Adeleke advocates strengthening civil service as panacea for sustainable development

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has said strengthening the civil service across the South-West is key to achieving sustainable development, effective governance and regional progress.

Adeleke made the remark at the quarterly general meeting of the Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries (ARHOSPS) held at the Adolak Event Centre, Osogbo, over the weekend.

The governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, stressed that development does not occur by chance but is driven by sound policies, efficient institutions and disciplined implementation — hence the need for a functional and professional civil service.

According to him, the theme of the meeting, which focused on civil service management and good governance, directly addressed the development challenges and opportunities facing the region.

“Development does not occur by chance. It is driven by sound policies, efficient institutions and disciplined implementation. At the heart of all these is the civil service,” he said.

“The South-West cannot achieve its full potential without a civil service that is professional, ethical, innovative and people-centred. Many of you gathered here today were central to building these foundations during your years in office. Your experiences shaped systems that continue to serve our people across the region.”

In his remarks, the chairman of ARHOSPS, Chief A.F. Olatayo, reiterated the association’s commitment to advancing the civil service and contributing to the development of the South-West region.

He noted that the association was established not only to cater to the welfare of its members but also to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the Osun State civil service.

“The Osun State Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries came into existence on May 21, 2009, with the primary objective of promoting the welfare of its members and advancing the continuous growth and development of the Osun State civil service, which is the immediate constituency of all members of the association,” Olatayo said.

He commended successive Osun State governments for maintaining cordial relationships with the association, noting that collaboration between serving and retired public officers remains vital for effective governance and sustainable development.