..Asks citizens to pray for abducted teachers, pupils
Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has said that he is determined to serve his generation to the best of his ability till he takes his last breath.
The governor said this on Sunday at a thanksgiving service to mark the 60th birthday and retirement from service of the immediate past Oyo State Head of Service, Chief (Mrs) Olubunmi Oni mni, at the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Headquarters Secretariat, Basorun, Ibadan.
Making reference to the sermon preached at the event by the President of CAC Worldwide, Pastor Samuel Olusegun Oladele, which centered on living a life of service as exemplified by the Biblical David, who was said to have served his generation until his death, the governor said he was equally determined to give his all in the service of his people.
The governor, who seized the occasion to call on all citizens to pray for the release of the teachers and pupils abducted at Oriire Local Government Area of the state, said “The hearts of kings are in the hands of the Lord, and so are the hearts of bandits. So, let us pray that God should touch their hearts while we continue to do our best to bring back our children and their teachers. Let us continue to remember them in our prayers.”
He congratulated Mrs Oni on her birthday and retirement from service, praising her for acquitting herself creditably as the Head of Service.
Makinde equally commended her dedication, competence and commitment to public service throughout her years in office, adding that: “This is your day and it is only fitting that we celebrate what God has done in your life.”
Governor Makinde gave a glimpse of what happened before he eventually appointed Mrs Oni as the HoS.
He said, “When her name came up, some people came to me and said she was not from Oyo State, and I asked them to tell me when they got to know she was not from Oyo State. I asked, ‘Has she been serving Oyo State?’ They said, ‘Yes, for almost 30 years.’ I told them if they had any other cogent reason apart from that, they should forward same to me. But they couldn’t produce any other reason. So, she was appointed the HoS.
“A few days ago, she came to me and said, have I disappointed you in any way? And I said, not one bit.”
Also talking about the new Head of Service, Dr (Mrs) Adenike Fasina mni, the governor said her appointment was based on her qualification and competence, being the only one among the shortlisted candidates with a PhD, adding that she is also a Member of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (mni).
Makinde said “When I came in in 2019, the civil service of Oyo State did not have a single individual as Permanent Secretary from Ibarapa Zone of the state. No single one. So, I appointed the first Permanent Secretary during our administration from Ibarapa Zone.
“I decided then that in all the subsequent PS appointments, we would always have at least an individual or two from each of the zones of Oyo State. Because it is Oyo State Civil Service, and we should have PS from all the zones.”
He added, “Since 2019, we have moved from no single Ibarapa person as Permanent Secretary to an Ibarapa person who is qualified, becoming the Head of Service for Oyo State.
“I think Dr (Mrs) Fasina will bring stability to the civil and public service of Oyo State. Congratulations to both of you.”
In her testimony, Chief (Mrs) Olubunmi Oni expressed her appreciation to Governor Makinde first for appointing her as a Permanent Secretary and crowning it with her appointment as the HoS.
She equally thanked the governor’s wife, all cabinet members, civil servants as well as her family members for their support.
She described her 34-year career in the civil service as challenging, rewarding and fulfilling.
She attributed her successful career to God’s grace, professional training, hard work and a willingness to seek guidance when necessary.
The event was attended by the wife of Oyo State Governor, Engr (Mrs) Tamunominini Makinde; the Deputy Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal; Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon Kazeem Adeniyi; former Head of Service, Overseer Ebenezer Okebukola; commissioners as well as top civil and public servants.
