Makinde Pledges Lifelong Service, Commends Retired Oyo Head of Service

…Urges prayers for abducted pupils and teachers

….Says new Head of Service emerged through a transparent merit-based process.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has reaffirmed his commitment to serving humanity and contributing to the development of society for as long as he lives.

The governor made the declaration on Sunday during a thanksgiving service marking the 60th birthday and retirement of the immediate past Head of Service of Oyo State, Chief (Mrs) Olubunmi Oni, held at the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Headquarters Secretariat, Basorun, Ibadan.

Drawing inspiration from the sermon delivered by the President of CAC Worldwide, Pastor Samuel Olusegun Oladele, Makinde said he was motivated by the biblical example of King David, who served his generation faithfully throughout his lifetime.

According to the governor, service to humanity remains one of the highest callings, and he is determined to dedicate himself fully to the welfare and progress of the people.

Makinde also used the occasion to call for prayers for the safe release of the teachers and pupils abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

He urged residents and religious faithful to continue interceding for the victims, expressing confidence that divine intervention and ongoing rescue efforts would secure their freedom.

“The hearts of kings are in the hands of God, and so are the hearts of bandits. Let us continue to pray that God touches their hearts while we do everything possible to bring our children and their teachers back safely,” the governor said.

Makinde congratulated Mrs. Oni on her retirement and 60th birthday, describing her tenure as Head of Service as impactful, distinguished and worthy of celebration.

He commended her professionalism, dedication and commitment to public service, noting that she served the state with integrity and excellence.

The governor disclosed that her appointment as Head of Service was based on merit and competence despite concerns raised by some individuals regarding her state of origin.

According to him, what mattered was her nearly three decades of dedicated service to Oyo State and her proven capacity to deliver results.

Makinde revealed that shortly before her retirement, Mrs. Oni had asked whether she had disappointed him in any way during her tenure, to which he responded that she had not.

The governor also spoke on the appointment of the current Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Adenike Fasina, stating that the selection process was guided by merit, qualifications and competence.

He noted that Fasina emerged as the most qualified among the shortlisted candidates, citing her academic credentials and membership of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS).

Makinde further highlighted efforts by his administration to promote inclusiveness and equitable representation in the state’s civil service.

He recalled that when he assumed office in 2019, no indigene of the Ibarapa zone occupied the position of Permanent Secretary in the state civil service.

According to him, deliberate policies were introduced to ensure that all geopolitical zones in Oyo State are fairly represented in senior civil service appointments.

He expressed confidence that the new Head of Service would provide stability and continuity in the state’s public service.In her remarks, Mrs. Oni expressed gratitude to Governor Makinde for appointing her first as Permanent Secretary and later as Head of Service.

She described her 34-year career in the civil service as rewarding, fulfilling and impactful, attributing her success to God’s grace, hard work, professional development and mentorship.

The retired Head of Service also appreciated the support she received from her family, colleagues, members of the state executive council and the wife of the governor throughout her years in public service.

The event was attended by the wife of the governor, Engr. Tamunominini Makinde; Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal; Deputy Chief of Staff Kazeem Adeniyi; former Head of Service, Overseer Ebenezer Okebukola; commissioners, senior government officials, civil servants and other dignitaries.