The Lagos State Government on Wednesday held a Pen-down Ceremony at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, in honour of twelve Permanent Secretaries who retired from the State Civil Service in 2024.
Speaking at the event, the Head of Service (HoS), Olabode Agoro said the Pens-Down ceremony for the twelve PS represents an occasion for rejoicing and thanksgiving.
The Lagos HoS in his opening remark further said “Today’s occasion is indeed a special one in many respects, as it is a celebration of an uncommon achievement of retiring after an unblemished Public Service career spanning over decades. It is indeed an opportunity to rejoice and return all glory to Almighty God for sparing your lives to participate and witness this day in good health, soundness of mind, spirit, body and soul”.
“It is therefore, in this spirit of thanksgiving on your behalf and in recognition of your exemplary service and record of outstanding contributions to the growth and development of the Lagos State Public Service throughout your Public Service careers, that Mr. Governor, the State Government and the good people of Lagos State have found you worthy to be honoured and celebrated today”.
He noted that “felicitating with you on behalf of the distinguished Body of Permanent Secretaries and a grateful Public Service, I wish to express our profound appreciation and gratitude to you for your loyalty, commitment, dedication and untold sacrifices through the years. I also wish you continued long life in good health and soundest of mind, and I pray that the Almighty God continues to renew your strength and all the members of your respective families, always”.
Agoro affirmed “I will like you to bear it in mind that your service to our great State doesn’t end here, as your expertise will be put to good use with the Association Lagos State Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries ALARHOSPS, and you can be called upon to serve the State in various capacities when required.
He urged the retirees to endeavour to keep in touch with the Post Service Directorate of the Public Service Office.
The HoS expressed his appreciation to Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for always making the event possible and for his support and commitment towards the growth and welfare of the Lagos State workforce.
Also, for provides Public Servants with a very transparent platform to reach the pinnacle of their chosen career without external influence.
While concluding he implored the potential Permanent Secretaries present and others that may not be here, to remain committed to the well-tested values, ethos and traditions of honesty, probity, transparency, integrity, hard work and service excellence that has characterized the Lagos State Public Service.
The 12 Permanent Secretaries celebrated during the Pens-Down ceremony include Mrs. Adenike Ganiyat Akanbi, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Chief of Staff; Mrs. Lyla Morenike Oki, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission; Mr. Amudaliu Yusuph Jimoh Permanent Secretary, Audit Service Commission; Mrs. Bandele Sinatu Fadipe, Permanent Secretary, Civil Service Pension Office and Mr. Ibrahim Amodu Obajomo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget.
Others are Mrs. Iyabo Motilayo Seriki-Bello, Permanent Secretary, Teaching Service Commission; Mrs. Titilayo Khadijat Shitta-Bey-Jeje, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice; Mrs. Olubukola Oyenike Salami, Permanent Secretary, Judicial Service Commission; Dr. (Mrs.) Shareefah Adejoke Yusuf, Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Education District VI; Mr. Abayomi Abolanle Abolaji, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education; Mrs. Salimot Tolani Oshodi, Permanent Secretary, Office of Sustainable Development Goals and Mr. Augustine Abiodun Onayele, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment.
Representing the retirees, Ibrahim Obajomo, the immediate past permanent Secretary of the Economic Planning and Budget, conveyed heartfelt gratitude to the Lagos State Government for the opportunity to serve.
Obajomo encouraged those still in active service to remain steadfast and focused, urging them to contribute meaningfully to the progress of the State and humanity at large.
