By Adedotun Ajayi

The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has assured civil servants that despite the financial challenges that may arise in running the government, his administration will never consider downsizing the workforce.

He made this assertion during the 2024 Public Service Lecture held at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome) in Akure on Monday.

In his address, Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed gratitude to the leaders of the public service and highlighted the significance of the Public Service Anniversary, which has its roots in the 1994 Tangier Declaration in Morocco.

He acknowledged the vital role that the public service plays in national development, particularly in African countries, stating, “The Public Service remains the enduring face and stabiliser of government. Politicians and administrations may come and go, but the Public Service remains. It is both the engine room and the memory bank of government.”

The theme of the event, “Creating and Managing a Future-Ready Public Service: A Pathway to Sustainable Development,” along with the topic, “The Future of the Public Service: Thinking Tomorrow Today,” were described by the governor as timely and essential.

He noted that the public service needs to adapt and innovate to meet modern challenges, stating, “The time has come for the Service to be more proactive, innovative, dynamic, and tech-driven. The capacity of the institutions and their operators must be enhanced for effective and efficient service delivery.”

Governor Aiyedatiwa also commended public servants for their dedication and cooperation over the past ten months of his administration. He stated, “Your tremendous contributions made it possible for this administration to achieve modest feats in all our policy pledges. Our administration will continue to prioritise the welfare of public servants, even amidst other financial demands.”

In his commitment to the welfare of civil servants, the governor reiterated that prompt payment of salaries, allowances, and pensions will remain a priority.

“Our commitment to the payment of seventy-three thousand naira Minimum Wage is sacrosanct. There is no going back! In a matter of days, discussions on a realistic and sustainable consequential adjustment will be concluded with Labour. Our word is our bond,” he said.

Addressing the importance of professionalism, he urged public servants to prioritise resource generation and management, advising them to block financial leakages and discourage frivolous expenditures.

He stated, “Although this may come with initial discomfort, it will surely pay off, both for the Service and the entire State.”

Aiyedatiwa reminded public servants to conduct themselves civilly ahead of the gubernatorial election scheduled for 16th November 2024.

“Our state is known for peace and tranquillity, and that must be sustained. Do not lend yourselves as tools to any unscrupulous political cause. I urge you to be good ambassadors of the Public Service at all times,” he added.

Earlier, the Head of Service, Bayo Philip, welcomed the governor and appreciated him for his moral and physical support towards the welfare of public servants in the state.

He specifically thanked the governor for the constant payment of workers’ salaries, key appointments, and the promotion of over five thousand and forty civil servants in Ondo State.

He stressed the essential role of the public service in fostering forward-thinking governance and highlighted the administration’s commitment to regular salary payments, pensions, and the provision of 2024 leave bonuses.

He noted that this year’s celebration emphasised the importance of public service in shaping a sustainable future for Ondo State, with a collective resolve among civil servants to enhance their roles and contributions to the state’s development.

The event featured the presentation of meritorious awards to the Ondo State Contributory Healthcare Commission, the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), and the Civil Service Commission in recognition of their outstanding contributions.

In attendance were Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami, Chief of Staff Segun Omojuwa, Secretary to the State Government Tayo Oluwatuyi, among other government functionaries.