The Permanent Secretary, General Administration, Governor’s Office,  Dr. Gbolagade Adekunle Oyedele is bowing out of the Oyo State Civil Service.

The Political Big Wigs, Legislature, Professionals and members of the Forum of Permanent Secretaries,  Executive Secretaries, General Managers, Inspectors General of Education and the Tutors General hailed him for serving Oyo State meritoriously with an unblemished track record.

Professor Olanike Adeyemo,  the Secretary to the Oyo State Government said Dr. Adekunle Oyedele has a lot of insight even beyond the mainstream administration, he was a good resource to the Government as the Permanent Secretary, General Administration. Governor’s Office, he was diligent and he was sharp dresser, he was somebody I am always proud of, Dr. Oyedele was a good representative of Civil Service by conduct and in all ramifications.

He has put a lot of value on himself and he is always available to do his work, I thank God for his life, congratulations,  Dr Adekunle Oyedele, I wish you God’s favour in your future endeavour.

Hon. Gbenga Oyekola is the Honourable Member representing Atiba State Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly said he knew Dr. Oyedele closely when Late former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala was in office as the Executive Governor of Oyo State, we were so close when I came in 2013 as Honourable Member of the 8th Oyo State House of Assembly.

Dr. Adekunle Oyedele is a very meticulous person he always comes to the Assembly for presentation for the Governor’s Office Budget, in fact you will be happy listening to him when he is presenting the budget, very meticulous. very explanatory and humble, he is a meticulous person we will really miss him.

However, the State Commissioner for Finance,  Mr. Akinola Ojo in his remarks described Dr. Oyedele as an epitome of humility, brilliant, intelligent, witty and very hard working.

Dr. Debo Akande is the Director General, Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) said he was so happy to work with Dr. Oyedele as the Director in the Agency.

Mr. Kola Badmus is the Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) said Dr. Oyedele was his classmate since University days, he has a lot of academic records to his Honour, he has his MBA and PHD in Agriculture, he has been in the monitoring and evaluation of the then Oyo State Agricultural Development Programme (OYSADEP) before it metamorphosed to OYSADA, he is hardworking and intelligent.

In Agricultural Policy Formulation, he has performed marvelously well, there is no policy we made in the Agricultural Sector that he did not participate in it, he has helped us to develop Agricultural policies in the State to the lofty heights, Agric Family will miss him.

Mr. Kareem Tunde Aiki is the Director Administration and Supplies, Governor’s Office said Dr. Oyedele is honest and dependable he likes to train officers under him to become a leader.

He said he served under him as a director “I can say that he is a boss whose character should be emulated, as he is serving as a gate keeper for our Boss, he is also serving as a gate keeper for us, the junior one s”.

“He takes up the responsibility of whatever mistake we make as if he was the one that made the mistake, he loves to follow the due process and the rule of law. I pray God in His infinite mercies will continue to shower His blessings on him as he is bowing out of the Oyo State Civil Service”.

Meanwhile, Former German’s Prime Minister and Sociologist “Max Weber“ said “The honor of the civil servant is vested in his ability to execute conscientiously the order of the superior authorities, exactly as if the order agreed with his own conviction.”

Congratulations, Dr. Gbolagade Adekunle Oyedele on your retirement as the Permanent Secretary, Civil Service of Oyo State.

Abiodun Atilola

Head of Media and Publicity, SSG/HOS Office

The Executive Chairman of Shooting Stars Football Club, Honourable Taiwo Lekan Salami, has commended the State Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, mni, for her initiative in organising the ongoing 2025 Public Service Games.

He stated this during a football match between the Health Sector and the Oyo State House of Assembly Sector, which concluded with a 5-3 penalty shootout at the Ikolaba High School Mini Sports Complex, Agodi-GRA, Ibadan.

The Chairman of 3SC noted that the primary aim of the games is to foster team cohesion, emphasising that the competition organisers have exhibited a high level of professionalism.

He said, “I was previously unaware that such games could take place in Oyo State, and I am genuinely impressed by the professionalism demonstrated by the organisers. They have adeptly divided the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies into sectors, ensuring inclusivity for all civil/public servants. This initiative is highly commendable, as it underscores the importance of sports in maintaining fitness, even while we work.”

Honourable Salami expressed his gratitude to the State Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, mni, for ensuring that the games are inclusive for all civil servants, irrespective of age or grade level.

“I am witnessing the exceptional talent being displayed at the stadium, and it is truly commendable.”

