Twenty-one Permanent Secretaries who recently retired from the Lagos State PUblic Service were on Thursday ceremonially pulled out from the service with the State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode assuring them that the public service would continue to undergo the process of transformation with the objective of seeking better ways and means of delivering timely and quality service.
The Governor who gave this assurance through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Tunji Bello at the Pens Down Ceremony in honour of 21 retired Permanent secretaries in the Lagos State public Service held at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, added that their suggestions will continue to receive due consideration in the process of policy design and implementation.
“Be rest assured that your suggestions and ideas will continue to receive due consideration in the process of policy design and implementation”, he added.
“It is said that for everything, there is an appointed time. The reality of this statement is being manifested today as we gather to witness the end of a glorious chapter in the lives of the 21 retired Permanent Secretaries in Lagos State Public Service” he said.
He stressed that as highly experienced technocrats, administrators and professionals in different fields of human endeavour, the retirees will always be looked upon for wise counsels and guidance on matters bothering on community development, public service delivery among others.
He said in their years of sojourn as career public servants, the Public Service has continued to adapt to changing realities and global best practice in service delivery adding that they have been part of the process and today they can look back to say that they are leaving the service better than they met it.
Ambode emphasized that the 21 retired Permanent Secretaries entrance into the Public Service 35 years ago or less was marked with high expectations and uncertainties about what the future had in stock for but today they are being celebrated for the excellent service they have rendered to the Government and Lagosians.
He said this symbolic event is a tradition in the State Public Service which provides a unique opportunity for families, friends and colleagues to felicitate with retiring Permanent Secretaries stressing that a befitting honour and recognition of a meritorious and unblemished career which spanned over a maximum period of 35 years.
According to him, “Today, you are departing with your heads high and being celebrated for the excellent service you have rendered to the Government and people of Lagos State. Finally as you look forward to well-deserved rest after decades of active service, I wish you good health and many more years to enjoy the fruits of your labour”
The Head of Service (HOS) , Folashade Adeboye earlier in her welcome address, congratulated the retirees for their record of outstanding contributions to the growth of the Public Service, adding that the government and people of Lagos State have found them worthy to be honoured.
She implored all potential Permanent Secretaries to remain committed to the well tested values and hard work which has characterized the Lagos State Public Service.
The highlights of the event was the handing over of files of each of the retiring Permanent Secretaries and signing off from the Public Service while a certificate of service and plaque signed by the Governor was presented to each of the retirees.