South-West cannot achieve full potential without strong civil service — Adeleke

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has affirmed that the South-West zone cannot realise its full potential without a civil service that is professional, ethical, innovative and people-centred.

He therefore called for the strengthening of the civil service across the zone.

The governor made the call in Osogbo while addressing the 10th Quarterly General Meeting of the Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries, South-West, held on Saturday at the Adolak Event Centre.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, Adeleke said the theme of the meeting, which centres on civil service management and good governance, directly reflects the development challenges facing the region.

“Development does not occur by chance. It is driven by sound policies, efficient institutions and disciplined implementation. At the heart of all these is the civil service,” he said.

The governor noted that many of the retired senior officers in attendance were instrumental in laying the foundations that continue to sustain governance across the South-West.

ALSO READ: Electoral act: Akpabio admits, defends removal of ‘real-time’ from bill

“Many of you gathered here today were central to building these foundations during your years in office. Your experiences shaped systems that continue to serve our people across the region,” he added.

Adeleke further described the civil service as the bedrock of sustainable development, effective governance and regional integration, stressing that development is the result of deliberate policies, strong institutions and disciplined implementation, with the civil service playing a central role.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the association, Chief A. F. Olatayo, commended successive Osun State governments for sustaining cordial relations with the association.

According to him, collaboration between serving and retired public officers remains vital for effective governance and sustainable development.

He said the association, established on May 21, 2009, was formed not only to promote the welfare of its members but also to support the continuous growth and effectiveness of the Osun State Civil Service.

“Our primary objective is to promote the welfare of our members and contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the Osun State civil service, which remains the immediate constituency of all members of the association,” he said.