The Lagos State Government has held a ‘Pens Down’ ceremony for 13 Permanent Secretaries who served the government meritoriously and retired statutorily between February and October 2021 after attaining the mandatory age of 60 years or spending 35 years in service.
Speaking at the ceremony held at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Alausa, the Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, stated that all the retirees contributed diligently to the growth and advancement of Lagos State, adding that it is an accomplishment that should not be taken for granted.
He, however, implored them to endeavour to render their services to the State whenever called upon to do so, noting that the State government would continue to look forward to benefiting from their vast experience and reservoirs of knowledge on policy formulation and implementation in order to continue to move Lagos forward.
“As the newest members of the Association of Lagos State Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries, the government would continue to look forward to benefiting from your vast knowledge, especially in policy formulation and implementation, in order to continue to move the State forward”, Muri-Okunola said.
He also reminded the retirees that they now have a better opportunity to deploy their talents, wide knowledge and extensive administrative skills and managerial experience to add value to themselves and their immediate communities, particularly the youths, who are expected to bear the burden of leadership after them.
Muri-Okunola expressed appreciation to the retirees for their loyalty, commitment, perseverance, dedication and untold sacrifices through the years, while also acknowledging their support and cooperation with him as the Head of Service, saying “All of you made my work easier”.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, Mr. Samson Ajibade, said one of the major attributes of successful leaders is the sustained capacity to manage diverse human and material resources while ensuring compliance with processes, laid down procedures and relevant legal obligation processes of attaining organisational goals and objectives, a feat which made the 13 retirees count among those being celebrated for unblemished public service career.
Ajibade rejoiced with the retirees and congratulated their families and numerous well-wishers.
Responding on behalf of the retirees, Mrs. Helen Deile, the immediate past Permanent Secretary of the Office of the State Auditor-General, expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government for allowing them to serve, just as she advised those still in active service not to look back but ensure they contribute their quota to improve the lot of the State and humanity in general.
The 13 retired Permanent Secretaries include Mr. Abdul-Ahmed Mustapha, Mr. Babatunde Olaide-Mesewaku, Arc. Foluso Adebayo Dipe, Mrs. Olorunkemi Durosinmi-Etti, Engr. Olujimi Nunayon Hotonu, Mr. Olumide Erinle, Mrs. Yetunde Odejayi, Mrs. Adebunmi Adekanye, Mrs. Helen Deile, Mrs. Kafayat Ajenifuja, Mrs. Adesumbo Idiat Abolarin, Mrs. Abosede Omobolanle Adelaja and Mrs. Iyabo Oyeyemi Ayoola.
