By Kemi Olatunde
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Plans are underway by the Ondo State government to procure five new buses for the free transportation of public servants just as the outstanding 2020 leave bonus has been paid while that of 2019 will be paid before the end of 2023.
Ondo State Head of Service, Pastor Kayode Ogundele disclosed this while declaring open the 14th quarterly interactive session with the Ondo Service Improvement (ODSIP) Change Ambassadors in Akure.
According to him, motivational programmes have been put in place to encourage public servants including free transportation which has began a few days ago, adding that they are in the fore front in the implementation of government’s palliative measure.
He hinted that gratuities of 2013 retirees have been paid, noting that work is in progress to clear those who retired in 2014.
Speaking further, he added that the sum of N10,000 will be paid to pensioners alongside their pension until December 2023, adding that government has released letters of promotion of qualified public servants with financial benefits with effect from August, 2023.
He explained that the measures were put in place to encourage public servants in giving their best in order to attain effective service delivery in the system.
Describing the forum as an avenue for participants to rub minds and improve on themselves as flag bearers of Service Improvement in the state, he applauded them for their sustained steadfastness in the reform business stating that they have remained fixated on the goal of giving their best in basic practices devoid of huge financial aid, such as sanitation, symposiums, mentoring clinics among others.
He explained that the Public Service in the past few weeks has experienced a myriad of improvements, stating that they are pointers to the fact that reforms need not originate from one source, adding that it is everyone’s responsibility which should be taken seriously.
He said that the meeting, which he described as the third in the year 2023, is significant, noting that topics to be considered by the seasoned Resource Persons are geared towards giving practical insight into improving the leadership in the public service and enlightening our social etiquette in this economically difficult time in the Country.
He admonished Change Ambassadors to be fully involved in the deliberations, in order to be able to cascade lessons learnt in their respective Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) with a view to enhancing the leadership qualities and social skills that will lead to a better motivated public service.
Administrative Secretary, Reform Office, Office of the HOS, Adewale Omomowo while speaking noted that the initiative which according to him has been facilitated by the Reform Office has yielded immeasurable fruits in terms of knowledge sharing and collaborations.
According to him, with the unflinching support of Change Ambassadors, there would be greater improvement on the programme.
Participants were put through two topics; “Leadership Strategies for managing and enhancing personnel productivity” and “Social Skills and Etiquette” which were delivered by the Permanent Secretary, Agency for Transport, Mr. Femi Aladenola and Director, Investment Promotion and Management, Dr. Richard Adeola Alonge.
