The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Friday, praised public and civil servants in the state for their support, dedication, and commitment to the growth of Oyo State.
He spoke during the 2025 Public Service Week and 2024 Merit Award Ceremony for Public/Civil Servants, held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olarenwaju, Makinde said his administration has been fortunate to work with individuals who have shown great dedication to the progress and development of the state.
The governor emphasised that both elected officials and career officers must collaborate in the interest of the state, adding that this has been the case in Oyo.
He congratulated award recipients for their meritorious service and urged them to continue striving for excellence.
Makinde also commended the Head of Service, Olubunmi Oni, for promoting gender balance in the workforce, particularly through the introduction of a female football team in state sporting activities.
While thanking the workforce for their support, the governor urged them to guide their children towards better opportunities.
“Soji Eniade served under the All Progressives Congress. But when I learnt that he would chair this event, I said, well, in this state, for governance, we don’t know the Peoples Democratic Party, we don’t know APC. Wherever we get the best to serve our state, we will take them. So, thank you, my brother, for accepting the chair of this occasion.
“Let me say this because a lot of you may not know. Soji Eniade’s dad and my dad were in Teachers’ Training College together. Where I am going is that we are both children of primary school teachers. So, you don’t have to be something for your children to become something. Both our parents came from humble backgrounds, but they gave us an education. That is the difference. They gave us education and supported our careers.
“I listened attentively to my brother’s lecture. One thing I picked from it is that public and civil servants have two legs: career civil servants and us.
“Career civil servants don’t want to let in our elective officials. But in my six-plus years here, we have been extremely lucky to work with a set of civil servants who have shown dedication and commitment to the state.
“That is why when they talk and ask, ‘What exactly are we trying to achieve by 13th month salary, by paying salaries on the 25th of every month?’ it is not like we didn’t face economic headwinds over the past six-plus years. It is because we enjoyed your support.
“So, these two legs must continue to work together in the interest of the state. For me and this administration, we will continue to prioritise your welfare and well-being.
“So, for those who have won awards, congratulations to you and more power to your elbows. Don’t relent. And for those who missed winning an award, strive to do better. Your time will also come.”
The governor further stated that the cooperation of the workforce has allowed his administration to rebuild the state’s infrastructure and other key areas that had deteriorated over the years.
“My message today is simple. Each time I come into the Secretariat and see the upgrades being done, I think of the people who built these structures. They were meant to be maintained, but we left them, and they deteriorated.
“When we came in 2019, we started patching roads. But in 2020, the rains destroyed some repairs. Most of these roads were built over 40, 45, or 50 years ago, so they were at the end of their lifespan. We decided to reconstruct them to last another 25–30 years, ensuring subsequent administrations won’t need to touch them.
“Inside the Secretariat, construction work was also long overdue. Our reconstruction ensures that for the next four or five administrations, these roads won’t need repair.
“Regarding government events, since our administration began, functions have been held at either the International Conference Centre at UI or Professor Ogunlesi Hall. There was no state banquet hall. That is not pace-setting. The Government House Banquet Hall is almost ready and will host its first event on February 3, celebrating Oyo State at 50.
“On security, we all have roles to play. Security agencies cannot be everywhere, but with information from our communities, we can act decisively. Two days ago, at the expanded security council meeting, we decided to formally incorporate non-state actors from our neighbourhoods into the state security architecture. I am soliciting your support.”
Makinde was later honoured by the state Civil/Public Service for his worker-friendly policies since assuming office in 2019.
The Head of Service described the governor as a “labour-friendly leader who recognises Public Service as the engine of development.”
The event chairman, and former Head of Service, Soji Eniade, stressed the need for synergy, cooperation, and mutual understanding between elected officials and career officers, noting that the Public/Civil Service rests on these two pillars for smooth governance.
He commended the governor for providing quality leadership and a good working environment, while lauding Head of Service Olubunmi Oni for raising administrative standards.
The Chairman of the Oyo State Civil Service Commission, Alhaji Kamorudeen Aderibigbe, said the workforce has enjoyed unprecedented benefits under Makinde’s administration over the past six years.
In her welcome address, Head of Service Mrs Oni praised the governor for his commitment to the welfare and development of the workforce and for institutionalising the Public Service Week as a platform for growth and excellence.
She highlighted achievements such as appointing Permanent Secretaries, General Managers, and Executive Secretaries across key agencies; implementing an N80,000 minimum wage; regular payment of salaries; recruitment of over 20,000 workers; and conversion of officers to desired service cadres.
She also noted the governor’s commitment to training officers locally and internationally, creating a conducive work environment, and constructing a resource centre, among other accomplishments.
The event was attended by the state Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; Chief Judge Justice Iyabo Yerima, represented by Justice M.O Ishola; Chief of Staff Segun Ogunwuyi; Deputy Chief of Staff Kazeem Adeniyi; Senior Executive Assistant on General Duties, Chief Bayo Lawal; labour union leaders; and other dignitaries.
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