The Nigeria’s former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has pointed out that no government can succeed without a disciplined and dedicated public service, stressing the critical role of civil servants in sustaining good governance, describing them as the backbone of effective administration.
Penpushing reports that Obasanjo made the remarks on Tuesday at public presentation and book launch, titled, ‘Our Legacy our Pride’, authored by the Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries of Ogun state (ARHSPS) held at the June 12 Cultural Center, Kuto, Abeokuta
The former President pointed out that only disciplined and dedicated public service that ensures continuity, institutional memory and faithful implementation of policies will offer better governance.
Penpushing further reports that Obasanjo observed that civil servants should not be neglected by any administration seeking lasting impact, as their commitment and professionalism directly influence the quality of governance delivered to citizens.
The elderstateman recalled that the establishment of the Civil Service in Ogun State, dated back to the days of Simeon Adebo, had formed the sustainable foundation on which the civil service was rooted till date.
Penpushing also reports in similar vein, former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba in his remarks said that the past governors and military administrators in the state believed in the civil servants as they represented the symbol of discipline, resilience, commitment and dedication, a memorable time which he also relished with pride.
The two term Governor and Chairman of the occasion admitted that civil servants contributed meaningfully to success of his administration, recalling during his tenure he didn’t engaged technocrats, rather, he chose to engage civil servants because of his conviction about their competency.
Penpushing reports that Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun on his part disclosed that retired Heads of Service as well as Permanent Secretaries have continued to be a powerful reference points for recollections, memories and experience that have guided various generations of Civil/Public Servants in the State.
The Governor represented by his Deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, pointed out that the various socio-economic and infrastructural achievements by the government in the 2016 / 2026 cycle, especially during the tenure of the current administration were hugely complemented by the Civil/Public Service which had been serving as the traditional engine room for every Administrations.
Penpushing further reports that he admitted that the Civil/Public Service of Ogun State was deeply rooted in vision, character, professionalism and selfless sacrifice, while he considered the publication as a significant contribution to the preservation of our institutional memory.
The Governor highlighted that the association had continued to contribute intellectually and strategically to the growth of the service through policy guidance and advisory roles that had benefitted successive administrations.
Penpushing also reports that Chairman of the body Engr. Adeniyi Abiola earlier in his welcome address, Chairman, described the attainment of fifty years of existence of Ogun State as a milestone explaining that the authored book would serve as a reservoir of information, memoirs of events and a research document for measuring public service performance by successive Governments.
The Chairman, Sales Committee of the Book launch, Alhaji Nurudeen Oyedele, explained that the purpose of the book presentation was basically for documentation so as to continually serve as guide to civil servants.
Penpushing reports that Oyedele, a retired Permanent Secretary pointed out that the wealth of experience of members of the association would make administering governance seamless for those coming behind them.
FOOTNOTE: You want to share story with us? You want to advertise with us? You need publicity for product, or service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348073463653 or email penpushing@yahoo.com
