The Ondo State Head of Service, Mr Segun Odusanya, has urged public servants to prioritise accountability, professionalism and citizens’ welfare in the discharge of their duties, stressing that these values are essential to effective public administration.

Odusanya made the call while emphasising the need for transparency, efficiency and strict adherence to the rule of law in the public service. He advocated the removal of bureaucratic bottlenecks, digital transformation of administrative processes and stronger collaboration among ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to improve service delivery.

He also called for a results-oriented approach to governance, noting that public institutions must become more responsive to the needs and expectations of citizens.

The Head of Service acknowledged the interventions of the state government in promoting workers’ welfare. These include regular salary payments, recruitment, appointments to accounting officer positions, capacity development programmes, support for retirees, payment of terminal examination fees for children in public primary and secondary schools, and the provision of health insurance.

He expressed appreciation to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for his continued support for the public service.

In his remarks, the chairman of the occasion and former Head of Service, Mr Akin Adaramola, urged public servants to uphold integrity, merit, professionalism, impartiality and selfless service, describing these principles as fundamental to building a credible and effective public service.

Delivering the lecture at the event, retired Federal Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Sulaiman, proposed a comprehensive five-year reform programme to transform the public service from a routine-driven bureaucracy into a modern, efficient and results-oriented institution.

He advocated the modernisation of administrative structures, strategic deployment of personnel in line with institutional priorities, deliberate efforts to bridge existing skills gaps and improved collaboration among government institutions.

According to him, the effectiveness of public service reforms should be assessed based on the tangible benefits they deliver to citizens rather than the number of policies formulated or institutions established.

Those in attendance included the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; members of the State Executive Council; permanent secretaries; political appointees; traditional rulers and other dignitaries.