The Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, has declared that the Y2021 Public Service Week celebration will be remarkable and extraordinary in comparison with previous editions.
The HoS disclosed this during a Press Conference held at the Conference Room, Public Service Office, Secretariat, Alausa, on Wednesday, noting that the government was unable to organise the event last year because of the outbreak of COVID-19, which disrupted a lot of scheduled events and activities throughout the world.
His words: “Let me assure all of us and indeed all Lagosians that this year’s 2021 Public Service Week celebration is going to be remarkable and extraordinary. As we may recall, the Y2020 edition could not hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic which disrupted a lot of scheduled events/activities throughout the world”.
“It caused the imposition of restrictions and guidelines to curtail the spread of the global pandemic. We thank God for the grace and privilege to organise the event this year, while mindful of ensuring full compliance with all necessary safety protocols”, he stated.
Muri-Okunola said that this year’s celebration with the theme “Building The Africa We Want Through Embracing An Ethical Culture That Underpins Purpose-Driven Leadership In The Context Of A Crises”, was conceived to recognise the contributions of civil servants to humanity as well as acknowledge and appreciate workers in the public service for their various contributions towards essential and critical public service delivery.
The Head of Service said to mark the day, Nigeria has chosen the theme “Deploying Technology to Sustain and Enhance Service Delivery in the face of the Challenging COVID- I9 Pandemic Climate”.
He recalled that the Public Service Day celebration was introduced in 1994 following the resolution of the Conference of African Ministers of Civil Service, which expects all African countries to set aside 23rd June of every year as the Public Service Day to recognise the contributions of civil servants to humanity.
The HoS said this year’s celebration, which would be the 20th edition iñ the series would begin on Friday, 25th June with Health Matters at Adeyemo-Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, where workers would be opportune to check their health status and the holding of a Special Jumat Service at the Secretariat Community Mosque, Alausa.
According to him, other activities slated for the week include ‘Walk for Fitness’ on Saturday, June 26; Thanksgiving Service at the Chapel of Christ the Light, CBD, Alausa, on Sunday, June 27; Presentation of gift items to Orphanages/Charity homes on Monday, June 28; The Long Service Merit Award Ceremony will hold on Tuesday, June 29 and ‘Alausa Got Talent’ Season III Variety Show where various prices would be won by participants holds on Thursday, July 1, 2021.
He revealed that the grand finale of the event will be hosted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday, 6th July 2021, where recipients of the Best Officers Award in the Senior and Junior categories for Y2019 and Y2020 in all MDAs/LGAs and LCDAs will be honoured at a luncheon with the Governor.
While expressing his appreciation to all the sponsors and corporate partners, who have supported the State with various gift items and donations, Muri-Okunola solicited for the cooperation of all public servants to make the occasion successful.
