The governor, who was represented by his deputy governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, made the call on Tuesday, during his keynote address at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, where he noted that professionalism in the civil service should be driven by innovation, technology, data, and the will to deliver measurable results.

With the theme of the event titled “Deepening Professionalism in the Civil Service towards Improved Service Delivery,” Governor Sanwo-Olu further emphasized that for the Southwest to achieve maximum results, there was the need to collaborate, share best practices, and jointly tackle the challenges that confront the zones and the country at large.

Sanwo-Olu also said that Lagos would continue to prioritize the welfare of workers in line with the state’s THEMES+ Agenda.

“It is with great pleasure that I welcome you all to Lagos State, the Centre of Excellence, and the commercial nerve center of our great nation. I am particularly delighted that Lagos is playing host to this strategic convergence of Heads of Service of the Six Southwest States under the able coordination of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, DAWN, Commission.

“The theme of this year’s meeting is apt and a timely call to action. As custodians of public policy implementation and the engine room of government operations, our civil services must continuously evolve to meet the growing expectations of our citizens in a fast-changing world.

“Professionalism in the civil service is the bedrock of efficient governance. It speaks to competence, integrity, accountability, responsiveness, and a culture of continuous improvement. It is no longer enough to do things the old way. Today’s civil service must be driven by innovation, technology, data, and the will to deliver measurable results.

Sanwo-Olu assured participants that the Lagos State Civil Service had continued to harp on positive changes and equitable growth through the T.H.E.M.E.S + agenda using training of staff as core value to achieve results.

He commended all the Heads of Service of Ekiti, Osun, Ogun and Ondo for finding time to attend physically, to Lagos for being a good host and DAWN Commission for putting together a quality programme beneficial to the region and nation at large.

“We in Lagos State have continued to prioritize the transformation of our public service in line with our THEMES+ Agenda. Through investments in digital infrastructure, regular training and capacity development, improved welfare for our workforce, and the institutionalization of merit-based appointments and promotions, we are building a public service that is resilient, responsive, and people-centered.

“But we cannot do it alone. As States with a shared history, culture, and vision for regional integration and sustainable development, we must collaborate, share best practices, and jointly tackle the challenges that confront us. The civil service remains a key vehicle for achieving the lofty goals of the DAWN Commission and actualizing the aspirations of the people of the Southwest.

“I therefore commend the Heads of Service and the leadership of DAWN Commission for this strategic initiative. I urge you to use this platform to design practical, actionable solutions that will raise the standard of service delivery across our region. Let us adopt policies that attract and retain the best minds in public administration, promote ethical conduct, and harness the power of technology to transform how the government works.

“As a region historically known for setting the pace in governance, education, and social development, let us once again lead the way in building a world-class civil service that can meet the needs of today and prepare us for the challenges of tomorrow.

“I am certain that this meeting will birth new ideas that will help us chart a way forward in this quest to Deepen Professionalism in the Civil Service and Improve Service Delivery, and I look forward to the recommendations of this strategic meeting.

Meanwhile, in his keynote address, the Chairman, Federal Civil Service Commission and Professor of Public Administration, Prof. Tunji Olaopa, stated that the public service must deploy professionalism to facilitate the process to translate government development agenda into implementable programmes and projects.

“I have over the years learnt that many state civil services do not enjoy the autonomy and relative insulation from politics to operate within the classic functional authority line in politics/policy-administration/implementation dichotomy as conceived in public administration praxis.

“I am therefore not under any illusion that most of the ideas and insights that I am going to share in the keynotes will be easy for you to run with as gatekeepers of our cherished professions at your different post.

“My take on this, the limiting reality of your contexts as practitioners did not make you any less professionals, who should parade authority of knowledge of what is and what ought to be.

“We will therefore not reconstruct the knowledge pack to feed you with anything else but what will be shared if you are in the Singapore Civil service, rated as perhaps the most professionals in the world.

“As the administrator now contends with two new mutually reinforcing cybersecurity and terrorism, to armed conflicts and populist-leadership phenomena of the POLYCRISIS and what Warren and Bennis called the VUCA–volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous policy environment.

“There are other culture shaping issues like artificial intelligence, issues of sexualities, the transgender phenomenon, the whole green economy sustainability discourse.”

In his welcome address, the Chairman, Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, DAWN Commission , Dr. Seye Oyeleye, described the various heads of service as strategists, implementers, and custodians of public trust.