Meanwhile, the Environment Sector progressed to the semi-finals of the ongoing Public Service Games after achieving a 1-0 victory over the Finance Family in an exhilarating quarterfinal match. Additionally, the Health Sector emerged victorious over the Legislative Sector in a 5-3 penalty shootout.

Fans and spectators described the matches as fiercely competitive, entertaining, and a significant highlight of the Public Service Week celebration.

Abiodun Atilola

Media Officer to the SSG/HOS

Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, mni, the Head of Service for Oyo State, has encouraged Civil Servants participating in the ongoing Civil Service games to consistently bring their appointment letters and a passport photograph to confirm their status as legitimate employees of the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. She emphasized that no external participants are permitted.

In a statement issued and signed in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, the Head of Service reiterated that the public service games are exclusively for civil servants, and external participants are not allowed.

The Head of Service urged Civil and Public Servants to adhere to the rules and regulations of the competitions.

Meanwhile, the Security Sector Football Team emerged victorious in the ongoing Oyo State Public Service Games, defeating the Ministry of Education in a thrilling penalty shootout.

The match between the two sectors was held at the Ikolaba High School Mini Sports Complex, Agodi GRA, Ibadan, as part of the activities commemorating the 2025 Public Service Week.

The Education Sector opened the scoring in the first half, but the Security team equalized, ending the half at 1-1. The second half saw neither team score, leading to a penalty shootout to determine the winner.

Both teams successfully converted their first five penalty kicks, but the Ministry of Education missed their fourth attempt, giving the Security team the opportunity to secure the victory. The Security sector converted the decisive penalty, achieving a 5-4 shootout victory and bringing the final score to 6-5.

In another match, the Judiciary Sector triumphed over the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Sector with a 6-0 victory. These encounters drew enthusiastic cheers from spectators, adding vibrancy to the week-long Public Service Week celebration.

Abiodun Atilola

Media Officer to the SSG/HOS

In preparation for the upcoming Public Service Games, the 2025 PSG committee on Friday announced the scheduled dates for the women’s division of the ongoing civil service games in the State.

The committee has designated September 3, 5, and 8 for the women’s competition, which will take place at the Ikolaba High School Mini Sports Complex in Agodi-GRA, Ibadan,

The Chairman of the Committee, Dr. Sunday Ojelabi, was represented by Mr. Lukman Muraina of the PSG Sports Committee during the inauguration of the women’s division of the Public Service Games, held at the Ministry of Establishments and Poverty Alleviation, Secretariat, Ibadan.

Dr. Ojelabi encouraged all female civil servants in the State to extend their support to their respective MDAs during the sports competition at the stadium.

According to the committee, the competition will feature sectors such as Education, Safety and Security, Legislative, Health, Human Resources, Youth and Sports, and Agriculture within the State.

The committee’s Chairman emphasized that the games aim to promote unity, fitness, and camaraderie among the State’s workforce, ensuring they remain physically and mentally alert in the performance of their duties.

Abiodun Atilola

Media Officer to the SSG/HOS

The Chairman of the 2025 Oyo State Public Service Week, Dr. Sunday Ojelabi, has announced that the 2025 Public Service Week will commence with a Sports Competition on Monday, August 18, 2025.

In a statement issued and signed in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, it was stated that the sports competition will include a range of activities such as football, indoor games like table tennis, draughts, Scrabble, Ayo Olopon, and many others.

The statement encouraged all civil servants across the ministries, departments, and agencies to actively participate in all programs of the 2025 Public Service Week, starting from the sports competition to the productivity merit awards.

The statement appreciated the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde, for providing an enabling environment and financial support, and the number one civil servant in the state, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, mni, for playing a motherly role and providing moral support annually for the Public Service Week, which is commendable.

The first match of the football competition will be held at Ikolaba High School Mini Sports Complex, Agodi-GRA, Ibadan, on Monday, August 18, 2025.

Abiodun Atilola
Media Officer to the SSG/HOS

… He is a role Model – Deacon Taiwo Adewale

The Permanent Secretary, Service Matters, Office of the Head of Service, Mr. Paul Oyekunle is bowing out of Oyo State Civil Service today Friday, August 8, 2025.

The State Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, mni, Some members of the Forum of Permanent Secretaries, Executive Secretaries, General Managers, Inspectors General of Education, Tutors General of Education lavishes encomium on him.

