service responded more effectively to the needs of the people.

He however, urged the Local Government Service to play a strategic role in advancing the vision through effective implementation of government policies, adoption of innovative practices alongside improved service delivery across the communities in the State.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Chairman of the State Local Government Service Commission, Ms. Olubukonla Onabanjo, said the theme of the lecture was strategically chosen as the commission had acquired the needed experience, but needed to learn more about turning the experience to excellence for effective service delivery to the people at the grassroots.

She urged the participants to pay more attention to the lecture so as to get the best out of it, while she paid glowing tributes to the founding fathers of the local government commission for laying a solid foundation on which the administration had built upon.

The royal father of the day, the Olowu of Owu, Oba (Prof.) Saka Matemilola, represented by the Seriki of Owu kingdom, Prof. Ajao Adelekan, in his goodwill message said the week would remain a moment to reflect on the importance of local government administration to the people and the lecture was  an opportunity to learn and share experience as the local government stood as the goal post where government had close engagement with the grassroot.

He appreciated the local government workforce in all strata and enjoined them to commit themselves more to the service of the people.

The guest lecturer and Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Local Government Service Commission, Dr. Bayo Ilawole, who spoke on the theme of the lecture, said   strengthening Local Government institutions is indispensable for promoting inclusive development, restoring public confidence in governance, deepening democracy and achieving sustainable national development.

Dr. Ilawole, noted that experience remained one of the greatest assets in public administration, that would teach the administrators about  what should stay and what should be expunged in the delivery of services at the work place.

Responding, the Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Local Government Service Commission, Engr. Olanike Ogunbona, appreciated the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for approving the Local Government Service week and his consistent efforts to ensure sustainable development in all the local government areas.

She thereafter pledged unalloyed support and cooperation on behalf of all local government staff to the administration.