He said that the Commission remains committed to supporting this mission by facilitating knowledge exchange, policy alignment, and inter-state collaboration.

“At DAWN Commission, we believe professionalism in the Civil Service must evolve beyond traditional structures to embrace innovation, data-driven decision-making, and ethical responsiveness to the demands of our people.

“Our history as a pace setting region reminds us of what is possible. For instance, the legacy of Chief Simeon Adebo—called in 1955 from the Colonial Civil Service in Lagos to Ibadan to support Chief Awolowo’s Universal Primary Education Programme as Head of Finance exemplifies the transformative power of committed, capable public servants. The same spirit must guide us today.”

He added that the Commission would remain committed by supporting and facilitating knowledge exchange, policy alignment, and inter-state collaboration.

“Ultimately, the strength of our civil service lies in you—in your leadership, in your ability to adapt and inspire, and in your collective resolve to build an institution that is future-ready.

“Even though we are confronted with challenges, including fiscal constraints, capacity gaps, technological disruption, but none that we cannot address together. Our strength lies in unity, shared learning, and a willingness to boldly reshape our systems for the better.”

The Lagos State Head of Service, Mr Bode Agoro, in his address, appreciated the presence of governor Sanwo-Olu through his Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, and Permanent Secretaries in the Lagos State Civil Service.

He, however, highlighted that the various heads of Service across South-West States can consider enhance Inter-State collaboration and professionalism within the South-West Civil Service while appreciating the effort of the DAWN Commission for the progress of the region

“I will like to specially recognise the DAWN Commission for its unwavering commitment and hard work in implementing the Regional, Integration agenda, by promoting and pursuing sustainable development in the Southwest Region for the benefit of our citizens, and for holding onto its belief that our dear State will successfully host this event.

“Today marks the Main Event of this strategic meeting themed –“Deepening Professionalism in the Civil Service Towards Improved Service Delivery”, and I am convinced that the agenda designed to take us through a series of sessions will provide greater insights into the theme.”

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A retired Permanent Secretary and an indigene of Lagos Island, Mrs. Boladele Dapo-Thomas, was appointed by the governor to chair the statutory body pivotal to preservation of professionalism in the civil service.

The five-member commission was constituted, on Tuesday, at a ceremony held in the State House, Alausa.

Each member was nominated from each of the five traditional divisions of Lagos.

Other members of the Commission are Mr. Fatai Olalekan Lasisi; Mr. Lateef Yahaya Olawale; Mr. Afolabi Olatunji Sobowale and Mr. Rufus Adekoya Adedapo.

Inaugurating the commission, Sanwo-Olu noted that the ceremony demonstrated the commitment of the state government to uphold the principles of integrity, fairness, and efficiency essential to the efficiency of Lagos civil service and the progress of the state.

The governor said the appointment of members reflected the confidence in their ability to lead the civil service toward excellence, urging the appointees to honour the trust with dedication and wisdom.

He said: “As leaders of the Civil Service Commission, you bear the responsibility of ensuring that Lagos civil service operates with discipline and meritocracy. Your decisions will affect the quality of public services that millions of Lagosians depend on daily for quality services in different areas of life, ranging from education and healthcare to security and infrastructure.

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“I urge you to lead with transparency, to foster innovation, and to create opportunities for growth within the civil service. Above all, you must be accountable to the people you serve, putting their interests above all else. While you are being entrusted with responsibility to carry out the challenging tasks, you must remember the solemn duty placed on your shoulders.”

Congratulating members of the commission for approval of their nominations, Sanwo-Olu expressed confidence that the state’s civil service would continue to be a beacon of excellence and catalyst for positive change.

He said the commission should employ innovation, integrity, and efficiency to drive its activities and make Lagos public service the best model in the country.

Head of Service, Mr. Bose Agoro, who read the citations of the nominees, said the Sanwo-Olu administration’s ability to always put round pegs in round holes set the state’s civil service on the path of numerous accomplishments which made it the most vibrant public service among the sub national.

“Lagos has always ensured highest standard of excellence is upheld in the service delivery of our public service. I am confident that the expertise and experiences of these new members of the Civil Service Commission will go a long way in bringing valuable insights that will continue to shape establishment policies in our public service,” Agoro said.

