Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday presented long service merit awards to 555 public servants who had distinguished themselves over the years, just as he restated his commitment to the welfare of workers in the State.

The Governor who spoke at the Merit Awards ceremony held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, congratulated the recipients of the award, saying that their diligence, hard work and sacrifice has contributed immensely  to the success story of the State since its creation in 1967.

He said, “This occasion provides another unique opportunity for me to put on record my heartfelt appreciation for the contribution of the Lagos State public servants to the success of this administration in the last one year. The modest achievements for which I have received accolades could not have been possible without the hard work and commitment of the engine room which the public service represents.”

Governor Ambode, who was represented by the Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Dr. Benson Akintola, also seized the occasion to charge public servants to continue to show good examples as law abiding citizens of the State and work together to strengthen public trust and confidence in public institutions by being proactive, diligent, responsive, innovative and timely in service delivery.

“This is the desired goal of the various reforms and restructuring that we have introduced and implemented in the last one year,” he said.

He reiterated the commitment of his administration to the welfare of workers in the state, saying that it would continue to remain top priority of his administration.

“We shall adequately reward diligence, hard work and exceptional performance. Conversely, negligence, indiscipline and abuse of trust shall be sanctioned appropriately in line with rules and regulations of the public service.

“Once again, I congratulate all the awardees for the meritorious service to the State. I wish you good health and great years ahead as you look forward to glorious end of your career in the State Public Service,” Governor Ambode said.

Earlier, the State Head of Service, Mrs. Olabowale Ademola said the objective of the award was to encourage diligence, commitment and loyalty among public servants in the State with the belief that it would spur both recipients and non-recipients alike to continue to put in their best at all times.

She said since the inception of the Award in 2006, several public servants have benefitted from the gesture, adding that this year’s edition was the 10th in the series.

Ademola also encouraged public servants yet to be honoured to continue to discharge their duties to the best of their abilities so as to merit such honour in the nearest future.

“Let me assure you that the State Government on its part will continue to provide the necessary and conducive environment for the attainment of your lofty goals. Government will also continue to place a high premium on the welfare of its staff with a view to enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in order to bring out the best in them,” the HOS said.

Responding on behalf of the recipients, Mr. Ola Micheal-Dawodu, Permanent Secretary who had put in 35 years of service, thanked the HOS and the Governor for giving them such honour, assuring that they would continue to make themselves available for service when called upon.

Cross section of the award recipients during the Long Service Merit Award as part of activities marking the Y2016 Public Service Day with the theme Inclusiveness and Public Service Delivery, at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja on Thursday, June 16, 2016.
Representative of Lagos State Governor, Commissioner for Establishment & Training, Dr. Benson Akintola (left), presenting a Long Service Merit Award to Alhaja Amidat Abimbola Anifowose (2nd right), assisted by her husband & Commissioner for Physical Planning & Urban Development, TPL. Wasiu Anifowose (right) during the Y2016 Public Service Day with the theme Inclusiveness and Public Service Delivery, at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja on Thursday, June 16, 2016. With them are Head of Service; Mrs. Olabowale Ademola (2nd left) and Chairman, House Committee on Establishment & Training, Hon. Adedayo Famakinwa (3rd left).
Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, Alhaji Babatunde Rotinwa; Representative of Lagos State Governor, Commissioner for Establishment & Training, Dr. Benson Akintola; Head of Service; Mrs. Olabowale Ademola; Chairman, House Committee on Establishment & Training, Hon. Adedayo Famakinwa and Chairman, Audit Service Commission, Alhaji Wasiu Onibon during the Long Service Merit Award as part of activities marking the Y2016 Public Service Day with the theme Inclusiveness and Public Service Delivery, at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja on Thursday, June 16, 2016