Abiodun, Osoba praise Onasanya’s civil service reform legacy

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has commended the innovative and reform-driven leadership style of the state’s Head of Service, Mr Kehinde Onasanya, saying his tenure has repositioned the civil service as a model of excellence, professionalism, and administrative efficiency.

The governor stated this on Wednesday during the unveiling of the autobiography of Mr Onasanya, titled “When God Favours,” held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.

The book launch was organised to mark the statutory retirement of Onasanya after a distinguished career in the state civil service, having attained the mandatory retirement age of 60 years.

Also at the event were former governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba, chairman of the occasion, Chief Olu Okuboyejo, chairman of the Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries, Niyi Abiola, represented by Alhaji Korede Lawal and the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr Bode Agoro.

Speaking at the event, the governor described the book as more than a personal memoir, noting that it is a compelling account of how grace, discipline, hard work, and dedication can shape destiny and inspire public service.

According to him, Onasanya’s life story remains a strong testimony to the enduring values of consistency, integrity, and commitment to duty.

Describing the Head of Service as a master communicator and reformer, Abiodun said his contributions to the state civil service would continue to resonate far beyond his years in office.

“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.

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

“I had the privilege of appointing Mr Onasanya as the 20th Head of Service of Ogun State on merit on April 8, 2024. Looking back, it remains one of the decisions I am most proud of as governor,” he said.

Governor Abiodun noted that Mr Onasanya’s tenure has been marked by strategic reforms and unwavering dedication to the vision of building a productive and responsive public service.

He recalled his intervention in refurbishing grounded government vehicles and revitalising the state mechanical workshop, an initiative he said significantly improved operational efficiency within government logistics.

The governor added that Mr Onasanya also aligned with his administration’s workers’ development agenda through capacity-building programmes aimed at enhancing productivity, professionalism, and institutional efficiency across the civil 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 added.

Abiodun further stated that under Onasanya’s leadership, the state deepened the success of the public sector health insurance scheme, expanding access to quality healthcare for workers.

He added that the administration also implemented the elongation of primary school teachers’ career progression under his supervision, describing it as part of efforts to strengthen the education sector.

The governor disclosed that his administration had strengthened pension administration through the payment of billions of naira in gratuities and pensions, helping to clear longstanding backlogs.

He equally acknowledged Onasanya’s contributions to innovative frameworks such as the Contributory Pension Scheme and the Additional Pension Benefits initiative.

Abiodun also highlighted the redesignation of Information Officers as Information and Public Relations Officers, noting that the initiative broadened the professional scope of the cadre and strengthened strategic government communication.

“As an administration, we appreciate that Mr Kehinde Onasanya is leaving behind a civil service that is more disciplined, innovative, professional, and forward-looking.

“His legacy will continue to inspire not only public servants but all who aspire to serve society with integrity, excellence, and honour,” the governor stated.

Addressing the Head of Service directly, Abiodun praised his loyalty, wisdom, and professionalism in managing the state bureaucracy.

“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.

“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.

“You are a quintessential administrator whose intellectual depth and exceptional understanding of public service dynamics have earned you widespread respect,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Osoba described Onasanya as a thorough professional and passionate administrator who consistently advocates for the growth of the profession.

Osoba also commended Abiodun for appointing the first Information Officer to rise to the position of Head of Service in the state, noting that the decision further elevated the status of professionals within the civil service.

He said, “It gives me great joy because I was the one who broke the old tradition that only administrative officers could become head of service.

“That decision laid the foundation for the governor to appoint Mr Kehinde Onasanya as Head of Service today.”

Earlier in his remarks, Chief Okuboyejo described “When God Favours” as a powerful testament to divine grace and merit-based leadership within the civil service.

He noted that Onasanya’s appointment as permanent secretary in 2020 by the governor signalled the beginning of a new era of merit-based appointments in the Ogun State civil service.

“This memoir is not just another grace story; it offers practical lessons and inspiration for civil and public servants striving to rise above limitations and challenges,” he said.

Abiola, represented by Alhaji Lawal, described Onasanya as a seasoned administrator of high repute whose autobiography documents his life experiences and divine interventions through difficult times.

Agoro, on his part, commended Onasanya’s leadership acumen and commitment to civil service development, describing him as an empathetic and dedicated administrator.