Giving a note of assurance on behalf of the commission members, Mrs. Dapo-Thomas thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in them to serve the state at the level.

She said: “I would like to assure the governor that we will put everything we have within our capacity to push the vision of this administration forward and make the state’s civil service a competent workforce. Our core values will be key into the agenda of the governor.”

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The signing of the MoU by the Lagos State Commissioner for Finance, Mr Yomi Oluyomi; CEO EnterpriseNGR, Mrs. Obi Ibekwe; Head, Eurasia, Middle East and Africa of The City UK, Chika Mourah; and Director, International Development of The City UK, Anna Rogers, was witnessed by Lagos State governor and chairman of LIFC, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu;  Co-Chairman LIFC and Chairman, Access Holdings, Mr Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede; Charge d’Affaires, British Deputy High Commission Lagos, Mr Simon Field; Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Mrs. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin and Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, among others.

Speaking during the ceremony, Governor Sanwo-Olu said his administration was truly committed to achieving the Lagos International Financial Centre and therefore sought everybody’s support to make the vision a reality.

He said: “The signing of the MoU signposts the beginning of another level of engagement in establishing Lagos International Financial Centre and making Lagos the first in sub-Saharan Africa that will get an international financial centre.

“It is not just about us; it is about the conversation of putting our country and both local and international investors on a platform that would make businesses work better and create an ambiance of a more predictable and reliable financial centre in this part of the world.

“We are localising our idea and initiative to be able to also put Lagos and, by extension, Nigeria, on the world map of cities that have international financial centres.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu also expressed appreciation to all the partners for their financial and technical support towards the establishment of an International Financial Centre in Lagos.

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Speaking earlier, the co-chairman of LIFC, Mr Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu and his team for their courage in driving the dream of the LIFC, noting that “The gift of Babajide Sanwo-Olu to Lagos State is one that we in the capital market also enjoy.”

He said the Memorandum of Understanding was a very important signpost for the Lagos International Financial Centre project.

“Today, we are carrying the flag of Lagos State, Nigeria, and indeed Africa. We are getting to the promised land of having an international financial centre in Lagos and for Nigeria,” he said.

Aig-Imoukhuede also commended the media for balanced and educative reporting and charged them to do more as he called for their continuous support in every way possible.

Also speaking, the Director of International Development of The City UK, Anna Rogers, said the partnership would bring everybody together to make Lagos a successful powerful house on the African continent.

She said: “The City of UK is proud to be a strategic partner for the development of Lagos International Financial Centre. The decision of the Lagos State Government is highly commendable, and we are very excited to be part of the journey.

“We are delighted that through our partnership, we’ll continue to provide an avenue for UK and Nigerian financial professional services practitioners, policymakers, and regulators to share knowledge on best practices in areas such as corporate governance, financial services, regulation, technology, innovation, and many others. These will lead to increased trade and an increase in investment and partnership between the two countries as well as internationally.”

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Civil servants were advised to play the role of change agents in the state’s economic transformation effort in shaping a sustainable future.

The charge came at the launching of a Waste-to-Value collection hub, a Charity Begins At Home 2.0 initiative of the Office of the Special Adviser on Climate Change and Circular Economy.

The event was held at the Quadrant car park (quarters of Ministries of Economic Planning and Budget, Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation; Youth and Social Development; Lagos Water Regulatory Commission and Lagos State Safety Commission) in the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.

The launch was flagged off with a road show within the secretariat complex to create awareness on the Waste-to-Value collection hub.

A well-designed containerized space with signs and marks to help identify the different points of exchange, where civil servants can swap wastes such as PET bottles, tin cans, paper, cartons, textiles, for financial benefits and other well-structured financial aid.

Performing the launch exercise, the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro, said embracing the initiative in the public service was a means of empowerment and presented sustainable financial inclusion structures for civil servants.

His words: “It’s not just a policy directive. It is a moral, economic and strategic imperative. By adopting waste-to-value models, we empower ourselves with innovative pathways for financial stability, resource optimization and environmental stewardship.

“This initiative goes beyond waste management. It introduces sustainable financial inclusion structures, such as decision, adjunct and cooperative models that provide economic resilience for civil servants.”

Agoro stressed that the initiative was a meaningful way of shrinking the need for landfills, which would improve preservation of the environment for future generations.

