Retired Heads of Service, Permanent Secretaries hold South-West Conference in Abeokuta
The Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries Ogun State Chapter on Thursday hosted the South-West meeting of the body, held at the headquarters of the association located along Moshood Abiola way, Abeokuta.
Penpushing reports that the conference which was the 9th quarterly general meeting of the association had in attendance members from all the states in the South-West of Nigeria, and was declared opened by Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State.
The Governor represented by the Ogun State Head of Service, Kehinde Onasanya urged the participants to reflect on the challenges and opportunities facing the Public Service in their respective States and the South West at large.
‘Use the platform to craft ideas, develop strategies, and consider collaborative solutions that align with the aspirations of our people. This is because when leaders with your experience and vision engage in thoughtful conversation, progress is not far behind,” he added.
Penpushing further reports that Abiodun disclosed that his administration is committed to consistently prioritize the welfare of its retirees, stressing that this was demonstrated through the recent release of the sum of N3.2 billion to offset backlogs of gratuities for retired public servants in the state.
The Governor added that in same vein, local government retirees got N3. 4 billion through the local government Joint Allocation Committee (JAAC), explaining that the gesture was a show of appreciation and the responsibility of a responsive government that is totally committed to the welfare and well-being of its senior citizens, as the roles they play in the ongoing actualization of the administration’s “Building Our Future Together” Agenda have not gone unnoticed.
Penpushing also reports that he restated that his administration remains committed to maintaining strong ties with the forebears of the Public Service and has continually demonstrated a deep respect for the founding fathers of the Civil Service, upon which he is privileged to build.
“There is a clear recognition that progress is not complete without the voice and wisdom of those who have walked the path and contributed immensely to shaping the standards we uphold’, Abiodun said.
‘In this regard, we shall continue to support the association and maintain open lines of engagement to harness the wealth of experience within the distinguished body,” the governor pledged’, he stated.
Penpushing reports that Abiodun revealed that an initiative has been put in place to train prospective retirees, especially members of the top echelon, in preparation for life after service, as this is also part of the government’s support for workers as they transition into retirement, in order to make them remain valuable to themselves, society, and the continued progress and development of Gateway State.
The Regional President of the Association, Dr. Ebenezer Okebukola, in his remarks recapped events that had taken place in the six South West states, including partnering with Brazil Amber Energia to establish power plants to further enhance industrial growth and food security in Ogun State, among others.
Penpushing further reports that Okebukola appreciated Governor Abiodun for providing support to the state chapter of the association to make their stay comfortable by hosting them at the meeting.
The Chairman of the Governor’s Elder Consultative Council and the last Permanent Secretary still alive since the creation of the State, Chief Oluneye Okuboyejo, in his goodwill message urged the delegates to keep up the spirit of brotherhood so that the objectives of the association can be further achieved.
Penpushing also reports that a retired Assistant Inspector General of Police Lanre Bankole, while delivering a paper themed, “The Elderly and the Challenge of Security in Nigeria,” advised the senior citizens to be wary of falling into any form of cybercrime and any business that promises 100 percent return, as that is not possible.
The former Head of International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) charged them to handle with caution economic, physical, and financial challenges, as well as to avoid late-night travels and not allow loneliness to send them to their early graves.
Penpushing reports that the host chairman, Engr. Adeniyi Abiola, earlier in his welcome speech pointed out that since the inception of the South West body, Ogun State has been an active participant and appreciated the Governor for his unflinching support towards the welfare of the members and the development of the association at large.
The association at the end of the meeting, inaugurated a seven-member electoral committee headed by Chief Olatoye Adeyeye from Osun State to usher in the next executive members later in the year.
Penpushing further reports that five resolutions were issued at the end of the meeting as the delegates engaged in robust and insightful deliberations on a range of issues pertinent to the welfare of members, the development of the South West region, and the progress of Nigeria as a whole.
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