The Lagos State Government on Wednesday held a Pens-Down Ceremony in honour of 14 Permanent Secretaries who retired from the State Civil Service in 2023 at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja.
Speaking at the event, the Head of Service (HoS), Olabode Agoro said the Pens-Down ceremony not only represents an occasion for rejoicing but also calls for thanksgiving to the Almighty God for the gift of life and health of the retirees to witness and participate in the celebration with loved ones.
He added that it is a great joy and pride to be honoured and celebrated with family members and well-wishers at any point in one’s life, particularly after an unblemished meritorious public service career.
Agoro declared that all the 14 Permanent Secretaries being honoured and celebrated in retirement have been found worthy in recognition of their commendable service and record of outstanding contribution to the growth and development of the state’s public service.
He expressed appreciation and gratitude for their doggedness, commitment, dedication, loyalty and untold sacrifice throughout their public service career and for their good working relationship exhibited while in service.
“Let me declare that all of you have been found worthy, especially in recognition of your commendable service and record of outstanding contribution to the growth and development of the state’s public service”, Agoro said.
According to him, as the newest members of the Association of Lagos State Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries (ALARHOSPS), the government would continue to look forward to benefiting from their vast reservoirs of information policy formulation and implementation to continue to move the State forward.
“On behalf of the most vibrant Body of Lagos State Permanent Secretaries and a grateful public service, I say a very big thank you to you all. I also wish you continued good health and long life while I pray that the Almighty God shall continue to abide with you and all the members of your respective families”, he said.
The Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, Mrs. Sunkanmi Oyegbola also congratulated the retirees for their meritorious and unblemished retirement.
Responding on behalf of the retirees, Mr. Bamgboye Abiodun expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government for allowing them to serve, just as he advised those still in active service not to look back but ensure they contribute their quota to improve a lot of the state and humanity.
The Permanent Secretaries who were celebrated at the Pens-Down Ceremony are Mrs. Okelola Oludara Oyebisi, Mr. Abiodun Bamgboye, Mr. Ogunnubi Timothy Olukayode, Mr. Olajide Charles Adeboye, Ms. Fashola Simone Olayinka, Mrs. Nathan-Marsh Oyinade and Mrs. Patunola-Ajayi, Olayinka Linda.
Others include Mr. Amuni Abayomi Mustapha, Mrs. Dapo-Thomas, Boladele Aderemi, Mrs. Kilanko Asisat Olaperi, Dr. Onasanya Olayiwole Shakiru, Eng. Daramola Olufemi Olubunmi, Mr. Adewuyi Moshood Adewale and Mrs. Emokpae Olatokunbo Ibironke.