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Charging public servants on the need to play active roles in promoting green policies, he said “Imagine a Lagos where civil servants actively participate in waste valorization, serve as agents that integrate green policies and systems into its operation and where our collective effort sets the precedent for other states to follow.

“As we embark on this journey, I challenge each and every one of us to take ownership of this initiative through responsible waste segregation, building status, participation in cooperative savings schemes, and advocating for green policies in our respective offices. We all have a role to play in shaping a sustainable future,” he said.

In his remarks, Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Ope George, said: “This is not just a government initiative; it is a movement that requires the collective effort of civil servants, private sector players, environmental advocates and every resident of Lagos.

“The circular economy thrives on collaboration, innovation and a commitment to sustainability. This is very important and an opportunity for us all to embrace these principles in our daily lives, thereby transforming both valuable resources and moving away from the traditional linear economy of take-make-and-dispose.”

He urged civil servants to remain engaged, be inspired and take a look at some innovative steps that would help drive the circular economy vision forward.

Earlier in her opening address, the Special Adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu on Climate Change and Circular Economy, Mrs. Titi Oshodi, noted that engaging the civil service workforce of over 5,000 staff members can influence the drive to change and promote sustainable practices within their households and communities.

Her words: “It has become imperative that our workforce not only become climate friendly and nutrient, but also find economic benefits in driving environmentally sustainable landscapes in their daily output, both at work and at home.

“The sheer volume of our civil service workforce presents a unique opportunity for a multiplier effect. As these individuals adopt sustainable practices, they can inspire their families and communities to do the same and refine our impact across Lagos State.”

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Cecila Dada, averred to the importance of the waste valorisation in the public service, stating that it would provide empowerment opportunities for members of staff.

Permanent Secretaries, Pharm (Mrs) Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu (Youth and Social Development), Mrs. Olayinka Ojo (Economic Planning and Budget) and Directors from the State’s parastatals were present at the event.

Also present at the take-off were Nollywood actors: Foluke Daramola-Salako; Ayo Adesanya; Sola Kosoko, her sibling, Bidemi Kosoko, Razak Owokoniran amongst others to lend their voice in support of the initiative.

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Mr Bode Agoro, the Head of Service, made the announcement in a statement on Tuesday.

Agoro said the decision was in support of the implementation of the new minimum wage in the public service.

The work-from-home initiative was introduced in February 2024 to mitigate the impact of the sudden removal of subsidies.

According to Agoro, its cancellation aims to enhance service delivery.

Agoro stated that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has introduced various measures to improve the welfare and well-being of public servants.

“It is hereby notified for general information that the governor has approved the cancellation of the work-from-home initiative in the Lagos State Public Service.

“The cancellation of the work-from-home initiative, which has been in place since February 2024, will take effect on March 31.

“Public servants are urged to rededicate themselves to their duties and ensure improved service delivery across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

“Accounting Officers are instructed to give this circular the service-wide publicity it deserves,” Agoro added.

The Sanwo-Olu-led administration approved an N85,000 minimum wage for civil servants in Lagos State on October 17, 2024.

Source: NAN

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Agoro made the declaration on Thursday during the 18th edition of the Head of Service Games Final 2024, held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena disclosed that the essence of the event was to create relaxation and the fitness level of civil servants through the games.

The Head of Service said, “The games, is to bring everyone together to keep fit, look after their wellbeing. It gives our civil servants the opportunity to come together to have fun. It is very important as it helps us to relax, enjoy, and to keep fit.

“While the civil servants are keeping fit, they are also doing their medicals. They have the opportunity to check all their vitals and ensure that everything is in order. The game is good for their wellbeing, and their mental health.

“Sports is a uniting factor for everyone. It is good for the welfare, wellbeing, and health of everyone. That’s why we bring all public servants together to enjoy themselves, to relax and keep fit.”

He noted that the public service sporting event had different games available for members of the workforce to participate in, as it’s not just about the footballing game.

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“Apart from the game of football, they also play other games such as scrabble, chess, and table tennis, among others. It is just in the finals that we play football and tug of war,” he added.

Ex-internationals: Waheed Akanni; Friday Ekpo; Taiwo Oloyede; Godwin Okpara; Waheed Ipaye amongst others who had represented the state and the country at some stage graced the sporting event whom the HoS said were invited as remembering the heroes past.

