We'll continue giving priority to workers

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Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has assured civil servants in the state that his administration will continue to give priority to workers in the state to ensure optimum service delivery.

Akeredolu, who made this assurance during the 2023 Public Service lecture held at Dome International Event centre, Akure, the state capital, said his administration will not shy away from carrying out its responsibilities by putting smiles on the faces of the workers.

The governor whom the Secretary represented to the State Government (SSG), Princess Oladunni Odu, presented 30 Utility vehicles to the Permanent Secretary in the state and commended the state workers for their support, noting they have contributed positively to the state’s economic growth.

The governor, who said that no administration would excel without workers’ cooperation, explained that he would always prioritize workers’ welfare

He said, “I wish to thank public Servants in Ondo State for your support and cooperation for this administration. Without your cooperation, this administration would not have recorded the modest feats achieved in all our policy targets.

“This administration will never undervalue your teamwork, understanding and commitment. In thought and action, we shall continue to prioritise the welfare of Public Servants, notwithstanding the State’s lean financial resources.

“It is hoped that this relationship will continue to wax stronger. Some workers, by their diligence, resilience and industry, did us proud at their duty posts by their display of commitment to excellent service. We look forward to more of your gallant deeds.

“The impact of public servants on the economic growth at both national and subnational levels cannot be underestimated.

“Your welfare, therefore, will remain our primary concern. You may wish to note that amid the hardship occasioned by the fuel subsidy removal, the state government opted for equitable distribution of palliatives to people from all social strata in the espoused values of sensitivity and empathy for our dear people.

“This is a testament to the unwavering commitment of the present Administration to the welfare of the public servants and people in general.”

Speaking on the theme of the Civil Service’s week, “Leveraging on Bureaucratic Potentials for the Promotion of Investment in Ondo State”, said the topic is apt, saying it is considered imperative for the bureaucracy to be reminded of its roles and its rules in order to grow our economy.

Akeredolu said, “I am glad to hear your good testimonies on payment of salaries, prompt and up to date promotion with financial benefits, regular elevation to Accounting Officer’s status, payment of inherited salary arrears, training and retraining, and provision of working tools and enabling environment for the Service to thrive, among others.

He, however, charged the workers to discharge as required by rules and regulations, urging the workers to be apolitical, asking workers in the state to show their unalloyed loyalty to their service.

“I am glad to hear your good testimonies on payment of salaries, prompt and up to date promotion with financial benefits, regular elevation to Accounting Officer’s status, payment of inherited salary arrears, training and retraining, and provision of working tools and enabling environment for the Service to thrive, among others.

“This administration will continue to do more. I also want to assure you that the outstanding salary left for January 2017 will be cleared soon”

Earlier, the state Head of Service (HoS), Pastor Kayode Ogundele, said that 2023 Public Service Week was designed to engage public workers in interactive sessions with the Head of Service.

“Workers were guided on the necessity for adherence to Public Service Rules and were urged to demonstrate unflinching loyalty to the government of the day.

“Above all, the gospel of the Redeemed Agenda was explicitly spread to enable public servants to key into the policy direction of Government. I cannot but mention that the present Administration has placed the welfare of workers on the front burner as the workers continue to enjoy regular promotion as and when due with financial benefits.

“Our homegrown Reform Initiative, ODSIP, approved by Mr Governor and driven by the Office of the Head of Service, is making remarkable progress in the entrenchment of value and virtue of our service. Service delivery is being boosted through the digitisation of personnel-related records.

“For example, we have improved our Human Resource (HR) administration across all HR processes such as payroll, transfer, promotions, recruitment and training, while in-service capacity training has been enhanced through the instrumentality of the reinvigorated Public Service Training Institute (PSTI).

“Our reviewed Public Service Rules have enhanced workers welfare in several areas. The rules have become more stringent on gender-related issues in addition to other provisions that depoliticise the Service and strengthen its professionalism.”

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