By Mary Agidi
The Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Local Government Service Commission (LGSC), Dr Bayo Ilawole, has reiterated the commitment of the state government to making the state’s local government administration the best in the country.
Ilawole, who is also the Acting Chairman of the Commission, stated this at the passing-out ceremony of Batch ‘A’ 2026 In-Service Training for Graduate Executive Officers on Grade Level 14 who are progressing to Grade Level 15, held at the Local Government Staff Training School, Ita-Ogbolu.
He said training and continuous professional development were essential components of an effective and responsive public service, adding that the commission placed great importance on equipping its officers with the knowledge, skills, competence and right attitude required to perform their duties effectively.
According to him, the occasion was not merely a ceremony to mark the end of a training programme, but a significant milestone in the participants’ professional development and career progression.
“It is also an opportunity to reflect on the responsibilities that come with moving to a higher level in the public service.
“The transition from Grade Level 14 to Grade Level 15 is a clear indication of your years of service, experience and professional growth.
“However, promotion should not be viewed simply as an increase in status or remuneration. It comes with greater responsibility, higher expectations and increased accountability.
“As officers who will occupy more senior positions, you are expected to demonstrate sound judgement, profes-sionalism, leadership qualities and a strong commitment to the principles of public service,” he averred.
The LGSC boss said he believed the trainees had acquired new knowledge and refreshed their understanding of administration, human resources management, financial management, public service rules, ethics and communication.
“I, therefore urge you not to allow the knowledge gained here to remain within the walls of this Training School. Take what you have learnt back to your various offices and translate it into improved performance, better service delivery and greater efficiency,” he advised.
Ilawole commended the management of the Local Government Staff Training School, saying, “Your commitment to developing the capacity of our workforce is highly appreciated.”
In his goodwill message, the Special Adviser to the Ondo State Governor on Local Government Affairs, Mr. Igbekele Akinrinwa, described the training as a welcome development that would positively impact the development of local government administration in the state.
“We have to thank the Governor for giving approval to this life-changing programme. Many of these workers have been stagnant on the same grade level for many years. With this training, they now have the opportunity to move to the next level in their careers.
“I would advise them to replicate the experience gained during their eight-week programme here in their respective offices,” he said.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Training School, Mr. Ayodeji Ayeku, charged the graduands to be worthy ambassadors of the institution and to embody the Governor’s vision for improved service delivery at the grassroots.
He added that the training programme for selected local government workers in the state was part of the government’s efforts to retool the local government service for effective service delivery at the grassroots.
He said the significant investment by the state government underscored the importance Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa attached to capacity building, as encapsulated in Item 7 of the OUR EASE Agenda.
According to him, the initiative would enable workers to effectively and actively drive government policies and programmes.
“Our graduating trainees have all undergone extensive training in Leadership and General Studies, Administrative Communication, Agric-Business, Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition, in addition to specialised courses peculiar to their cadres in their respective departments.
“During the intensive eight-week training programme, emphasis was placed on the development of modern techniques and technologies that could ease the process of implementing tasks and assignments given to trainees in their respective workplaces,” he added.
The Governor of Batch A 2026 Graduate Executive Trainees, Adelosoye Richard, and his Vice, Mrs Abiodun Agbi Olayinka, affirmed that they had acquired a lot from the training programme and promised to put the experience and knowledge gained to good use in their respective offices.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of individual awards for Academic, Professional and Leadership Excellence to distinguished personalities.
Dignitaries in attendance included the Ogbolu of Ita-Ogbolu, Oba Idowu Faborode; the Permanent Secretary, Loans Board, Dr Toyin Awotoye; among others.