Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun has called for the strengthening of the civil service across the South-West as a critical pathway to sustainable development, effective governance, and regional development.

Mr Adeleke made the call while delivering an address on Saturday in Osogbo at the 10th Quarterly General Meeting of the Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries (ARHOSPS), South-West.

The governor, represented by the secretary to the state government, Teslim Igbalaye, noted that development did not occur by chance.

According to him, development is driven by sound policies, efficient institutions, and disciplined implementation; hence, he called for a functional and professional civil service.

“The focus of the meeting on civil service management and good governance speaks directly to the development challenges and opportunities before state governments.

“Development does not occur by chance. It is driven by sound policies, efficient institutions, and disciplined implementation. At the heart of all these is the civil service.

“The South-West cannot achieve its full potential without a civil service that is professional, ethical, innovative, and people-centred.

“Many of you gathered here today were central to building these foundations during your years in office. Your experiences shaped systems that continue to serve our people across the region,” he said.

Earlier, the association’s chairman, A. F. Olatayo, reiterated the association’s commitment to the continued advancement of the civil service and the South-West region at large.

Mr Olatayo emphasised that the association was established not only to cater to the welfare of its members but also to contribute meaningfully to the continuous growth and development of the South-West states.

He commended state governments for maintaining cordial relationships with the association, adding that collaboration between serving and retired public officers remained vital for effective governance and sustainable development.

(NAN)