Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has said his administration will continue to tap into the experience of retired permanent secretaries and senior civil servants to strengthen governance and improve public service delivery.
Speaking on Wednesday at the annual get-together and send-off ceremony for retired permanent secretaries and tutors-general in Akure, the governor described retired top civil servants as invaluable assets whose wealth of experience remains crucial to the development of the state.
Aiyedatiwa said several retired permanent secretaries and former heads of service had already been appointed into sensitive political positions, stressing that retirement should be seen as another phase of service and mentorship.
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare and a stronger public service.
Head of Service, Bayo Philip, commended the governor for prioritising workers’ welfare, prompt payment of retirees’ entitlements and expansion of the workforce.
Philip disclosed that about 5,000 appointments had been made into the civil service, while the state had also approved the federal salary review for medical officers and health workers, making Ondo one of the early adopters of the new scale.
He added that more health workers would soon be recruited to strengthen the healthcare sector.
Chairman of the Forum of Ondo State Permanent Secretaries, Segun Odusanya, praised the governor for reforms aimed at improving institutional capacity and public service efficiency.