For the Records:

Address delivered by the Head of Service of Ogun State, Mr. Kehinde Olufemi Onasanya, mnipr at the sensitization workshop and public presentation of the reviewed statutory books and newly introduced induction and orientation manual for the public service held at the Obas’ complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta on Tuesday, 14th October, 2025

Protocol

I am deeply honoured that the public presentation of the Reviewed Statutory Books and the newly introduced Induction and Orientation Manual for the Civil/Public Service is taking place during my tenure as the Head of Service of Ogun State. It is no gainsaying that this event represents a landmark in the administrative history of the Civil/Public Service of the Gateway State which undoubtedly symbolizes progress and renewed professionalism within the Service. The review of these vital instruments, indisputably, underscores the desire of the State Government to maintain a responsive and efficient workforce that reflects order and fairness in the conduct of official duties.

The Civil/Public Service remains the foundation upon which governance stands and its performance determines the quality-of-service delivery and public confidence in government institutions. Rules and procedures serve as the compass that guides the actions of every officer in this fold. Where they are outdated or misaligned with evolving realities, efficiency suffers. Hence, the importance of this review cannot be overstated as it represents a deliberate effort to ensure that the operational framework of the Ogun State Civil/Public Service reflects modern administrative realities and global best practices.

Through the years, several provisions of our existing Statutory Books had become obsolete and inconsistent with emerging governance trends and administrative reforms. Although efforts were consistently made through Circulars to introduce new practices and phase out outdated trends, these measures could not substitute for a comprehensive review of the statutory books. The review was consequently conceived to ensure uniformity and eliminate ambiguities that will promote a service guided by clarity and fairness. I wish to therefore express profound gratitude to His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, Governor of Ogun State, for graciously approving the review exercise and providing the financial resources that made it possible. The action of His Excellency, as always, reflects leadership and a genuine interest in strengthening the machinery of governance for better results.

I also wish to acknowledge my predecessor, the immediate past Head of Service, Mr. Kolawole Peter Fagbohun, whose foresight and administrative insight gave rise to the idea of reviewing these statutory documents. His initiative laid the groundwork for what we are unveiling today and I deeply appreciate his commitment and contributions toward making this vision a reality. In the same regard, I extend profound appreciation to the dedicated Committees that undertook the meticulous review of the documents ably chaired by Alhaji Kehinde Ogunfowodu for the Public Service Rules, Pastor Seye Senfuye for the Financial Regulations and Alhaji Adekunle Adegbite for the Induction and Orientation Manual. Your diligence and technical competence displayed throughout the exercise are quite commendable and I am confident that posterity will hold your efforts in lasting esteem. Thank you.

Ladies and gentlemen, the reviewed Statutory Books are comprehensive reference materials designed to serve as guides for all public officers in the discharge of their responsibilities. They provide clear direction on our administrative procedures, ethical standards and financial prudence. In a similar vein, the newly introduced Induction and Orientation Manual is particularly significant as it provides new entrants with the foundational knowledge required to navigate the Service with confidence and professionalism. These documents are tools that must be read, understood, mastered and consistently applied across all levels of the Service.

As such, this sensitization workshop becomes an essential step toward ensuring that every participant fully understands the content, structure, applications and implications of the newly reviewed documents. Knowledge without proper interpretation, I must say, often leads to misapplication, hence, this engagement aims to prevent that. I encourage every officer present to listen attentively and seek clarity where necessary so that implementation across the Service will be uniform and effective.

At this point, permit me to reiterate that the Ogun State Government, under the visionary leadership of a worker-friendly Governor, His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON remains dedicated to evolving a modern and professionally oriented Civil/Public service. The administration of His Excellency will continue to introduce reforms that align its operations with contemporary standards and global benchmarks bearing in mind that a service guided by modern rules and continuous learning is the true reflection of a worker-centered agenda and the collective aspiration for a results-oriented government.

In keeping with this vision for a forward-looking Civil/Public Service, it is imperative that all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the State Government begin unlearning practices that have now been reviewed or replaced in these new statutory books. The Service cannot afford to continue operating on outdated norms. Accounting Officers are encouraged to organize step-down training sessions within their respective MDAs to ensure that all staff, irrespective of cadre or grade level, understand the new provisions, especially the sections that introduce new procedures or modify existing ones. Knowledge dissemination at every level will ensure consistency and compliance.

As bureaucrats, we must recognize that rules and regulations are not obstacles but guides that safeguard accountability, fairness, orderliness, transparency and discipline. The reviewed Statutory Books will serve as part of the new moral and administrative compass of the Ogun State Civil/Public Service and adherence to them will strengthen professionalism and trust between government and the people. Every officer must, therefore, take personal responsibility for acquiring his/her individual copies, understanding their contents and applying them appropriately in the discharge of official responsibilities.

As I bring this address to a close, I commend each and every one who contributed to this process and made today a reality right from the review teams, the Bureau of Establishments and Training, the Bureau of Service Matters, the Office of the Head of Service, relevant stakeholders and every individual who ensured that the exercise was completed successfully. I have the conviction that the outcome of this review will reposition our Civil/Public Service for greater efficiency and impact.

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, it is on this note that I formally declare this Sensitization Workshop and Public Presentation of the Reviewed Statutory Books and Newly Introduced Induction and Orientation Manual for the Public Service open and wish all participants a rewarding and enlightening experience.

I thank you all for your kind attention.

Igbega Ipinle Ogun, Ajose Gbogbo Wa Ni!

Kehinde Olufemi Onasanya, MNIPR

Head of Service, Ogun State

14th October, 2025

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