By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, has called for the strengthening of the civil service across the South-West, describing it as a critical foundation for sustainable development, effective governance, and regional integration.
He made the call on Saturday in Osogbo while addressing the 10th Quarterly General Meeting of the Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries (ARHOSPS), South-West, held at the Adolak Event Centre.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, Adeleke stressed that development is not accidental but a product of deliberate policies, strong institutions, and disciplined implementation, with the civil service playing a central role.
According to him, the theme of the meeting, which focuses on civil service management and good governance, speaks directly to the development challenges confronting the region.
“Development does not occur by chance. It is driven by sound policies, efficient institutions and disciplined implementation. At the heart of all these is the civil service,” the governor said.
Adeleke noted that the South-West could not attain its full potential without a civil service that is professional, ethical, innovative, and people-centred, adding that retired senior officers in attendance laid many of the foundations still sustaining governance across the region.
“Many of you gathered here today were central to building these foundations during your years in office. Your experiences shaped systems that continue to serve our people across the South-West,”
In his remarks, Chairman of ARHOSPS, Chief A. F. Olatayo, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to advancing the civil service and contributing to the overall development of the South-West.
He explained that the association, established on May 21, 2009, was formed not only to promote the welfare of its members but also to support the continuous growth and effectiveness of the Osun State Civil Service.
“Our primary objective is to promote the welfare of our members and contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the Osun State civil service, which remains the immediate constituency of all members of the association,” Olatayo said.
He also commended successive Osun State governments for maintaining cordial relations with the association, noting that sustained collaboration between serving and retired public officers is essential for effective governance and sustainable development.
