Odusanya takes oath of office as 17th Ondo Head of Service

……….Gov Aiyedatiwa charges quality leadership, diligence, discipline
………HoS promises ethical, technology-driven service delivery

By Tolulope Eniola

Chief Olusegun Odusanya, on Monday, took oath of office as the 17th head of Service of Ondo State, officially assuming leadership of the state’s civil service.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony held at the Cocoa conference hall, Governor’s office, Alagbaka, Akure, Govenor Lucky Aiyedatiwa congratulated the new head of service, commending his years of meritorious service, his professional competence, integrity and unwavering commitment to the ideals of public administration.

According to him, the appointment, as it should be, was based on merit and seniority, without any political influence or consideration.

He added that Odusanya’s track records of diligent and unblemished public service as well as his demonstrated capacity, integrity and moral standing were carefully considered in reaching the decision.

“Head of Service, you do not regard your assumption of office merely as a personal triumph. Rather, it must be understood as clarion call to higher service and greater responsibility. Across the world, the history of successful governance consistently reveals that no administration can truly surpass the capacity, discipline and efficiency of its public service.

“This implies that the public service is the lifeline of government – charged with the responsibility of translating policy objectives into measurable outcomes. It serves as the bridge between policy conception, tangible implementation and practical impact. Through its organised machinery, government translates vision into reality and promises into progress.

“In our dear Sunshine State, we recognise this enduring principle. That is why, from the inception of our administration, we have prioritised the welfare, professionalism and productivity of the public service as the centre of our governance agenda.

“Over the past months, we have taken deliberate steps to strengthen the civil service and improve the welfare of its workforce. We have ensured regular payment of salaries and pensions; advanced promotions and career progression opportunities; sustained capacity-building initiatives for officers across cadres; improved the working environment within the Public Service; and continued engagements aimed at boosting efficiency and service delivery.

“We have also worked to close personnel gaps in the critical sectors such as health, education, agriculture, judiciary, security and internal revenue through the recruitment of qualified hands.

The governor charged him to provide leadership that inspires excellence, promotes merit, rewards diligence and strengthens discipline within the service. ‘You are not just a bridge between government and the workforce; you must be a guardian of administrative ethics; a champion of professionalism and a driver of reforms that will further position our civil service among the very best in Nigeria.

” Under your watch, we must discourage excessive bureaucracy that breeds bottlenecks and slows down policy implementation. Teamwork, efficiency, transparency, integrity and patriotism must remain the defining character of the Service at all times.

He assured him of the full support of his administration as he joins the vigorous pursuit of the “OUR EASE” 7-point development Agenda. “This is our covenant with the people and it must continue to guide all Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government in policy implementation for the greater good of Ondo State.

‘You must also give due attention to the welfare and professional development of officers, for a motivated workforce remains the greatest asset of any governmen”, he said.

He appreciated the immediate past Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip, for meritorious service to the State. “Your contributions are already etched in gold in the history of Ondo State Civil Service and your legacy will continue to guide those who come after you. Thank you!

He urged the permanent secretaries, directors, labour leaders and public servants to extend wholehearted cooperation and active support to the new Head of Service. “Leadership thrives best when it is strengthened by collective commitment and a shared sense of purpose”.

“As we continue our journey of development under our administration, we shall remain firmly resolved to build a public service that is globally competitive, citizen-focused and fully aligned with the developmental aspirations of our people”, he concluded.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prince Segun Omojuwa, described the occasion as a historic transition.

“This is a historic transition and continuity to celebrate the meritorious service of the outgoing Head of Service, whose contributions are already etched in gold in the annals of Ondo State,” he said.

He expressed confidence in the new Head of Service, saying: “We are confident that under his leadership, the Ondo State Public Service will attain greater heights in efficiency, professionalism and service delivery.”

Omojuwa added: “The new Head of Service brings with him years of experience, integrity and dedication to Ondo State.”

He further stated: “We are confident that his leadership will enhance efficiency, professionalism and service delivery across the public service.”

The Chief of Staff also disclosed: “Even before the inauguration, he has assumed office and has been working seriously, demonstrating capacity in handling official matters brought before him.”

In his acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated Head of Service, Odusanya thanked Governor Aiyedatiwa for the appointment, describing it as a reflection of justice, fairness, equity, objectivity and courage, while expressing gratitude for the confidence reposed in him.

He said: “I have not been appointed to offer excuses but to provide solutions.”

He pledged to build a merit-driven, technologically responsive and globally competitive civil service, stressing that his leadership would be guided by the principle: “Do Your Best, Be the Best.”

Odusanya said the civil service under his leadership would remain central to the administration’s “OUR EASE” agenda, which he commended as a strong framework for development and service delivery.

He listed gains under the administration, including improved workers’ welfare, salary payments, promotions, recruitment of over 5,000 officers, appointment of permanent secretaries, provision of official vehicles, improved remuneration for health workers, as well as achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, human capital development, security and urban renewal.

He unveiled a five-point agenda covering strengthened work ethics and professional orientation, enhanced revenue generation across MDAs, improved harmony between political office holders and civil servants, intensified capacity building in digital literacy and emerging technologies and full digital transformation of human resource management processes to improve efficiency, transparency, accountability and service delivery.

Odusanya appealed for sustained government support and requested staff buses along strategic routes to ease transportation challenges, improve punctuality and boost productivity.

He paid tribute to past Heads of Service, especially Mr Bayo Philip, and appreciated his wife, family, colleagues, traditional rulers, religious leaders and guests for their support.

Dignitaries at the ceremony included the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji; members of the State Executive Council, labour leaders, religious leaders and traditional rulers.