Wale Jagun & Mariam Akinloye
Prominent public servants with the Lagos State Government who have distinguished themselves in their careers and impacts in and around Ikorodu were honoured during the just concluded 34th edition of Ikorodu -Oga Festival with Excellence Public Service Award by the Ikorodu – Oga Development Association (IKODASS) in conjunction with the Ikorodu Division Public Service Forum.
Mrs Rainat Ajibike Onigbanjo, Permanent Secretary MWAPA, Mr Adewunmi Gbolahan Ogunsanya, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Government, and Mr Hammed Olanrewaju Oyenuga, Solicitor General & Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, were among those that were honoured at the Public Service Day event of the Ikorodu -Oga Festival held at the Ikorodu Town Hall on Friday.
This year’s Ikorodu – Oga Day Festival is themed, “Celebrating Our Roots, Forging Our Future”.
Other honorees were Mr Lateef Demilola Shitta, Director of Employment, Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation, Mr Adeshina Ismail Oseni, Deputy Registrar, Senate & Admissions, LASUSTECH, Mrs Karimot Atinuke Noah, Vice Principal, Ikorodu Junior Grammar School, Mrs Adewunmi Monsurat Atobatele, Management Staff and Chief Administration & Human Resources Officer, Lagos Neighbourhood Service Agency, Dr Hafsat Ibironke Onasanya, Lecturer, Faculty of Education, Department of Education Management, and Mr Adegbenga Sadiq – Mabeko, Council Treasurer, Orile Agege LCDA
Others are Dr Oluwole Ogunyemi, acting Director, Academic Planning, LASUSTECH, Mr Femi Odusote, Assistant Revenue Manager, LIRS, Dr. Omolewa Musiliu Oluwarotimi, Mr Wasiu Bolanle Agbabiaka, Director, Policy, Programme Support and Monitoring, Lagos State Civil Service Commission, Comrade Temitope Tairu Dawodu, Chairman, NUT Ikorodu and Mrs Mobolaji Odenike, Principal, Elepe Community Junior High School, Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA and 2025 Best School Administrator in Nigeria.
The IKODASS Chairman, Alhaji Kolawole Fatai Olayiwola, DCIO, said that the day allows the Ikorodu community to examine the importance of public service and appreciate the silent movers and the oil that lubricates the societal engine.
“The public service day holds a special place in the calendar of the Ikorodu -Oga festival. It is a day to reflect on the essence of public service – service before self, integrity before gain, and commitment before comfort.
“Our public servants are the unseen hands that keep our communities functioning – teachers who mould minds, health workers who save lives, administrators who ensure order and the security officer who keeps us safe.
“Today, we say a heartfelt thank you to every one of you. Your dedication, often under challenging conditions, keeps Ikorodu and Lagos State moving forward.”
Alhaji Kolawole Fatai charged members of the public service on the need to work on themselves to serve the people and community better.
“As we celebrate today, let us renew our collective commitment to transparent, accountable and people -oriented service.
“Let every public officer remember that their position is a sacred trust — a trust to improve lives, uphold justice, and promote the welfare of our people. Let every citizen also play their part – by respecting institutions, fulfilling civic duties, and supporting development efforts. Together, we can build an Ikorodu Division that is not only rich in culture, but also prosperous in character and opportunity.”
The chairman of the occasion, Mr Adebayo Odusanya, Permanent Secretary, Office of Works, Lagos State Ministry of Works & