...As Public Service Day Celebrations Continue With Church Thanksgiving

Civil/Public Servants in Ogun State have been commended for their dedication and contributions to the development

of the Gateway State, as their diligence, integrity and selfless service has brought the State thus far.

The Head of Service, Mr Olanrewaju Saka gave the commendation in his remarks at the Special Church Service to mark the year 2026 Public Service Day celebrations held at the Government House Chapel Isale-Igbein, Abeokuta.

According to him, the workers must remain committed to the values that make the Public Service worthy of

the trust placed in it and continually strive for higher standards of performance, which Ogun State is known for.

"The gathering is

not merely to mark an occasion but to give thanks to God for His unfailing grace, preservation and guidance over our lives, families and the Ogun State Public Service. 

We acknowledge that the progress we have recorded as individuals and as a Public Service has been made possible by God’s grace. We therefore return to Him with grateful hearts, recognising His faithfulness in sustaining us through the demands and responsibilities of the Public Service", the HoS said.

The Head of Service said the celebration was meaningful owing to the sustained commitment of the State Government, under the leadership of Prince Dapo Abiodun to the welfare and development of the Public Service.

He said the approval for the extension of the palliative allowance and weekly one-day-off arrangement, together 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 and charged the workers to reciprocate the kind gestures through more commitment to duty. 

"We receive these interventions with gratitude, but we must also recognise the responsibility they impose upon us. As stewards of public trust, we are expected to reciprocate the confidence of

Government and the people by giving our best to the work entrusted to us. Our response must be

reflected in greater productivity, discipline, innovation, accountability and excellence in service

delivery", Mr. Saka said.

In a sermon, titled "Come to me: I will give you rest", the Guest Minister, Ven. Dr. Peter Ayoade, speaking from Matthew 11:28 said the scripture demonstrates God's love to humanity as He doesn't want man to languish in sin and sickness; and called on the workers to draw unto God in order to get both physical and spiritual rest.

Earlier, the only scripture reading for the thanksgiving service, taken from Matthew 11:27-30 was read by the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Establishments and Training, Mr. Akintomide Osibodu.

Highlight of the  service was a special thanksgiving session led by the Head of Service, Mr. Olanrewaju Saka as well as prayers for the State, nation and the public service.