Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on Thursday presented long service merit awards to 555 public servants, who had distinguished themselves over the years.
He also restated his commitment to the welfare of workers in the state.
The governor, who spoke at the Merit Awards ceremony held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, congratulated the recipients, saying that their diligence, hard work and sacrifice contributed immensely to the success story of the state since its creation in 1967. He said, “This occasion provides another unique opportunity for me to put on record my heartfelt appreciation for the contribution of the Lagos State public servants to the success of this administration in the last one year. The modest achievements for which I have received accolades could not have been possible without the hard work and commitment of the engine room which the public service represents.”
Ambode, who was represented by the Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Dr. Benson Akintola, also advised public servants to continue to show good examples as law-abiding citizens of the state and work together to strengthen public trust and confidence in public institutions by being proactive, diligent, responsive, innovative and timely in service delivery.
“This is the desire goal of the various reforms and restructuring that we have introduced and implemented in the last one year,” he said.
He reiterated the commitment of his administration to the welfare of workers in the employ of the state government, saying that it would continue to remain top priority of his administration.
“We shall adequately reward diligence, hard work and exceptional performance. Conversely, negligence, indiscipline and abuse of trust shall be sanctioned appropriately in line with rules and regulations of the public service.
“Once more, I congratulate all the awardees for the meritorious service to the State. I wish you good health and great years ahead as you look forward to glorious end of your career in the State Public Service,” Ambode said.
The State Head of Service, Mrs. Olabowale Ademola, had said that the objective of the award was to encourage diligence, commitment and loyalty among public servants in the state with the belief that it would spur both recipients and non-recipients alike to continue to put in their best at all times.
She said that since the inception of the award in 2006, several public servants have benefitted from the gesture, adding that this year’s edition was the 10th in the series.
Ademola also urged public servants yet to be honoured to continue to discharge their duties to the best of their abilities to merit such honour in the future.
“Let me assure you that the state government on its part will continue to provide the necessary and conducive environment for the attainment of your lofty goals. Government will also continue to place a high premium on the welfare of its staff with a view to enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in order to bring out the best in them,” the HOS said.
Responding on behalf of the recipients, Mr. Ola Michael-Dawodu, Permanent Secretary who had put in 35 years of service, thanked the HOS and the Governor for honouring them, assuring that they would continue to make themselves available for service when called upon.
