....As Promotions Process For Years 2025 - 2026 Begins

Civil/Public Servants have been commended for consistently demonstrating  professionalism and dedication in responding to evolving challenges.

To this end, the State Government under the leadership of the Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has directed that the Ogun State Civil Service Commission starts the promotion process of eligible officers for years 2025 and 2026, as diligence, competence and years of service must be appropriately rewarded.

The Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, represented by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, made this known when he declared open a Symposium with the theme: "Transforming the Public Service: Advancing Innovation, Accountability, Participation and Inclusion", to mark the grand finale of the Public Service Day celebrations, held at the Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.

According to him, the workforce must be lauded for ensuring that government policies are translated from documents into programmes and services that touch lives and communities and added that they have remained the engine room of governance, thus, have become indispensable partners in the work of his Administration.

"Since the inception of our Administration, we have prioritised reforms that strengthen the institutional capacity of the Public Service and created an environment that promotes efficiency, integrity and innovation. We recognised that innovation is not always about reinventing the wheel; it is also about improving systems, simplifying processes and embracing smarter ways of working.

"Therefore, in line with our commitment to fairness and career progression within the system, I hereby direct the Civil Service Commission to commence the process for the promotion exercise of officers due for both the 2025 and 2026 promotion cycles. Diligence, competence and years of service must be appropriately recognised and rewarded as and when due", the Gov. said.

Prince Abiodun said the theme of the celebration was timely and compelling as it calls on all to re-examine the structures, processes and culture of the Service as it aligns with his Administration’s vision under the 'Building Our Future Together' Agenda and the ISEYA development pillars.

"Ogun State has taken important steps in this direction through the deployment of digital solutions that improve transparency and efficiency. From payroll automation and e-governance platforms to investments in ICT training and digital tools, we are building a Public Service equipped to operate effectively in a modern administrative environment.

"Platforms such as the Ogun State Enterprise Geographic Information System and the Land Administration and Revenue Management System have improved land administration, reduced inefficiencies and enhanced revenue generation. Similarly, technology continues to support the Ogun State Health Insurance Scheme in expanding access to affordable healthcare.

"As we deepen these reforms, accountability, transparency and responsiveness must remain central to the culture of our Public Service. Ultimately, every reform, every innovation and every policy must be judged by how effectively it improves the lives of our people", he said.

The governor applauded the leadership of the Head of Service, Mr. Olanrewaju Saka, whose stewardship has continued to promote efficiency and discipline in the system and also appreciated him for aligning the Public Service with his Administration's vision as well as his unflinching support in the successful implementation of the 'Building Our Future Together' agenda.

In his welcome address, the Head of Service, Mr. Olanrewaju Saka, who said the theme reflects the realities of modern governance and imperative for continuous reform in the delivery of public service called on the workers to renew their commitment to building a Service that is innovative in thinking, accountable in actions, participatory in governance and inclusive in service delivery.

"Through this shared commitment, we are steadily building a vibrant, technology-driven, and citizen-focused public service that is responsive to the needs and aspirations of our people. Under this Administration, no doubt, deliberate efforts have been made to empower public servants with the tools, knowledge and capacity required to thrive in a rapidly evolving governance landscape.

"By embracing modern methodologies and fostering a culture of continuous learning, the State Government has enabled its workforce to adapt, innovate, and deliver more efficiently. We recognize that the growth and prosperity of Ogun State are inextricably linked to the continuous strengthening and repositioning of its civil service", the HoS said.

He appreciated the workers whom he described as the pillars of governance and custodians of integrity, who are the silent strength behind every working policy in the State, the unseen force behind every celebrated progress and the enduring light that keeps the machinery of government alive for their unwavering and unshakable commitments as well as doggedness at making the government to succeed.

In their separate goodwill messages, a retired Head of Service and former Commissioner at the Federal Civil Service Commission, Princess Iyabo Odulate, the Chairman, House Committee on Establishments and Public Service in the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Babatunde Tella,  Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tpl. Tunji Odunlami, the Chairman, Association of retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries, Engr. Adeniyi Abiola and the Chairman of Trade Union Congress in the State, Com. Akeem Lasisi emphasized the importance of the public/civil service to governance in any society and as the engine room of government, it is imperative to transform the  Public Service by advancing innovations, accountability, participation and inclusion in all government policies.

They eulogized the Public Servants for their resilience, professionalism and excellent service delivery in line with the foundation laid by the forebears and charged them to continue in their strides and not rest on their oars. 

They thanked Gov. Abiodun for the various transformations recorded in Ogun State so far and for approving the 2026 Public Service Day celebrations that brought all the public servants together in a relaxed atmosphere to rejuvenate their strength for the tasks ahead, and called for continuous training and retraining of the workforce to equip them for the challenges and expectations of the 21st century Public Service.