Adeleke Alade
The Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, on Thursday, gave out new SUV cars to 30 Permanent Secretaries in the state civil service, as part of the 2023 Public Service Week grand finale held at the International Culture and Event Centre, Akure.
The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Oladunni Odu, said his administration was committed to the welfare of workers and urged them to uphold the professional principles and ethics of the civil service.
The governor also highlighted some of the initiatives his administration had launched to improve the quality of life and health care of public servants, such as the Orange Health Care Insurance Scheme and the Contributory Pension Scheme.
He said, “In our resolve towards qualitative, improved and accessible healthcare system for public servants, this administration launched the Orange Health Care Insurance Scheme to create a sustainable funding mechanism that lowers financial barriers to the healthcare of public servants.
“I am happy that with the understanding of the labour unions, the public servants have keyed into the laudable scheme. Another area we are boldly tackling is the issue of pension and gratuity. We know that the most enduring way out of the pension/gratuity burden is the Contributory Pension Scheme into which workers are now being enrolled.
“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 economic growth at both national and subnational levels cannot be underestimated. Your welfare therefore will remain our primary concern.”
The state Head of Service, Mr Kayode Ogundele, in his welcome remarks, said the annual celebration was important as he stressed that the public service must at all times be refreshed to appreciate its roles as the machinery for implementing government policies and how to stay safe and protected in the political environment.
He also commended the governor for placing the welfare of workers on the front burner and ensuring regular promotion and financial benefits for them. He added that the Office of the Head of Service was driving a homegrown Reform Initiative, ODSIP, approved by the governor, to boost service delivery through digitisation of personnel-related records.