His words: “We should never forget our heroes past. They are people that have served Nigeria in the past; they have played for Lagos State and Nigeria. We thought it fit to invite them and give them a sense of belonging, and a sense of not being forgotten.”

“When they played in their heyday, everyone was shouting their names and all of a sudden they stopped playing and nobody is celebrating them. It is not very good for their mental health as well. It’s just to let them know that we have not forgotten about them,” Agoro said.

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This was announced as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, fulfilled his promise to settle all arrears and current pension liabilities in the state’s public service.

Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday, presented pension bond certificates totalling N4.5 billion to 2,000 retirees at the 105th Retirement Benefit Bond Certificate Presentation Ceremony hosted by Lagos State Pension Commission, LASPEC, in Oregun.

The clearing of the accrued pension liability essentially implies that the state government owes no outstanding pension benefits and any form of entitlement to any individual who retired from its public service.

By implication, fresh retirees will no longer wait endlessly after service before being paid their retirement benefits.

Settlement of the state’s pension backlog has transitioned Lagos pension administration from servicing a liability to an era of pay-as-you-go.

Besides, Sanwo-Olu launched a special health insurance scheme for all living retirees, who served the state.

The governor said the development marked a milestone in the state’s pension administration, stressing that the new template of “Pay-As You-Go” had prioritised quick payment of accrued rights in order to ensure retirees in the state enjoy dignity and financial stability after their retirement.

He said: “Today, we mark the 105th Retirement Bond Certificate presentation and I am pleased to present bond certificates worth a total of N4,461,659,536.82 to 2,000 retirees from our civil service. This development marks a historic milestone as our dear state transitions into a new era of Pension Administration known as ‘Pay-As You-Go’. From now on, all retirees of the state government will be paid as they retire, provided all procedures and approvals have been completed before retirement.

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“We have strategically prioritised clearing all backlogs of accrued rights payments to ensure our retirees enjoy dignity and financial stability after retirement. This commitment extends to the welfare of both current and former members of our workforce, recognising their unblemished careers in the state’s public service. These funds, along with their monthly contributions, have already been remitted into their respective Retirement Savings Accounts with the Pension Fund Administrators, PFAs.”

Sanwo-Olu said Lagos was the first state in the country to embrace the Contributory Pension Scheme when it commenced in 2004, pointing out that the state government had paid N141.2 billion to 35,191 retirees till date.

Under his administration, the governor disclosed that the state had paid N59.7 billion to 17,039 retirees over the last five years, making Lagos a top performer in pension payments.

Sanwo-Olu said the newly introduced health insurance scheme for the retirees was to further appreciate the service of the senior citizens in addition to payment of their financial entitlements.

He said: “We have also launched a Health Insurance Scheme tailored specifically for our retirees. This scheme will provide access to a wide range of medical services, from routine check-ups to specialised treatments. This initiative underscores our commitment to the well-being of our retirees, while ensuring that they receive not only what is due statutorily but also additional support and assistance to enhance your lives in retirement.”

LASPEC Director-General, Mr. Babalola Obilana, said the settlement of all backlogs of accrued rights demonstrated a significant achievement in public service, adding that the development reflected the governor’s dedication to addressing the challenges faced by our retirees.

He said the Pay-As-You-Go template would help secure comfortable and dignified retirement for the retirees.

Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro, observed that the Sanwo-Olu administration had been steadfast in recognising invaluable service of the state’s workforce, which made the governor push all efforts to clear all backlogs of Accrued Rights Payments.

Agoro, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Public Service Office, Mrs. Sunkanmi Oyegbola, said: “The State Government recognises and appreciates the remarkable contributions made by our esteemed retirees. Your commitment, dedication, and sacrifices have been instrumental in the achievements of our Public Service, which in turn have significantly contributed to the progress of our great state.“

Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Mr. Afolabi Ayantayo, said the transition to Pay-As-You-Go template had set a precedent for establishing a sustainable and dependable pension system, which would serve as a model in the country.

Ayantayo, represented by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Establishments and Training, Mrs Olubukola Abidakun, noted that the ministry had worked collaboratively with LASPEC and PFAs to ensure the disbursement processes were efficient and transparent.

“This gesture will undoubtedly impact the lives of our retirees positively, rebuild trust in the State’s pension system, boost employee morale, enhance productivity and ensure that public servants can anticipate a secure retirement,” the commissioner said.

The retirees, in appreciation of the governor’s gesture, held a special prayer session for Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat.

