Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening governance through the experience and institutional memory of retired permanent secretaries and senior civil servants.

Aiyedatiwa stated this on Wednesday during the annual get-together and send-off ceremony organised for retired permanent secretaries and tutors-general in Akure, describing retired public officers as invaluable assets whose wealth of administrative experience remains crucial to the development of the state.

Aiyedatiwa said his administration would continue to tap into the expertise of retired permanent secretaries and heads of service to improve governance and public service delivery.

According to him, several members of the forum of retired permanent secretaries have already been appointed into key political offices because of their proven competence and deep understanding of government operations.

The governor noted that the achievements recorded by successive administrations in Ondo State were made possible through the dedication, professionalism and commitment of civil servants responsible for policy implementation.

He urged retirees to see retirement not as the end of service but as another phase in which they can mentor younger officers and help strengthen professionalism within the civil service.

Speaking on workers’ welfare, Aiyedatiwa reiterated his administration’s resolve to improve productivity and reposition the public service for greater efficiency.

In his remarks, the Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip, commended the governor for prioritising workers’ welfare, prompt payment of retirees’ entitlements and expansion of the workforce within the state civil service.

Philip disclosed that the administration had made about 5,000 new appointments to strengthen the public service.

He also revealed that the governor approved immediate payment of terminal benefits for retired permanent secretaries to ease access to their entitlements.

The Head of Service further stated that the government had approved accommodation support for about 150 retired graduate headmasters affected by a policy delay dating back to 2009, noting that many of the beneficiaries had died before the intervention came.

He added that the governor approved the implementation of the federal salary review for medical officers and other health workers, making Ondo State one of the early adopters of the salary scale.

Philip also announced that the government would soon recruit more health workers to boost healthcare service delivery across the state.

Philip urged retired permanent secretaries to continue to uphold the dignity of the public service and contribute meaningfully to the development of the state.

Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman of the Forum of Ondo State Permanent Secretaries, Mr. Segun Odusanya, praised the governor for reforms aimed at strengthening institutional capacity within the civil service.

Odusanya described the forum as a structured body established to promote welfare, professional continuity and administrative discipline among serving and retired permanent secretaries.

He said the forum has continued to support efficient public service delivery through orientation programmes and reinforcement of administrative culture.

He also commended the governor for appointing 34 permanent secretaries and providing official vehicles for 22 previously appointed officers, describing the gesture as a major boost to institutional effectiveness.

According to him, gratuity payments have now been extended to retirees up to 2019 for state workers and up to 2014 for local government pensioners, describing the development as a significant relief for retirees.

In separate goodwill messages, the Orungberuwa of Ode-Erinje Kingdom, Oba Oladele Akinmoye, and the President of the Association of Retired Permanent Secretaries, Mrs. Mojisola Ajayi, appreciated the state government for its continued support to retirees.

They noted that government interventions had reduced uncertainties associated with retirement, making life after service more stable and fulfilling.

Responding on behalf of the retired permanent secretaries, Mr. Bunmi Alade expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to serve and retire honourably, describing the event as a memorable moment for retirees.

Dignitaries at the event included the Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Engr. Olaleye Akinola; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public and Intergovernmental Relations, Mrs. Kikelomo Ikuomola; APC State Chairman, Hon. Babatunde Kolawole; retired permanent secretaries and other civil servants. (Nigerian Tribune)