Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has approved the appointment of Mr. Olanrewaju Iskeel Saka as the new Head of the Ogun State Public Service, following the retirement of the immediate past Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, whose tenure witnessed major administrative reforms and workers’ welfare initiatives within the state civil service.
Governor Abiodun disclosed this after receiving Mr. Saka on a courtesy visit following his appointment, expressing confidence that the new Head of Service possesses the experience, professionalism and administrative capacity required to sustain ongoing reforms and further strengthen the Ogun State Public Service.
According to the governor, Mr. Saka’s appointment marks another important step in the administration’s commitment to building an efficient, disciplined and responsive public service capable of supporting the government’s developmental agenda across the state.
Prince Abiodun noted that the new Head of Service had served meritoriously as Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Cabinet and Special Services, where he played strategic roles in policy coordination and high-level government administration.
“We have approved the appointment of Mr. Olanrewaju Iskeel Saka as the new Head of the Public Service of Ogun State following the retirement of the immediate past Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya,” the governor stated.
He added that Saka’s track record in the service, coupled with his dedication and professionalism, would further enhance institutional efficiency and improve service delivery within the state bureaucracy.
“We are confident that his experience, dedication, and professionalism will further strengthen the Ogun State Public Service as we continue building an efficient and responsive system for our people,” Governor Abiodun said.
The appointment comes shortly after the retirement of Mr. Kehinde Onasanya as the 20th Head of Service of Ogun State after decades in the public service.
Onasanya, who began his civil service career as an Information Officer on Grade Level 08 in 1992, rose through the ranks to become Head of Service in 2024, a journey Governor Abiodun had earlier described as a reflection of discipline, integrity, resilience and commitment to public service.
During his tenure, the Ogun State Public Service witnessed several reforms, including the modernization of Public Service Rules and Financial Regulations aimed at aligning the system with global best practices.
The administration also introduced service charters across Ministries, Departments and Agencies to improve accountability, productivity and institutional efficiency within the civil service.
Onasanya equally championed capacity-building programmes for workers and maintained cordial relationships with labour leaders, a development widely credited for sustaining industrial harmony and stability within the state public service.
Under his leadership, the state government also expanded welfare initiatives for workers and retirees, including the implementation of the Public Sector Health Insurance Scheme for serving workers and the newly approved Ogun State Retirees Health Insurance Scheme designed to provide free healthcare coverage for pensioners.
Before becoming Head of Service, Onasanya served as Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Political Affairs and Administration in the Office of the Governor, where he coordinated major state events and official engagements, including Independence Day celebrations, June 12 commemorations and annual Carol services.
Observers within the state civil service say the appointment of Saka signals continuity in the Abiodun administration’s drive towards institutional reforms, digital efficiency and improved welfare for public servants.
Expectations are also high that the new Head of Service will sustain ongoing reforms while addressing emerging challenges within the state bureaucracy, particularly in areas of workforce development, service delivery and policy implementation.
The Ogun State Government has repeatedly emphasized that strengthening the public service remains central to the successful execution of its “Building Our Future Together” agenda.
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