By Precious Oluwole

The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has said that no state can move forward without the capabilities and skills of the public servants in the State.

The Governor stated this at the annual get-together and send-off event for retired Head of Service and Permanent Secretaries in Akure on Thursday.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, while reiterating his commitment to the public servants across the State, stressed that his administration will ensure timely and uninterrupted salary payments for state workers.

“Salaries of actively employed workers within the state would be promptly and consistently disbursed without any delays, thereby fostering a conducive working environment and promoting morale among the workforce”, he said.

Governor Aiyedatiwa conveyed heartfelt congratulations to the retirees, acknowledging their successful conclusion of their careers.

The governor said, “Our senior citizens, you might be retired but yet not tired. Your journey doesn’t end with retirement; rather, it evolves into a new chapter filled with boundless opportunities for continued growth, exploration, and service to society. Your wealth of knowledge, experience, and wisdom remains an invaluable asset to our community, and your tireless spirit continues to inspire us all. So, embrace this new phase with enthusiasm, knowing that your contributions are as vital as ever, and your legacy will continue to shine brightly for generations to come.”

Additionally, Governor Aiyedatiwa assured the forum of his administration’s steadfast support, emphasizing, “I want to assure you of our administration’s continued backing, this assurance is a reflection of this administration’s commitment to ensuring that retirees receive the necessary support and assistance as they transition into the next phase of their lives”

Earlier in his address, the Chairman, Ondo State Forum of Retired Permanent Secretaries, Chief Bunmi Alade commended the efforts of Governor Aiyedatiwa in developing the State. He also applauded the Governor for regular payment of salaries.

He noted the event was organized to celebrate the retired permanent secretaries who have contributed their quotas to the service of Ondo State and retired without blemish. He stressed that those who are being celebrated are those who retired between 2023 till date.

According to Alade, the Forum of Retired permanent secretaries was founded to cater for the welfare of it’s members, both serving and retired. He added that the forum also engage in social reorientation of members towards government programs and activities.

While congratulating the retired permanent secretaries, he urged the serving permanent secretaries to ensure that they perform their duties diligently and efficiently.

In his remarks, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye, who previously served as a permanent secretary in the civil service, expressed gratitude to the governor for his remarkable governance approach.

Describing the governor as a man of destiny, he called upon the entire civil service to rally behind Aiyedatiwa’s administration, acknowledging the notable achievements made under his leadership since assuming office.

On behalf of the retirees, Pastor Kayode Ogundele, former Head of Service, conveyed heartfelt appreciation to the Ondo State government.

He acknowledged the privilege of serving and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to retire with satisfaction after a fulfilling career in the civil service.

Furthermore, he affirmed their readiness to continue contributing to the development of Ondo State whenever called upon

In attendance, Secretary to the state government, Tayo Oluwatuyi, Head of service, Bayo Philips, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, Members of the state executive council among others.