Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun has said his administration is  committed to reforms that would promote efficiency, transparency, creativity and professionalism in the state civil service.

Mr Abiodun, represented by his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, said this on Thursday at the 2025 Public Service Day celebration in Abeokuta.

He noted that innovation in public service does not just require reinventing the wheel, but also refining existing systems and streamlining processes.

He added that innovation also requires removing bottlenecks and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

The governor said that efforts to digitalise public service operations were ongoing just as he assured that government’s goal remains ensuring a service that is modern, responsive and capable of meeting the evolving needs of citizens.

“My administration will continue to appreciate the state workforce and ensure their motivation towards building a more effective and accountable public service.

“I appreciate the contributions of the state civil and public servants in actualising the set objectives towards transforming the state into an industrial hub and national pride of the nation.

“I also want to commend the leadership of the public service, including the spirited individuals, who had committed their talent, time, as well as energy to public service.

“You are all the life blood of governance,”he said.

Mr Abiodun commended those working tirelessly behind the scenes to deliver essential services, implement government policies and uphold public trust in government.

He resonated his administration’s commitment to constant reforms and progress through the ‘Building our Future Together’ agenda, adding he remains firmly committed to improving the welfare of public servants.

In his remarks, Speaker, Ogun House of Assembly, Oludaisi Elemide, commended the entire workforce for allowing peace reign in the state.

He urged them to remain focused and committed, while calling on the top echelon in public service to motivate their workers and give them necessary support.

Senator Shuaib Salis, (Ogun Central) delivered a lecture titled, ‘Managing the Public Service for Excellence and Service Delivery in the 21st Century: The Role of Innovation, Adaptation and Technology.’

According to Mr Salis, the role of public servants is not just service delivery, but an engine room for policy formulation and implementation for any government.

In his address, the head of service, Kehinde Onasanya, appreciated Mr Abiodun for prioritising workers’ welfare through his various projects and initiatives that continues to dignify the public service of the state.

He described the public service as the engine room of government which would continue to change the trajectory in terms of shaping and reshaping the service of Ogun state adjudged as “the best in the country”.

In his remarks, chairman, House of Assembly Committee on Establishments and Public Service Matters, Babatunde Tella, noted that the theme of the celebration was both a challenge and call for action.

He said that “the pivotal role public service plays in our democracy cannot be overemphasized”.

He called on the public servants to remain relevant, resilient and continue to adapt and harness the power of technology towards enhancing good governance.

Chairman, Trade Union Congress (TUC), Akeem Lasisi, represented by Mrdebiyi Olusegun, applauded the commitment of the state government for releasing gratuity as and when due.

Mr Lasisi called on the government to prioritise training and retraining of workers, with consistent provision of utility vehicles and payment of leave bonuses.

He appealed to the state government to look into the contributory pension scheme and release of promotion letters.

 (NAN)