The Chairman of the Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU) in Ogun State and State Chairman of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC), Comrade Ismail Sanyaolu, has congratulated the newly appointed Head of Service in Ogun State, Mr Olanrewaju Saka, describing his emergence as a victory for competence, professionalism and dedication to public service.
Sanyaolu also applauded Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun for what he described as a transparent and merit-driven appointment process, noting that the governor demonstrated fairness by selecting "the most qualified civil servant" in the state without bias or undue influence.
The congratulatory message followed the official announcement of Saka's appointment by the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, in a statement released on Friday.
According to the statement, the appointment came on the heels of the statutory retirement of the immediate past Head of Service, Mr Kehinde Onasanya, whose tenure came to an end after years of service to the state.
The government explained that prior to his elevation, Saka served as the Permanent Secretary in the Bureau of Cabinet and Special Services, where he played strategic roles in the coordination and administration of government activities.
Providing insight into his public service journey, the statement disclosed that Saka began his career in the Ogun State Public Service as a classroom teacher on Grade Level 08 on May 15, 1993.
He later transitioned into the mainstream civil service in 2006 as a Senior Administrative Officer on Grade Level 09, a move that marked the beginning of a steady rise through the ranks of the state bureaucracy.
Over the years, Saka reportedly distinguished himself through commitment, diligence and professional excellence, earning various responsibilities that prepared him for higher leadership roles within the service.
Reacting to the appointment, Sanyaolu expressed confidence in the capacity of the new Head of Service to provide purposeful leadership and strengthen the state's civil service architecture.
He noted that Saka's extensive experience and institutional knowledge would contribute significantly to improving service delivery and advancing reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency in the public sector.
The labour leader further stated that the appointment had generated excitement and optimism among civil servants in the state, many of whom see Saka as a seasoned administrator with a deep understanding of the system.
Sanyaolu urged the new Head of Service to sustain the values of accountability, dedication and inclusiveness while prioritising the welfare and professional development of workers.
He also assured him of the support and cooperation of organised labour, especially the Nigeria Civil Service Union and the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, in achieving policies and programmes that would promote industrial harmony and greater productivity.
He prayed for wisdom, strength and success for the new Head of Service as he assumes the responsibilities of steering the affairs of the Ogun State Civil Service.
Observers within the public sector believe that Saka's appointment signals continuity and a renewed commitment to strengthening the administrative machinery of the state through competence and experience.
