Seasoned administrator and journalist, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, on Monday formally stepped in as the new Head of Service of Ogun State, promising to ensure discipline and improve the ethical standard of the service in tandem with the state government’s agenda to grow its internally generated revenue.
Onasanya was sworn into office by Governor Dapo Abiodun at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan Abeokuta and was graced by Deputy Governor Noimot Salako – Oyedele and other key government officials, friends, colleagues and family members.
The new Head of Service succeeds Mr. Kolawole Fagbohun, who has retired after a meritorious service.
Until his appointment, Mr. Onasanya was the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Political Affairs and Administration.
In his remarks, Mr. Onasanya thanked 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 called on workers in the state to embrace the Ogun State Health Insurance Scheme, even as he promised to gravitate towards improving the service.
The Daily Crucible reports that Governor Abiodun approved the appointment of Mr. Onasanya as the new Head of the Service on Monday, April 8.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Dapo Abiodun said his administration would continue to fulfil all promises made to the public service by ensuring the provision of adequate working tools for the workforce.
Noting that the appointment of Mr, Onasanya symbolizes a call to greater service, Prince Abiodun said that his administration would continue its commitment not only to the service but also to the broader development of humanity.
According to him, the civil service is the backbone and the engine that drives the policies and the bridge that connects the aspiration of the people with the actions of government.
“As you are all very aware, civil service is the bedrock of our administration, the engine that drives our policies and the bridge that connects the aspiration 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.
“As an administration that understands and acknowledges the role of the civil service, we remain guided by the principles of merit, character, competence and capability in the appointment of top civil servants,” he said.
“Let me also use this opportunity to assure all our great workers of Ogun State that our administration will never renege on our promises,we will continue to fulfil all our promises made
“We will continue to ensure the provision of policies and adequate effective working tools as well as a conducive working environment for the well-being, effectiveness, and efficiency of the Ogun State Public Service,” he said.
Governor Abiodun challenged the new Head of Service to raise the standard of the state public service and urged him to tread the path of excellence his predecessors were known for.
“I charge you to start raising the standard of the public service from the point where Mr Kolawole Peter Fagbohun left off while treading the path of excellence that all your predecessors are well reputed for.
“By your appointment, you are now the standard bearer of the proud legacy as bequeathed by our forebears in the public service,” he added.
