*Pledges Sustenance of Welfare Programme for Workers
Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has said his administration will continue to uphold the culture of professionalism in the civil service and elevate it into a competitive and productive institution capable of delivering the best to the state.
The Governor said he was not oblivious of the inherent danger in the undue politicization of the service, noting that it breeds mediocrity, which can undermine the credibility and capacity of workers to perform optimally.
Oyebanji spoke on Friday at the 2025 Ekiti State Public Service Forum and Award of Excellence Ceremony held at the Adetiloye Hall, Trade Fair Complex, Ado Ekiti.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Afuye, the Governor said his government had been able to accomplish its vision of making Ekiti a microcosm of development due to the solid support it continues to receive from civil servants.
He affirmed that productivity in the civil service can only be enhanced and sustained when merit is prioritized over mediocrity in appointments and postings.
The Governor maintained that the strong backing his administration enjoys from workers was a reciprocation of his government’s commitment to their welfare through the prompt payment of salaries, pensions, gratuities, cooperative deductions, and the implementation of promotions as and when due.
Oyebanji, who applauded the versatility and intellectual capacity of civil servants, urged them to refrain from acts capable of derailing the service. He described workers as the main drivers of the Ekiti economy, which he noted is predominantly civil service-oriented.
Speaking further, the Governor assured workers that his administration would continue to allow them to operate without political interference, emphasizing that professionalism remains the hallmark of any effective and efficient civil service.
“You have seen how we have operated with a human face in the last three years. We are not going to consider politics in appointing people into positions.
“You can all attest to how we have promoted professionalism and merit over mediocrity. We will not encourage any action that can undermine your capacity to deliver,” he said.
Highlighting his administration’s achievements in reforming the system, Oyebanji stated: “I appreciate the civil servants for your support and solidarity with this government. If not for you, we would not have been able to accomplish some of our goals as indicated in the six pillars of this administration.
“However, I want to say with all sense of pride that your support is a reciprocation of Mr. Governor’s gesture through the implementation of the new minimum wage, prompt payment of salaries, pensions, deductions, and gratuities.
“At the last count, about N14.6 billion has been paid in three years on gratuities. The government has also spent about N25 billion on monthly pensions. We assure you that we are still going to do more,” he added.
In her remarks, the Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, expressed joy and fulfillment over the strides made by Governor Oyebanji in the core civil service, noting that the state now has a leader who does not require lobbying before adequately funding and investing in the service.
Dr. Olomojobi commended the Governor for placing high value on workers’ welfare in the areas of salary, gratuity, pension, and deduction payments, and for initiating enviable reforms that have strengthened the service and made it the true engine room of governance.
The medical practitioner added that Ekiti now has one of the most inclusive and implementable minimum wage structures covering the core civil service, judiciary, local governments, and subvented institutions. She urged her colleagues to make sacrifices and shun corrupt practices that could derail the system.
Panelists at the event — former Commissioner in the military era, Engr. Babatunde Fakoyede; former Heads of Service, Mr. Olufemi Adewumi and Mr. Ayodeji Ajayi; and retired Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olabimpe Aderiye — were unanimous in their views that Governor Oyebanji is indeed a reformer and a true friend of civil servants.
They observed that Ekiti civil servants can compete favorably with their counterparts across the country and stand out in terms of sacrifice, diligence, policy direction, strict adherence to rules and regulations, and intellectual acumen.
Present at the occasion were the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro; traditional rulers; retired Heads of Service; Commissioners; Special Advisers; Permanent Secretaries; Executive Secretaries; General Managers; and the entire civil service community.
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