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

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

Schedule Of Placement Of Appreciative Jingle In Commemoration Of 26years Of Uninterrupted Democratic Governance In Nigeria And 6 Years Of Delivery Of Dividend Of Democracy In Oyo State

12/06/25.  LAGELU ( FM).   9.20_9.40PM

13/06/25.  LAGELU (FM) 11.15_11:45AM

12/06/25. FRESH (FM) 5.00_7.00PM

13/06/25  FRESH (FM)+INSIDE AJAABALE) 8.30_10.00AM)

BCOS TV & Radio – use at various times from 12th to 16th June, 2025

Lick here to Download the Video and Audio

The Oyo State Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni on Friday hailed the State workforce for working very hard to ensure that the present administration in the State succeeded in all ramifications.

In a statement issued and signed by her Media Officer, Mr Abiodun Atilola.

The Head of Service said the Government of the day is working to ensure all Civil/Public Servants are working in a very good environment and  rebranding the State workforce to be the best among the committee of public workers in the Federation.

She admonished Civil Servants in the Pacesetter State to  do their work diligently and honestly in line with the sustainable agenda of the present administration.

The statement said. “Eid Mubarak ! Barka da sallah Wishing everyone  a joyous and blessed Eid al-Adha.

May God accept your prayers and sacrifices, grant everyone and the family endless peace, happiness, and good health. May our hearts always remain united in love and faith.

May God grant you and your loved ones the benefit of a safe and spiritually uplifting ileya celebration many more  in life.”

The statement appreciated the number one citizen in the State, the Executive Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde for prioritizing the welfare of Civil/Public Servants jacking up of Car Loan, Housing Loan, promotion of members of staff as at when due and other benefit of the Civil/Servants in the State is commendable.

“I wish all Civil Servants happy Eid el Kabir celebration, may Allah give you all the reward in good health and sound knowledge”.

The Oyo State Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni will turn plus one tomorrow Saturday, 31st May, 2025.

In a statement issued and signed by the Media Officer to the Secretary to the State Government and Head of Service, Mr. Abiodun Atilola.

The forum of Permanent Secretaries described the Head of Service as a woman of substance that believes so much in the welfare of the Civil/Public Servants of the pacesetter State.

The statement said her achievements as 30th Head of Service of the State is worthy of emulation and her  outstanding performance in service reform and progress of the Civil/Public Service is commendable.

Mr. Rotimi Babalola is the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Orientation, Oyo State described the current Head of Service as a hard  working person.

He said  “I know the  current Head of Service, the number one Civil Servant in Oyo State for about three decades now, since I have known her, one thing that is consistent about her is her hard working status, whatever responsibility you give to her over the years within the Civil Service even outside the Civil Service, she would ensure it works and she always  makes things happen, she is a principled woman, I wish her a wonderful birthday, more grace, more wisdom”.

Comrade Victor Muyiwa, the General Manager, Oyo State Govt. Printing Press  and the Chairman Forum of Administrative  Officers appreciated the leadership and administrative prowess of the current Head of Service .

He said she is just like a coach of Manchester United (Man -U), she believes so much in team work and no excuse for failure in the course of duty to serve Oyo State better.

Mr. Taiwo Adewale, the Permanent Secretary, Local Government Service Commission, Oyo State  described the Head of Service as a goal getter hinting  that, it was during her time that the State started witnessing harvest of recruitments in the Pacesetter State.

“I congratulate her on the, occasion of her birthday”.

Mrs Hannat Obatade, is  the  Director of Administration and Supplies, Office of the Head of Service on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Service Matters, Mr. Paul Oyekunle said  the Head of Service is a very amazing person, determined to succeed in all ramifications.

“I wish her a happy birthday in good health and knowledge”.

Ends …….

…as Governors Harp on Regional Integration

…ARHOSPS-SWN, DAWN Launches Action Plan For Southwest Region

Stakeholders in the South-West region gathered on Thursday in Ibadan to identify and address the region’s challenges, and concluded that the  region needs to improve its multi-modal transport system to enhance development, boost regional integration and drive the economy.

The stakeholders, comprising of top government officials, retired and serving Heads of Service and Permanent secretaries, among others said it was important the region opens its transport multimodality, adding that this will develop networks and impact positively on the region.

The call was made at the launch of a 262-page proposed plan of action for the economic development of the South-west region Nigeria, by The Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries: South-west Nigeria, (ARHOSPS-SWN) and the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN Commission) on Thursday in Ibadan.

The event was attended by the six Governors of the Southwest region, represented by their Deputies and Heads of Service.

The organisers said the document is a thoughtfully conceived initiative that will reposition the Southwest as Nigeria’s beacon of development.

Speaking Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde applauded ARHOSPS-SWN, saying it has taken proactive steps to ensure economic development of the South-West region.

Gov. Makinde represented by his deputy, Barr. Bayo Lawal described the document as a timely intervention to confront the rising security threats in the region, which has affected many Nigerians.

The Governor calling for regional integration, noted that localising security in each State of the region has reduced the menace of armed bandits.

“Regional integration through inter-state read network will improve development in the Southwest.”

Also speaking the Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke said the State Governments in the region, are working to collectively address the development of the region, by putting up initiatives that will improve safety.

He said State police is the way to go, as this will further enhance the security architecture in the region.

Adeleke, represented by his Deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi, promised the State Government will study the proposed plan of action alongside others in the region.

Also pledging their supports to the proposed plan of action by ARHOSPS-SWN were the governors of Ogun, Dapo Abiodun; Ekiti, Abiodun Oyebanji; Ondo, Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who were represented by their Heads of Service.

Speaking earlier, the Regional President, ARHOSPS-SWN, Overseer Dr. Ebenezer Okebukola described the books as blueprint for progress in the region.

“This book, the culmination of rigorous research, insightful deliberations, and the collective wisdom of our esteemed members, represents our unwavering dedication to the land that has nurtured us and to the generations that will follow”, he said.

“Within its pages, you will find meticulously researched proposals, addressing critical areas.”

According to him, the Proposed Plan of Action for the Economic Development of the South-west region, Nigeria is designed to proffer solutions to various topics, including: Security improvement strategies, Health development, Power and solid minerals, Arts, culture, and tourism, Regional development plans, Project financing, Transportation development, Educational development, Agricultural and industrial development, Public service development and Governance and nation-building.

A key component of the Action Plan is a detailed framework for security improvement. The plan recommends a State-by-State and town-by-town security network identification and a 15-point recommendation series, including the establishment of State Police.

The Director-General, DAWN Commission, Dr. Seye Oyeleye applauded ARAHOSPS-SWN for their exceptional effort in producing this comprehensive “Plan of Action for the Economic Development of the Southwest Region, Nigeria.”

He said the document comes at a crucial moment for the region, coinciding with the establishment of the Southwest Regional Development Commission.

“It provides a rich repository of insights, strategies, and actionable recommendations that will guide our regional development efforts”, he said.

The event also had in attendance the Oyo State Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, delegates from each of the States in the South-West region, as well as other stakeholders.