Dr. Adekunle Oyedele is the Permanent Secretary, General Administration. Governor’s Office. He described Mr. Oyekunle as  a very dedicated civil servant, loyal and an advocate of quality service.

He posited that Mr. Oyekunle has contributed immensely to the growth of the service, describing him as an Encyclopedia of the Civil Service because of his vast knowledge of the service rule.

Mr. Taiwo Niran Mustapha, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Establishments and Training said Mr. Paul Oyekunle has traversed most part of the service, Establishment Matters, Transfer Issues, Promotions, Discipline, Salary Negotiation, Appointment with deep knowledge on issues that related to service matters. I want to say that he is a man of action, voice of reasoning and he has contributed immensely to the growth of service, I wish him happy retirement, he would live long in good health to reap all he has laboured for in the service.

Alhaji Mustapha continued. “I wish him happy retirement, the service will remember him for his legacy of hard work, Dedication, Commitment, Integrity, Humility, Leadership and other numerous contributions to the service”.

Interestingly, Dr. Mofoluwake Ibitoye,  the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion in her goodwill message described Mr. Paul Oyekunle as a legend in the service of Oyo State, his administrative prowess to resolve crisis is top notch and he is well respected in the circle of the Forum of Permanent Secretaries.

Deacon, Taiwo Adewale, the Permanent Secretary, Local Government Service Commission said Mr. Paul Oyekunle can hardly hurt a fly, he is not self centered, he doesn’t believe in aggression, he is an encyclopedia of the service when it comes to service matters, he addresses issues with no sentiment, no bias and he doesn’t allow his work to affect his social life, he attends all occasions of the Permanent Secretaries without discrimination, he is a role model.

Comrade Kayode Victor Muyiwa, the General Manager, Oyo State Government Printing Press and the Chairman, Forum of Administrative Officers of Oyo State commended Mr. Paul Oyekunle for playing a fatherly role for all members of the forum of administrative officers  in the service.

TPL. Akinwale Olufemi Akindele,  Permanent Secretary/Administrator Local Government Service Commission, Ibadan Zone -2, said, Mr. Paul Oyekunle is an embodiment of Civil Service rule and tenet, he is very vast in it, I wish him happy retirement and long life.

Mr. Olusola Ojelabi, Permanent Secretary, Cabinet and Special Services said “when the need arises and you  assigned a role for Mr. Oyekunle go and relax, he will do it very well without backlash, he is a repository  of knowledge, when it comes to service matters”.

Commander Ayoade Adeoye, the General Manager, Oyo State Road Maintenance Agency (OYRTMA) said Mr. Paul Oyekunle has done so much in re-building the service, he always puts round pegs in a round hole, he is a good administrator.

Nevertheless, Like one popular Yoruba Adage  “Egungun nla lo n keyin Igbale”  the number one Civil Servant in the Pacesetter State, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, mni in her remarks said Mr. Paul Oyekunle, a thoroughbred Administrator, is bowing out of the Civil Service meritoriously without blemish after many years of positive contributions.

“His remarkable dedication and unwavering commitment to service delivery are unequalled, Oyekunle is a seasoned Administrator who exemplifies the core values and ethos of the Civil Service and these attributes he demonstrated working as the Permanent Secretary (Service Matters) in the office of the Head of Service”.

The number one Civil Servant pointed out that despite his vast knowledge of service-related matters, he exhibited humility and compassion in the discharge of his duties and he finds it easy to crack difficult nuts, particularly issues on establishment matters. It is therefore not surprising that he was labelled “the Encyclopedia of the Service”.

“You are indeed a good example to emulate and the indelible legacies you are leaving behind in the Civil Service of our dear State will be etched in the minds of many”.

“I therefore use this medium to felicitate you on your retirement from the Service of Oyo State after many years of impactful service and enduring legacies. It is my fervent prayer that Almighty God will grant you long life and sound health as you start another chapter of your life which will be sweet, blessed and more fulfilling than ever before”

Meanwhile, the Head of Service and the Permanent Secretaries in their separate remarks appreciated Governor Seyi Makinde for setting the pace in the Pacesetter State.

However, Former UK Prime Minister, Sir. Winston Churchill said; “After a Time, Civil Servants Tend to Become No Longer Servants and No Longer Civil”.

Congratulations and Happy Retirement Mr. Paul Oyekunle.

Abiodun Atilola

Head of Media and Publicity, SSG/HOS Office.