The senior citizens also trooped out to dance with the governor.

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The appointment, which took immediate effect, was announced on Wednesday in a letter dated March 13, 2024, and signed by the Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro.

“I wish to convey the approval of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Governor of Lagos State, of your new appointment as Special Adviser, Media and Publicity (Non-Cabinet Rank) to Mr. Governor. The appointment takes effect from 13th March 2024 to 21st May 2027.

“In appointing you, the State Government expects you to demonstrate a high level of dedication, diligence, and selflessness in the discharge of your duties to justify the confidence and trust reposed in you,” the statement reads in part.

Before his new appointment, Akosile was the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Sanwo-Olu.

He had earlier served as Media Adviser to the Governor during the 2019 governorship campaign and in the same capacity after the swearing-in of Governor Sanwo-Olu for a second term.

He also served as Deputy Chief Press Secretary and later Chief Press Secretary to Governor Sanwo-Olu during his first term in office.

Akosile holds Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in Theatre Arts from both the University of Ilorin and University of Lagos respectively.

He also bagged a Master of Business Administration degree, MBA, at the Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU between 2008 and 2010.

He has over two decades of robust career and hands on experience in journalism, media and perception management.

In his new role, Akosile is expected to continue his media and perception management of the governor and his administration, in line with the Government’s THEMES+ development agenda.

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The governor said the appointment of the new Permanent Secretaries was based on their respective performances in the assessment process and their track records of delivery on tasks they were assigned.

Their elevation, Sanwo-Olu said, came with more tasks and responsibilities, especially in the period when citizens had high expectations on the government to improve their lives and protect them from the effects of the current economic hardship.

The governor charged the appointees to be mindful of the responsibilities placed on their shoulders, urging them to hit the ground running immediately.

Sanwo-Olu said: “Your appointment as Permanent Secretaries comes with substantial responsibility. As you celebrate, you must also bring to mind, the solemn task placed upon your shoulders. The people of Lagos have placed a lot of trust in this administration, and they expected that we deliver. The task ahead is not without challenges, especially in this period when the citizens’ attention is focused on all of us, with high expectation, to cushion the effect of the current economic hardship.

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“The engine room for our Government’s noble vision is a robust civil service. Your dedication, knowledge and strategic vision are the bedrock on which our policies and programmes certainly lie on. It is believed that you are part of the team that will translate these tangible benefits to our citizens. Therefore, I urge you to rededicate yourselves and give your best at all times towards ensuring the diligent implementation of government policies and programmes as they relate to context of our development agenda.”

The governor told the appointees to always work with integrity and transparency, while keeping in mind that their commitment would be instrumental to achieving aspiration of Greater Lagos.

He encouraged them to justify the confidence reposed in them through the appointment, charging them to give their utmost best in the discharge of their duties.

“I urge you to embrace empathy and compassion as you carry out your duties. You must strive for excellence at all times and ensure that Lagosians get the best of your effort at all times,” Sanwo-Olu said.

Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro, said the appointment of the new Permanent Secretaries indicated the governor’s commitment to excellence, merit, fairness and transparency, noting that the appointees were selected from the pool of directors who participated in the year 2022 Merit based Screening Exercise for appointment as Permanent Secretaries.

While congratulating the appointees, Agoro urged them to maintain good standing with the political heads and staff of their respective MDAs for speedy attainment of their given mandates.

The newly appointed Permanent Secretaries are Engr. Somide Lateef Ayodele (Office of Infrastructure); Engr. Adegbite Mahmood Olakunle (Office of Drainage Services); Mr. Emmanuel Fatai Audu (Ministry of Agriculture); Mrs. Oki Lyla Morenike (Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission, LASIEC) and Ayokunnu Adeshina Sikiru (Surveyor-General Office).

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He said the payment of N3.1billion to retirees, alongside their monthly contributions which had already been remitted into their respective Retirement Savings Accounts with the Pension Fund Administrators, PFAs, was a testament to the unwavering commitment of his administration to the welfare and well-being of retirees.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who spoke during the 103rd Batch Retirement Bond Certificate Presentation Ceremony held at Anchor Events Centre, Agidingbi, Lagos on Friday, said the ceremony was a continued affirmation of the commitment of the Lagos State government to the welfare of its workforce, both active and post-service.

