Penpushing member, Demola Badejo elected south-west president of retired civil servants’ association

Bolaji Obabiyi (Intern)

A member of Penpushing platform Barrister Demola Badejo has been elected and inaugurated as the new South-West Regional President of the Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries.

Penpushing reports that the inauguration of Badejo, a Retired Permanent Secretary and former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, took place during the association’s Annual General Meeting held in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

The President in his speech promised that under his leadership, the association would work closely with key regional institutions, including the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission and the South-West Development Commission.

Penpushing further reports that Badejo a lawyer stressed that such collaboration is essential for driving rapid socio-economic development across the region, reaffirming the association’s commitment to its core mandate of offering strategic advice and institutional support to state governments.

The association boss said retired senior civil servants remain vital in shaping policy and maintaining the high standards of public administration, and referenced Sir John Rankine, the last British Governor of the old Western Region, who once described the region’s civil service as one of the best in black Africa, comparing it favourably with those in more developed nations.

Penpushing also reports that Ondo State Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip, in his remarks outlined recent reforms in the state’s civil service aimed at aligning it with 21st-century governance standards.

The Head of Service disclosed that sexual harassment now attracts summary dismissal and criminal prosecution under the state’s revised public service rules, explaining that maternity leave has been extended from three to six months, while paternity leave of two weeks has been introduced.

Penpushing reports that Philip emphasized that the state’s public service now operates under a new performance mantra “don’t deliver short and don’t deliver late” with the goal of boosting efficiency and accountability.

The number one civil servant pointed out that Ondo State, with a workforce of 42,000 and 13,000 pensioners, currently has no outstanding promotion arrears.

Penpushing further reports that Ondo State Chairperson, of the association Mrs. Mojisola Ajayi, in her address called on South-West governors to overhaul the civil service in their respective states.

The chairperson urged the governors to eliminate dysfunction and improve efficiency to better serve the public, and appealed for urgent reform of the pension system, lamenting that many retirees continue to face severe economic hardship.

Penpushing also reports that Ajayi encouraged the governors to replicate the success of the South-West Security Network, known as Amotekun, across other sectors such as healthcare, education, and social welfare.

The chairperson commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his compassionate leadership, especially his efforts to prioritize pensioners’ welfare and enhance development across all sectors in Ondo State.

Penpushing reports that the outgoing South-West President of the association, Dr. Ebenezer Okebukola, revealed that the body had submitted a detailed blueprint for regional economic development to South-West governors.

The immediate past President expressed appreciation for their support and specifically praised Governor Aiyedatiwa for his financial contribution to the association, urging other governors to follow his example.

Penpushing further reports that the Governor represented by, Chief of Staff Mr. Segun Omojuwa described the association as a noble and credible platform that has continued to contribute to governance, even after its members’ retirement from active service.

The Governo praised the association’s role in supporting policy development, saying its members have not only served but have continued to help shape transformative development across the region.

“You have retired, but you are not tired,” he said, congratulating the new leadership and reaffirming his administration’s commitment to civil service excellence’, Ayedatiwa emphasised.

Penpushing also reports that Chairman of the Ondo State Forum of Permanent Secretaries, Mr. Bunmi Alade, in his goodwill message said the gathering was a testament to the enduring relevance of retired public servants.

The chairman described the retired heads of service and permanent secretaries as custodians of professionalism, integrity, and discipline values that remain essential to the fabric of governance.

Penpushing reports that Alade praised the association’s vision for regional integration and sustainable development, saying its institutional memory and experience are vital assets that should continue to inform public policy in the South-West.

The newly elected executive committee includes representatives from all six South-West states, with Elder Daniel Aina from Ekiti as Regional Vice President, Mrs. Adenike Olufadewa from Oyo as Regional Secretary, and Alhaji Adekunle Adegbite from Ogun as Assistant General Secretary. Others include Mr. Segun Olorunsogo from Osun as Treasurer, Mrs. Adesunbo Abolarin from Lagos as Financial Secretary, Mrs. Juliana Folabi-Fayehun from Ondo as Public Relations Officer, and Barrister Adeoye Popoola from Osun as Legal Officer.

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