Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun inaugurated Mr. Kehinde Onasanya as the 20th Head of Service (HoS) in the state on Monday.
The governor, while speaking at the occasion in Abeokuta, said that Onasanya’s appointment symbolised a call to greater service.
He said that his administration would continue to fulfill all the promises made to the public service by ensuring the provision of adequate working tools for the workforce.
Abiodun further stated that his administration would continue to remain committed, not only to the public service but also to the broader development of humanity.
According to him, the civil service is the backbone and engine that drives policies and the bridge that connects the aspirations of the people with the actions of the government.
“As you are all very aware, the civil service is the bedrock of our administration, the engine that drives our policies, and the bridge that connects the aspirations of the people with the actions of government.
“It plays a crucial role in ensuring effective governance, effective service delivery, and the implementation of government programmes and initiatives,” he said.
The governor challenged the new head of service to raise the standard of state public service and tread the path of excellence that his predecessors were known for.
“By your appointment, you are now the standard bearer of the proud legacy, as bequeathed by our forebears in the public service,” he said.
In his remarks, Onasanya appreciated the governor for being a man of equity and fairness, assuring that the civil service, under his leadership, would continue to support his administration.
He promised to continue to ensure discipline and improve the ethical standard of the service, in tandem with the state government’s resolve to grow its internally generated revenue.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Onasanya, whose appointment was announced on April 8 by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, took over from Mr. Kolawole Fagbohun, who had retired after a meritorious service.
Until his appointment, the new head of service was the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Political Affairs and Administration.
He joined the civil service as an Information Officer, Grade Level 8, on Dec. 2, 1993, and rose through the ranks to become a director, Grade Level 17, before his appointment as a permanent secretary on Oct. 2, 2020. (NAN)
