The Ondo State Head of Service(HoS), Chief Segun Odusanya, has urged public servants to reciprocate the state government’s investments in their welfare through improved productivity, discipline and accountability.
Odusanya made the call on Monday in Akure during a press briefing marking the commencement of the 2026 Public Service Week celebration.
Thefrontrank reports that the celebration has as its theme, “Harnessing Public Service for Good Governance”.
He said the government’s commitment to workers’ welfare and institutional development must translate into improved service delivery and greater efficiency across ministries, departments and agencies.
“Government’s investment in workers’ welfare and institutional capacity must be matched by improved productivity, discipline, integrity and accountability.
“Every officer has a responsibility to discharge assigned duties diligently, treat citizens with courtesy, protect public resources and avoid unnecessary delays in official processes,” he said.
Odusanya said professionalism, integrity and accountability remained essential ingredients for building an effective public service capable of delivering good governance.
The Head of Service commended Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa for prioritising workers’ welfare, career progression, manpower development and improvements in the working environment.
He disclosed that 6,000 personnel had been recruited into the state public service since 2024 to address manpower shortages in critical sectors.
According to him, the government has also approved an upward review of loan ceilings and Duty Tour Allowances for officers undertaking official assignments within and outside the state, including international assignments.
Odusanya said all officers due for promotion in the 2026 exercise had received their promotion letters, while preparations for the 2027 promotion exercise were already underway.
He explained that the promotion exercises covered the mainstream civil service, primary and secondary teaching services and relevant government parastatals.
The Head of Service also commended the administration for the prompt payment of salaries, leave bonuses and the gradual settlement of inherited gratuity arrears.
He described the harmonisation of pensions for retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries as another significant intervention aimed at addressing pension-related concerns.
Odusanya, however, appealed to the state government to consider developing low-cost housing estates for public servants to ease accommodation challenges.
He said the increasing cost of housing had continued to place considerable financial pressure on workers, affecting their income and general well-being.
“Such estates could be supported by sustainable financing arrangements and transparent allocation procedures, while complementing the existing housing loan scheme.
“We recognise that these proposals require careful planning and resources. Nevertheless, we believe they deserve consideration as part of a comprehensive approach to public service reform and workers’ welfare,” he said.
He also appealed for the provision of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses or other affordable mass-transit arrangements to address transportation difficulties confronting public servants.
“Transportation has become a major concern for many public servants. Rising commuting costs and difficulties in securing affordable and reliable transport can affect punctuality, attendance and overall productivity.
“We respectfully appeal to the state government to consider providing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses or other affordable mass-transit arrangements for public servants,” he said.
On the Public Service Week celebration, Odusanya said the six-day event would feature health walk, novelty football match, workers’ convergence, public service lecture, panel discussion and thanksgiving service.
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