By Rosheedat Akinkunle, JKNewsMedia Reporter
RECOGNITION OF commitment to human capital development has placed Ogun State among five states awarded by the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) during a ceremony in Abuja celebrating top civil service leaders across the country.
The award was presented at a dinner held at Fraser Suites in honour of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and Heads of Service from Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Lagos, Osun, Abia, and Akwa Ibom also received the Awards of Excellence for their roles in expanding CIPM membership and championing professional HR standards across government institutions.
CIPM National President, Mallam Ahmed Ladan Gobir, said the awards acknowledged the exceptional efforts of these states in promoting Human Resources professionalisation and strengthening institutional service delivery.
He emphasised that encouraging HR membership builds a culture of professionalism, ethics, and best practices throughout civil and public service institutions.
Gobir urged the award-winning states to sustain their momentum and continue enhancing HR practice in governance.
Ogun State Head of Service, Kehinde Onasanya, described the recognition as a testament to the collective dedication of civil and public servants.
He reaffirmed that prioritising professionalism, discipline, and ethical values was essential to sustaining efficient service delivery.
Dedicating the award to all diligent state workers, Onasanya acknowledged the pivotal support of Governor Dapo Abiodun, who he credited for revamping the state’s Civil Service and strengthening the machinery of government through investment in capacity building and workforce development.
He cited the recent high-level training session for Permanent Secretaries and senior officials at the Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona Institute of Governance Studies, conducted by the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, as a model of the state’s commitment to staff development.
The Head of Service also praised the leadership of the Federation’s Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, describing her reformist approach and collaborative leadership as a force for modernising civil service structures nationwide.
Referencing a recent study tour of the Singapore Civil Service undertaken by Heads of Service, including Ogun’s, he highlighted its lasting impact on governance innovation across Nigeria.
“I am truly delighted and deeply honoured to receive this Public Service Award of Excellence. I commend the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management for this recognition and for organising such a noble and unifying event,” Onasanya said.
He added that the award represents not only personal achievement but a reflection of the shared vision, collective reforms, and professional advancement made possible by a forward-thinking administration.
Mrs. Walson-Jack, while acknowledging her award, encouraged all state civil service leaders to remain committed to the ideals of professionalism and operational excellence in their respective jurisdictions.