The Oyo State Head of Service Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni on Friday, inaugurated 2025 Public Service Week committee in line with the 1999 Tangier declaration by the African Ministers for Public Service.

The Inauguration ceremony was held at the Head of Service conference room, Secretariat, Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital.

The Head of Service said the 2025 Public Service Week is aimed at recognizing and celebrating the values and virtues of service to the communities and the entire State.

She said the committee is expected to plan a robust year 2025 Public Service Week and Merit Award ceremony to recognize innovation, creativity, as well as dedication of workers to duty.

She pointed out that the 2025 Public Service Week would involve lecture and symposium in tandem with the national theme of the Public Service Week, including sporting activities both indoor and outdoor within the Civil/Public Service

The members of the committee were selected across the various sectors of the State.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Committee, Dr. Sunday Ojelabi commended the State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde for inspiring the commitment of the State workforce through the Public Service Week and Productivity Merit Award programme.

Dr. Ojelabi also commended the State Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni for bringing together experts from the public and private sectors as well as the academia to plan and  organize 2025 Public Service Week for the State.

He said “Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni is a public servant with untiring commitment and loyalty, she has a profound track record of value, sound work ethics and character which is such an inspiration, her commitment to her career path is unmistakable and reflects in the different significant roles she has played in Oyo State”.

Abiodun Atilola

Media Officer to the SSG/HOS

The Oyo State Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni on Friday directed all  Civil/Public Servants of Oyo State to visit the Oyo State Secretariat Staff Clinic at the back of the Ministry of Works and Public Transport, State Secretariat, Ibadan for free medical out reach.

In a statement issued and signed in Ibadan by her Media Officer, Mr. Abiodun Atilola said the Medical Outreach will feature blood pressure tests, blood sugar tests, and other essential health screening exercises.

The statement requested them to come very early to ensure accurate test results, noting that. “If you are already on medication, please come with your food and medication.”

The Head of Service said All Civil/Public Servants are encouraged to participate in this medical outreach. “We urge you to note the details of this circular and comply accordingly.”

The Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo, informed the Head of Service  that the arrangement is put in place, due to the outcome of the  tests results  recently conducted  at the Mid-Year Retreat of the State Government held at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). She further informed that the free medical outreach at the Secretariat clinic will assist early detection and early treatment of any identified ailments.

The number one Civil Servant in the Pacesetter State enjoined all the Civil/Public Servants in the State to take the advantage that this opportunity offers to check their health status, saying that, “Health is Wealth.”

The free medical outreach will commence on Tuesday, 1st July 2025, at the Secretariat Staff Clinic from 8am.

The State Head of Service enjoined them to be in good health to be able to collaborate with Governor Seyi Makinde in his effort at sustaining the Developmental Agenda of the State.

Abiodun Atilola

Media Officer to the SSG/HOS

The Oyo State Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, mni has admonished Civil Servants across the State to put more effort in the discharge of their duties at their various Ministries Departments and Agencies in line with the Sustainable Development Agenda of the present administration in the State.

She stated this during a Yoruba one-on-one interview on (BCOS) News and Current Affairs programme “KAYEGBO” held at her office, Secretariat, Ibadan.

The Head of Service charged the newly recruited staff across the State Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to do their work efficiently and dedicated to their duties, noting that the future belongs to them.

Mrs. Olubunmi Oni reiterated further that civil servants across cadres in the service have benefited from different categories of training, both Local and Diaspora, since the inception of the current administration all in the bid to improve their efficiency at work.

She pointed out that the present administration in the State under the visionary leadership of Engr. Seyi Makinde prioritized workers’ welfare ranging from payment of salaries, leave bonus, 13th Month Salary, payment of pension, and gratuity to retired Civil/Public Servants which is commendable.

She opined that the Civil Service is the backbone of Government operations and is pivotal in translating   electoral mandates into tangible actions, delivering essential services and keeping public trust. The service has professionals and administrators who are responsible for implementing Government policies and programmes, ensuring consistency and fairness in their application in collaboration with political appointees.

She continued, “Civil service provides continuity of Government functions across political administration, and this is why they must be involved in programmes and projects from conceptualisation to completion for it to go beyond such administration.

She therefore advised all Civil/Public Servants across the State to be committed to their duties and be loyal to the present administration in the State in order to bring dividends of democracy to the doorstep of the citizens of Oyo State.

Abiodun Atilola

Media Officer to the SSG/HOS