HOS Urges Ogun Civil Servants to Uphold Integrity, Professionalism and Excellence

The Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Olanrewaju Saka, has urged public and civil servants across the state to remain committed to the values of integrity, diligence, professionalism and accountability, stressing that their conduct and performance must continually justify the confidence reposed in the Public Service.

Saka gave the charge during the 2026 Public Service Day Thanksgiving Service, held at the Ogun State Government House Chapel, Isale-Igbein, Abeokuta.

The Head of Service described Public Service Day as an opportunity for workers to step away from the routine demands of administration and reflect on the significance of the responsibilities entrusted to them as public servants.

According to him, the celebration goes beyond marking another date on the public service calendar, as it provides an opportunity to reaffirm the principles that should guide every civil servant, including integrity, diligence, professionalism, compassion and commitment to the collective good.

Saka said the thanksgiving service also provided an opportunity to appreciate God for His grace, preservation and guidance over the lives of public servants, their families and the state.

He acknowledged the progress recorded by individual workers and the Public Service as a whole, attributing the ability of the workforce to discharge its responsibilities despite various challenges to God’s grace.

The Head of Service also highlighted what he described as the commitment of the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun to the welfare and professional development of workers in the state.

He cited the extension of the palliative transport allowance, the weekly one-day off policy and other welfare-oriented initiatives, alongside the timely payment of salaries and continued investment in capacity building and professional development.

“This year’s celebration is particularly meaningful because of the sustained commitment of the State Government under the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun to the welfare and development of the public service,” Saka said.

He noted that the various welfare and capacity-building measures demonstrated the government’s recognition of civil servants as an important asset in achieving its development objectives.

Saka, however, charged workers to reciprocate the confidence of the government and citizens by giving their best to the duties assigned to them.

He said such commitment should be evident in higher productivity, discipline, innovation, accountability and excellence in service delivery, urging civil servants to always remember that their actions directly affect the quality of government services available to citizens.

The Head of Service also stressed the importance of environmental cleanliness, calling on public servants to take responsibility for maintaining clean, healthy and conducive workplaces.

He advocated a sustained culture of cleanliness, responsible waste management and respect for the environment across government offices and institutions.

Saka commended public servants for their dedication and contributions to the development of Ogun State, while urging them to sustain the culture of professionalism required to strengthen the Public Service.

Earlier, the preacher, Ven. Peter Ayoade, delivered a sermon titled “Come to Me: I Will Give You Rest”, drawing his message from Matthew 11:28-30.

Ayoade described the passage as an open invitation from Jesus Christ to everyone, irrespective of status or circumstance, to seek divine help and experience the love and peace offered by God.

He said God understands the challenges people face, including civil servants, and is able to provide both physical and spiritual relief while guiding them towards a future of peace and security.

The Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Establishments and Training, Mr. Akintomiwa Osibodu, read the Bible passage from Matthew 11:28-30.

At the thanksgiving session, Saka led Permanent Secretaries, labour leaders, directors and other civil servants present to the altar to offer thanksgiving to God.

Prayers were also offered for Governor Abiodun and his administration, public and civil servants, the Public Service and the overall peace, progress and development of Ogun State.

The service formed part of activities marking the 2026 Public Service Day celebration, bringing together senior government officials, labour representatives and workers from across the Ogun State Public Service.