The Oyo State Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni has re-affirmed the present administration commitment to prioritize the welfare of senior citizens, saying that their wealth of experience is invaluable.
She stated this at the celebration of the 1st Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries of Oyo and Osun States (ARESPSOOS) held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.
She said the State Government acknowledged the sacrifices, challenges and triumphs of the retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries in the State, hinting that, their selfless service, mentorship and guidance have inspired generations of public servants, leaving a legacy that calls officers to uphold Excellence, Integrity and Professionalism.
The Head of Service who represented the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde added further that, Civil Service plays a pivotal role in crafting inclusive policies that address the needs of senior citizens and the entire populace.
She said “I wish to reiterate the present administration’s commitment to the welfare of senior citizens, Governor Seyi Makinde led administration has enrolled all our pensioners into the Oyo State Health Insurance Scheme (OYSHIA) for the health needs without failing to pay pensions since 2019.
Mrs Oni called on senior citizens (ARESPSOOS) to continue their contribution towards the development of the Civil Service and always offer mentorship to serving Top Civil Servants.
She charged them all to pay more attention to their health and embrace a healthy lifestyle for a more productive year, as she admonished serving Civil Servants to re-double their efforts in upholding the values of excellence, integrity and accountability in the service.
The Guest Lecturer, Chairman Federal Civil Service Commission, Professor Tunji Olaopa in his lecture titled: Re-Engineering the Engine Room: The Civil Service as the Fulcrum of Sustainable Development” at the maiden reunion of the Association called for re-engineering of civil service in order to meet up with the challenges of nation building, good governance and national development.
The Chairman of the occasion and the Former Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Professor Oladapo Afolabi commended the members of the association for the initiative and passion to contribute to efficiency and improvement of the public service.
