Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has declared his resolve to serve his generation to the best of his ability till he take his last breath.
Makinde made the pledge on Sunday at a thanksgiving service to mark the 60th birthday and retirement of the immediate past Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni,
held at the Christ Apostolic Church, Basorun, Ibadan.
Referencing the sermon by CAC Worldwide President, Pastor Samuel Oladele, which centered on living a life of service, Makinde said he was equally committed to giving his all to Oyo people.
He urged citizens to pray for the release of teachers and pupils abducted in Oriire Local Government Area.
“The hearts of kings are in the hands of the Lord, and so are the hearts of bandits. So, let us pray that God should touch their hearts while we continue to do our best to bring back our children and their teachers,” he said.
The governor congratulated Oni on her retirement after 34 years in the civil service, describing her career as challenging, rewarding and fulfilling.
He praised her dedication, competence, and commitment, noting she acquitted herself creditably as Head of Service.
He recounted how he appointed her despite objections about her origin.
“When her name came up, some people came to me and said she was not from Oyo State.
“I asked them, ‘Has she been serving Oyo State? They said, Yes, for almost 30 years. I told them if they had any other cogent reason apart from that, they should forward same to me. But they couldn’t,” Makinde recalled.
The governor also spoke on the appointment of the new Head of Service, Dr Adenike Fasina, saying she emerged based on qualification and competence as the only shortlisted candidate with a PhD and mni certification.
Makinde highlighted his administration’s push for inclusivity in the civil service, revealing that in 2019 no Permanent Secretary from Ibarapa zone existed.
“Since 2019, we have moved from no single Ibarapa person as Permanent Secretary to an Ibarapa person who is qualified, becoming the Head of Service for Oyo State.
“I think Dr Fasina will bring stability to the civil and public service of Oyo State,” he said.
In her remarks, Oni thanked the governor for appointing her Permanent Secretary and later Head of Service, and acknowledged the support of the governor’s wife, cabinet members, civil servants, and her family.
She attributed her successful career to God’s grace, professional training, hard work and a willingness to seek guidance when necessary.
The service ended with prayers for the governor, the civil service, and the abducted Oriire pupils and teachers
