Abiodun eulogises Ogun HoS at book launch, describes him as dependable ally

By Popoola Jamiu, Abeokuta

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has described the outgoing Head of Service of the state, Mr Kehinde Onasanya, as a reliable, dependable, disciplined and visionary administrator whose contributions significantly transformed the Ogun State Civil Service.

Abiodun stated this during the launch of Onasanya’s autobiography titled When God Favours, held at the Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.

The governor said the occasion was more than the unveiling of a book, describing it as a celebration of a legacy built on purpose, dedication and divine favour.

“From his early beginnings as an Information Officer on Grade Level 08 in 1992 to his elevation as the 20th Head of Service of Ogun State in 2024, his journey exemplifies integrity, courage and uncommon devotion to public service,” Abiodun said.

“He reminds us that greatness is rarely accidental. It is cultivated through vision, hard work, sacrifice, preparation and faith in Almighty God.”

Abiodun noted that appointing Onasanya as the 20th Head of Service of Ogun State on April 8, 2024, remained one of the decisions he was most proud of as governor.

According to him, the autobiography captures a story of grace meeting diligence and destiny shaped through discipline, adding that the author’s life journey continues to inspire many within and outside the public service.

The governor disclosed that since assuming office as Head of Service, Onasanya had demonstrated exceptional commitment to workers’ welfare, professionalism, productivity and industrial harmony in the state public service.

“His commitment to workers’ welfare, coupled with his ability to foster constructive engagement with labour leaders, ensured enduring peace, discipline and stability within the Ogun State Public Service,” he said.

Abiodun added that the outgoing Head of Service championed capacity-building initiatives, strengthened engagement with labour unions and played a key role in implementing reforms such as the Contributory Pension Scheme and the Additional Pension Benefits Scheme.

He also commended Onasanya for his professionalism while serving as Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Political Affairs and Administration in the Office of the Governor, where he coordinated major state functions.

The governor further praised him for introducing service charters across ministries, departments and agencies, reviving the Bureaucrats Magazine, and supporting reforms that repositioned Information Officers as Information and Public Relations Officers to improve strategic government communication.

According to Abiodun, the outgoing Head of Service restored confidence in the public service through administrative competence, moral clarity and unwavering loyalty to the state.

Speaking on his leadership style, the governor said Onasanya encouraged innovation, discipline and collaboration, adding that his legacy would continue to inspire future generations of public servants.

“For years, you stood in the engine room of Ogun State bureaucracy with quiet strength, uncommon wisdom, unwavering loyalty and an unblemished record of service,” he said.

“You managed transitions with maturity, upheld due process with courage and ensured government remained responsive to the needs of the people even during difficult periods.”

The governor congratulated Onasanya on the milestone and wished him good health and greater accomplishments in his future endeavours.

In his remarks, former Ogun State governor, Olusegun Osoba, described Onasanya as a thorough professional and passionate administrator who consistently advocates for the growth of his profession.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries, Engr Niyi Abiola, represented by Alhaji Korede Lawal, described the outgoing Head of Service as a seasoned administrator of high repute whose autobiography documents his life experiences and divine interventions through difficult times.