SOUTHWEST RETIRED HEADS OF SERVICE, PERM SECS PUSH FOR REGIONAL COLLABORATION
. . . Aiyedatiwa lauds role of public service at Ondo-hosted AGM
The Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries has called for deeper collaboration among Southwest states to drive sustainable development across key sectors. The call was made during the Association’s Annual General Meeting hosted by the Ondo State Chapter at its Secretariat, named after the state’s pioneer Head of Service, Chief T.A. Iwajomo.
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa presided over the opening session, represented by his Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, with the Ondo State Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip, and other dignitaries in attendance.
In her remarks, the Chairman of the Forum in Ondo State, Mrs. Mojisola Ajayi, described the Secretariat as the “Chatham House of Ondo State,” noting that it had hosted gubernatorial aspirants before the last election to present their visions for the state. She revealed that a detailed policy paper was submitted to the present administration, offering strategies to enhance revenue generation and optimize state assets.
Mrs. Ajayi emphasized the need for regional cooperation beyond security, citing the success of Amotekun as proof of what could be achieved through unity. She urged the adoption of similar models in transportation, education, healthcare, infrastructure, rural development, agriculture, and youth empowerment, while commending Governor Aiyedatiwa for prioritizing pensioners’ welfare and championing infrastructural growth.
Speaking at the meeting, Ondo State Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip, disclosed that the government is deploying Artificial Intelligence in the state’s public service as part of its digitisation process to boost efficiency. He highlighted ongoing reforms including staff promotions with cash backing and health insurance coverage for thousands of civil servants.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, through his representative, praised the contributions of both serving and retired permanent secretaries in shaping policies across the Southwest. He assured that his administration remains committed to legacy projects such as the recently signed MoU with Backbone International to establish a refinery expected to create over 80,000 direct and indirect jobs, alongside housing projects for cabinet members, lawmakers, and civil servants.
The AGM concluded with the election of new regional executive members for the Association, marking another milestone in strengthening the role of the group in governance and public service development across the Southwest. The newly elected members are:
1. Demola Badejo Esq. – Regional President
2. Elder Daniel Omotunde Aina – Regional Vice President
3. Pastor Mrs. Adenike Olufadewa Regional Secretary
4. Alhaji Adekunle Adegbite – Asst. Gen Secretary
5. Mr Segun Olorunsogo – Regional Treasurer
6. Mrs. Adesunbo Abolarin – Financial Secretary
7. Mrs. Juliana Mojoyinola Folabi-Fayeun – PRO
8. Adeoye Popoola Esq. – Regional Legal Officer
9. Chief John Olabode Adebiyi – Auditor
