… As Lagos organises ‘Pens down’ ceremony for 19 retired permanent secretaries
The Lagos State Government has held a ‘Pens Down’ Ceremony for 19 Permanent Secretaries who have served the government meritoriously and retired statutorily between January and December 2022 after attaining the mandatory age of 60 years or spending 35 years in service.
Speaking at the ceremony held at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Alausa,Ikeja the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat congratulated the retirees and commended them for keeping afloat the THEMES Agenda of the present administration in Lagos State.
The Deputy Governor who was represented at the event by the Honourable Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pension, Mrs Ajibola Ponnle, said all the retiring Permanent Secretaries no doubt contributed to the success stories of the present administration in the past three and half years in the State.
He said though it wasn’t an easy task but appreciated God for keeping their lives to this present moment, adding that they should not hesitate to heed government’s call anytime they are called upon to do so..
“Let me use this opportunity to say that in the past three and half years, all of you retirees immensely contributed to the success of the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda of the present administration. Be it in the Education sector, health, Infrastructure, environment, road rehabilitation and construction etc “, Hamzat said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, who also stated that all the retirees contributed diligently to the growth and advancement of Lagos State, expressed appreciation and gratitude for their loyalty, commitment, dedication and untold sacrifices through the years.
He, however, reminded the retirees that the Pens down ceremony opens a new vista of opportunities for them to explore, adding that as they move on to the next phase of lives and new endeavours, they should remember to keep in touch with the Post Service Directorate in the Public Service Office to know how they are faring.
He also appealed that they should ensure that they avail themselves of the services of the state government when called upon to do so.
“I have no doubts in my mind that you will deploy your skills, wide knowledge and extensive administrative and management experience garnered over the years to continue to add value to yourselves, your communities and to Lagos State as a whole.
As the the newest members of the Association of Lagos State Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries in Lagos State, the government would continue to look forward to benefiting from your vast reservoirs of experience and knowledge, especially in policy formulation and implementation, in order to continue to move the State forward”, Muri-Okunola said.
He also reminded them to pay attention to their personal health and wellness.
Muri-Okunola expressed appreciation to Mr Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his magnanimity in granting approval for the programme, especially given the enormity of the challenges that the state government is confronted with presently, adding that ” it is a testament and a re-affirmation Mr. Governor’s avowed personal commitment to prioritization of staff welfare matters, a gesture that all of us, serving and retired, shall continue to reciprocate by rededicating ourselves to the service of the state, individually and collectively”, HOS said.
Responding on behalf of the retirees, Mrs Margaret Titilayo Solarin, the immediate past Permanent Secretary/ Tutor General Education District 1, expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government for allowing them to serve, just as she thanked God for sparing their lives till this moment.
Also, the Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, Office of the Head of Service, Mrs Oyegbola Sunkanmi, expressed sincere appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, for their continued support and welfare for public servants.
She congratulated the retirees, why appealing that they should not hesitate to head their call whenever they need their attention or wealth of experience.
The 19 retired Permanent Secretaries includes, Mr. Isaac Olusina Thorpe, Mr .Wasiu Adedamola Akewusola, Eng. Moroof Olawale Agoro, Mrs Olusola Oduguwa, Mr Samson Olusegun Ajibade, Mr Sunday Agboade Jokotola,
Mrs Adenike Adedoyin-Ajayi, Mr Sewedo Oluseyi Whenu, Mrs Kikelomo Morenike Sanyaolu, Mrs Toyin Olamide Machado- Onanuga, Mrs Margaret Titilayo Solarin, Mr Olaolu Olujimi Ige, Mr Sikiru Adeniji Salami, Mrs Adetutu Abiola Liadi and others.
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