Sanwo-Olu, who promised to pay another N4 billion to retirees next month, March, assured that the Lagos State government through the Lagos State Pension Commission was assiduously working to ensure that Public Service retirees not only got what was due to them statutorily but also continue to receive, through other agencies and programmes, additional support and assistance that would add value to their lives in retirement.

He said: “Today’s event is a continued affirmation of the commitment of the state government to the welfare of its workforce, both active and post-service. The Lagos State government, since the inception of the Contributory Pension Scheme has paid N138,093,194,007.15 to 34,178 retirees.

“Since the inception of my administration, we have paid a sum of N56,551,761,900.88 into the Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs) of 16,026 Retirees in the Mainstream, Local Government, State Universal Basic Board (SUBEB), Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) and other Parastatals of the State Government.

“As of today, my administration would have covered nearly half of the total payments made by previous administrations since the inception of the Contributory Pension Scheme in Lagos State. While we acknowledge the backlog in the payment of Accrued Rights, our attention is focused on systematically eliminating this backlog.

“I am pleased to announce that we have made substantial progress in this regard and I am confident that before the end of my tenure, our aspiration for a “Pay As You Go” model will be realised.

“My administration will continue to run an open Government that acknowledges our diversity and promotes inclusion. I want to reaffirm that no matter your age, gender, sex, tribe or special needs, as long as you are an employee of the Lagos State Public Service, whether in active service or retired, your welfare and well-being are a top priority.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu also noted that Lagos State had continued to be the leading light, not only in the administration of pension benefits but generally in good credible governance.

He said: “We are a top performer in pension payments among other quality indices of the Contributory Pension Scheme. This was attested to at the Y2024 Africa Brand Awards and the Y2024 Africa Public Sector Leadership Awards where Lagos State Pension Commission won the Gold Award for Best Employee Welfare Pension Company of the Year and the Director General emerged as the Pensions Personality of the Year respectively.

“I congratulate the Director General and members of the Lagos State Pension Commission for your diligence and commitment to innovation, excellence, and professionalism. I charge you to keep up the good work and aim for greater accomplishment.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu congratulated all the beneficiaries of the 103rd retirement benefit bond certificate and wished them God’s guidance and a better retirement life.

“I want to express my profound gratitude to the retirees who have dedicated their lives in service to our dear State. Your dedication, hard work, and sacrifice have contributed immensely to the growth and development of this great State. Your commitment to duty has not gone unnoticed, and today, we gather to honour you and express our deepest appreciation,” he said.

Speaking earlier, the Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro, said the Retirement Bond certificates presented to the retirees were not just tokens of appreciation, but symbols of the State Government’s enduring gratitude and respect for the years of hard work and dedication the retirees had invested in the Public Service and the State, in general.

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Agoro who urged the retirees to utilise the money given to them judiciously prayed that God would continue to give them a long life in good health and soundness of the mind to enjoy their benefits.

He said the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration was truly grateful for the retirees’ hard work and recognised the need to protect their retirement benefits, noting that the incumbent government’s commitment to ensuring regular remittance of retirement benefits, as and when due, remained resolute.

“Indeed, I find it a thing of immense joy when issues relating to the welfare of senior citizens who have given their all in serving the state are highly prioritised, knowing full well that, we also will join them one day. We have all come together to honour and give back to these dedicated retirees whose dedication, hard work, and invaluable contributions to Public Service cannot be understated.

“I am happy to inform you that since the inception of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) in 2007, Lagos State has maintained a leading role in the administration of the Contributory Pension Scheme and the payment of pension obligations to our beloved retirees.

“I wish to express my sincere appreciation to Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Governor of Lagos State for placing huge premium on the welfare of staff of the State Public Service, both active and retired.

“I wish to extend my appreciation to the Director-General, Lagos State Pension Commission, Mr. Babalola Obilana, and his wonderful team for their efforts geared towards putting smiles on the faces of our senior citizens.”

The Director-General of Lagos State Pension Commission, Mr. Babalola Obilana in his address commended the retirees for services to Lagos State and advised them to use their pensions judiciously.

He also praised Governor Sanwo-Olu for his love and passion for retirees in the state.

Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Mrs. Mariam Adetokunbo Eko, who praised the Lagos State government for taking care of pensioners, said she was a testament to how Governor Sanwo-Olu had worked tirelessly to make retirees comfortable in the state by paying their dues every month.

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