Oyo
State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, on Monday, bid the state
workforce an emotional farewell, saying whatever has a beginning must
have an end, as his two uninterrupted eight-year tenures end on
May 28.
Reflecting
on his administration’s performances in the last seven and a half
years, the governor said it had delivered on its electioneering
promises and raised the bar of governance in the state.
The
governor, who was very lively as he threw banters with workers, spoke
at the 2019 interfaith service held at the Governor’s Office Car
Park, Secretariat, Ibadan.
Ajimobi
said, “The journey which is gradually coming to an end in the
middle of this year started with a bold step on May 29, 2011. We came
with a determination to challenge the status quo of mediocrity in
governance, insecurity and dirty environment, among others. We were
resolute in cleaning the Augean stable.
“In
the face of many challenges, especially the difficulties we faced at
the tail end of our first term in office, we were still able to sail
through, courtesy of the wisdom of God and the perseverance and
endurance of the good people of Oyo State.
“I
did not do it all alone. I must thank my wife for standing by me in
this journey. I thank the state executive members and other
appointees for their dedication. This is the last interfaith service
I will address as governor. Anything that has a beginning must have
an end.”
The
governor said there was the need for him to always appreciate God for
His guidance and benevolence towards him in spite of his weaknesses
and shortcomings as a human being.
He
challenged civil servants in the state to put in more efforts in the
discharge of their duties in order to promote the development of the
state beyond the current level.
Ajimobi,
however, commended what he called the obvious change in the attitude
of workers to work and their improved dress sense, charging them to
consistently strive towards making standard and efficiency their
watchword.
The
governor used the occasion to assure local government workers and
those in the state-owned tertiary institutions that all outstanding
salaries would be cleared in due course.
The
occasion also witnessed the presentation of special awards to 46
‘Most Efficient Civil Servants and Public Servants,’ drawn from
different ministries, departments and agencies.
The
governor said that the main purpose of government was to ensure
safety, peace and security of lives and property, which, he said, his
administration had achieved and sustained since he came on board.
He
attributed the feat to a combination of understanding, collaboration
and cooperation of all stakeholders, including citizens of the state.
He
said that the state security outfit, "Operation Burst”, the
State Security Trust Fund and other initiatives under the Global Safe
City Initiatives had significantly contributed to the success of his
administration’s restoration agenda.
The
governor eulogized what he called his administration's giant strides
in the revamping of agriculture, industrialization and other
programmes aimed at improving the standard of living of the people.
Ajimobi
also added that his government had enhanced the welfare of the
workforce through the introduction of free transportation to and from
office, increase in car and housing loans as well as the recruitment
of more workers.
He
said: "We have increased car loan from N200,000 to N500,000;
with over 8,000 beneficiaries. Housing loan has been increased from
N1 million to N2 million Naira; with over 850 beneficiaries, having
disbursed over half a billion naira.
"Since
2011, we have recruited over 2,000 junior and senior staff into
permanent establishments in various cadres, including medical,
paramedical, clerical, education and administration.
“In
the same vein, over 7,000 secondary school teachers were employed.
This and other efforts of the government have helped in reducing the
rate of unemployment in the state.
"With
these modest achievements, among others, we have contributed our
quota to the development of our state in the last seven and a half
years.”
The
state's Head of Service, Mrs Hannah Ogunesan, commended the Ajimobi
administration for keeping faith with workers, even in the face of
dwindling resources at a point in the history of the nation.
He
also praised the workforce for collaborating with the government in
raising productivity and professionalism in the state.
Ogunesan,
however, challenged the workers to rededicate their services to
self-development and enhanced productivity in the state public
service.
The
HOS acknowledged that the government had continued to dedicate the
entire monthly federal allocation to the payment of workers’
salaries while noting that the free bus facility introduced under the
outgoing administration for workers was still in operation.
In
their respective sermons at the event, Muslim and Christian clerics
urged the people to always reflect the image of God in whatever they
do, as the opportunity given every individual to head an office or
lead a group of people must be used to better the lot of the people.
The
state government had organized the service to usher in the New Year
with thanksgiving and prayers.
It
was attended by the Wife of the governor, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi;
Deputy Governor, Chief Moses Adeyemo; Speaker of the state House of
Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olagunju Ojo; the representative of the Chief
Judge, Justice Aderonke Aderemi; State Chairman of the All
Progressives Congress, Chief Akin Oke, among others.
Also
at the service were Senator Olabiyi Durojaye; a chieftain of the APC
in Lagos State, Chief Tajudeen Olusi and a former Deputy Governor of
Osun State, Chief Adeleke Adewoyin, who were on a visit to the state.
Others
included members of the state executive council, members of the House
of Assembly, local government chairmen, religious leaders, party
stalwarts, top government officials and civil servants.
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