Gov. Abiodun
Ogun State is determined to continue to excel in its internally generated revenue (IGR) earnings as the state is poised to outperform last year’s mileage which recorded collection of over 70% of its targeted revenue.
To start the new year in earnest, top government functionaries in the state began with pep talks in this direction to workers in ministries, departments and government parastatals for a productive and rewarding year ahead.
The first of such pep talks came from the Head of Service (HoS), Mr. Kolawole Fagbohun who paid unscheduled visits to some selected agencies of government, especially those under his office, to spur them on for action in the new year.
He called on all heads of agencies and departments of government in Ogun State to improve on their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
Mr. Fagbohun, who was accompanied by Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Service Matters, Mr. Oladipupo Ogunfowora, as well as Directors from the Bureau, said workers should work hard to boost the state’s IGR, to enable the present administration fulfil its ISEYA mantra.
He urged workers to be more dedicated to duty, to justify government’s commitment to Civil Servants’ welfare, as exemplified in the payments of 40 percent peculiar allowance, end of year bonus, palliative, among others.
Responding, the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Public Service Reforms, Mr. Jola Oyeneye, his counterparts from the Bureau of Establishments and Training, Mrs. Lydia Fajounbo; State Pensions, Mr. Adesoji Adewuyi; Civil Service Commission, Mrs. Roseline Jacobs; Bureau of Political Affairs and Administration, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya; the Auditor General for State, Mr. Lateef Balogun, as well as the Chairmen, Civil Service Commission, Engr. Tokunbo Odebunmi and the State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Femi Majekodunmi, appreciated the Head of Service for the visit and promised to keep supporting Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration.
The Head of Service’s invigorating speech on IGR may not be unconnected to a recent report by BudgIT which ranked Ogun State in the 7th position in the 2023 overall Fiscal Performance Ranking.
BudgIT also gave Ogun 1st as most improved in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) among the 36 States and the FCT.
In his Budget Speech last year, Governor Dapo Abiodun noted that the ranking affirmed “our position as the investment destination of choice as well as one of the most resilient states”.
“We will continue in our drive towards attracting investors by providing the most business-friendly environment through well-thought-out policies assisted and driven by technology,” the governor assured.
In the same vein, the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Oluwasina Ogungbade, has called on management and staff of the Ministry of Justice to key into the cardinal programmes of the present administration, in order to achieve more in the new year.
Mr. Ogungbade stated this in Abeokuta at a prayer session organised to usher in year 2024, adding that staffers should see themselves as part of a whole and not just an entity.
The Attorney-General admonished them to serve as mentors and display a high level of understanding in their various fields, assuring them of sustaining rewards for excellence in the course of discharging their duties.
According to the Commissioner, “Cash rewards will be available for all outstanding staff in every unit for their hard work and efforts in the past years, as this will serve as an encouragement to everyone to put in their best in the present year for a meritorious reward. I appreciate the supportive efforts of all staff in the past years and seek for more collaboration in the new year”.
In his remarks, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Olusegun Olaotan, lauded the state Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Attorney-General, as well as the Ministry’s management and staff for their contributions towards the success achieved in the past year.
Mr. Olaotan urged them to embrace unity, work as a team, seek knowledge, represent the agency positively and not rest on their oars for better outcomes, promising that the working environment would be more conducive for everyone.
Delivering a message titled, “Pathway to Greater Success”, the Assistant Director, Commercial Services Department in the Ministry, Mrs. Oluyemisi Aruleba, who admonished the staffers to be determined, disciplined, ready to learn, ensure punctuality and eschew arrogance, to help achieve greater success, added that wisdom from God makes one to do the right thing and overcome evil at any point in time.
Meanwhile, the management and staff of Ogun State Ministry of Community Development and Cooperatives have been charged to hold on to God, believe in their abilities and be more committed in the discharge of their duties
Commissioner in the Ministry, Hon. Ademola Balogun, who gave the charge during the 2024 New Year prayer session organised to welcome officers back to office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, appreciated all officers in the Ministry for their support and commitment towards success recorded in 2023, tasking the management to prioritise workers’ welfare, show love and compassion to subordinates, to motivate them to do more.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Kola Ogunlana, the Commissioner applauded the Governor for the numerous programmes and policies undertaken in 2023, which included, payment of minimum of ₦500,000 as grants-in-aid to Community Development Associations (CDAs) across the state, among others, towards making life easy for the people.
He enjoined officers to put in more effort and be dedicated at their duty posts, in order to achieve more in the new year.
Highlight of the event were special prayers for President Bola Tinubu, Governor Dapo Abiodun, Head of Service, Mr. Kolawole Fagbohun, all Permanent Secretaries, Directors, staff, the state and country in general.
However, teamwork, trust and dedication to duty have been identified as catalysts that workers should imbibe to enhance productivity.
The Senior Special Assistant on Power, Mr. Oluwafemi Omisanjo, stated this at a special New Year prayer of the Bureau of Electrical Engineering Services (BEES), at Oke-Ilewo Area Office in Abeokuta.
Mr. Omisanjo said it was essential for workers in the agency to be more proactive in service delivery, urging them to be diligent at their duty posts, while thanking God for keeping everyone alive to witness the new year.
Remarking, Director of Electrical Extension Services in the Bureau, Engr. Sunday Adelakun, appreciated the workers for their support and contributions over the years, charging them to work as a team, in order to achieve more success in year 2024.
Also speaking, his counterpart in Urban Electrical Services, Engr. Modupe Jiboku, advised staffers to make themselves relevant and available at their various fields.
Delivering a sermon, the Pastor in charge of Jesus People Centre, Abeokuta, Debo Karounwi, said it was important to prioritise God in all endeavours, encouraging the staffers to support the management and not criticise without making initiatives towards the upliftment of the Bureau.
Prayers were offered in both Christian and Muslim way, led by Engr. Samuel Adebowale and Mr. Musibau Sobowale, respectively.
In their separate remarks, Mr. Kolawole Adenekan and Mr. Abayomi Salau, commended the management for the kind gesture towards the Christmas and New year celebration, praying for more strength to achieve their set goals in 2024.
