Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has once again demonstrated his unwavering support for the hardworking civil servants of the state by presenting six cars to outstanding officers during a special ceremony held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Ikeja. The event, dubbed the Governor’s Lunch with Outstanding Officers, was a moment of recognition for civil servants who have shown exceptional dedication to public service.
In a display of appreciation, the governor acknowledged the tireless efforts of the 210 civil servants in attendance, who had been selected from a pool of 117 senior officers and 93 junior officers. These individuals were honored for their commitment to driving positive change and upholding the ideals of service in one of Nigeria’s busiest states.
A Glowing Tribute to Lagos Civil Servants
Governor Sanwo-Olu began his address by extolling the achievements of the state’s civil servants, asserting that their hard work had set them apart not just within Lagos, but across Nigeria. “Earlier today, I met with some elderly citizens, and they were full of praise for each and every one of you,” Sanwo-Olu remarked, a beaming smile on his face. “They spoke of your unwavering commitment to making Lagos a great place. Let it be said that we are the best civil servants in the country.”
The governor went on to emphasize the supremacy of Lagos’ civil service, stating, “We don’t mince words when we say that we are the best out of all the states in the country.” His words were a strong affirmation of the state’s public servants, who he claimed had raised the bar of excellence in service delivery. “Let’s be clear,” Sanwo-Olu continued, “Our heads are held up high. The federal civil service is trailing behind. It’s time we continue to reflect excellence in the public service, and all we do.”
Excellence in Action: A Moment of Recognition
Six outstanding civil servants, chosen through a rigorous selection process, were given new cars as a token of appreciation for their extraordinary contributions. This included five senior officers and one junior officer. The raffle draw, initially set to select five senior officers, saw an unexpected but welcome twist. In a display of his commitment to gender equality, Governor Sanwo-Olu personally intervened to ensure that a female officer was selected, promoting a balance between genders in the awards.
Among the lucky winners, the excitement was palpable. As the car keys were handed over, there were smiles, applause, and expressions of gratitude. “This is an amazing moment for me,” said one of the recipients, an officer from the senior category. “I never expected this level of recognition. It motivates me to keep pushing harder and to serve Lagos State even better.”
Meanwhile, the five junior officers who had been selected in the raffle draw did not leave empty-handed. Each of them received a substantial cash prize, with the total amount awarded to junior officers amounting to N5 million. For them, the gesture was not just about the money, but the recognition of their contributions to public service. One of the junior officers expressed, “This cash award means a lot to me. It validates the hard work we put in every day.”
Rewarding Excellence: A Commitment to Workers’ Welfare
The Governor also took time to reflect on the state’s efforts to enhance workers’ welfare, citing his administration’s recent policies aimed at improving the conditions of civil servants in Lagos. “This is just one of the ways we show that we value our workers,” Sanwo-Olu said. “Lagos civil servants have always been the backbone of the state, and we will continue to support them.”
Mr. Bode Agoro, the state Head of Service, also voiced his appreciation for the governor’s commitment to staff welfare. “On behalf of all the civil servants in Lagos, I want to express our deep gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu. His efforts to prioritize our welfare have made a significant difference,” Agoro said. He particularly commended the governor for approving the payment of the 13th-month salary, which amounted to 100 percent of basic salaries, as well as the recent implementation of the new minimum wage for civil servants in Lagos State.
The Road Ahead: More to Be Done
Despite the celebrations, Governor Sanwo-Olu reminded the honorees that recognition should not be a reason to rest on their laurels. “The reward for hard work is more work,” he said, reiterating the need for civil servants to keep up their dedication and drive as the state continues its journey toward development and transformation.
Sanwo-Olu’s administration has long been committed to enhancing the welfare of Lagos State’s workforce, and this event serves as a clear reflection of his belief in incentivizing excellence in public service. The governor’s leadership has earned him praise not only from citizens but also from the civil servants who have benefited from his policies.
This moment of recognition also shines a spotlight on Lagos as an example of good governance in Nigeria. As the city continues to grow, the leadership in the civil service will undoubtedly play a crucial role in ensuring the success of the state’s development agenda.
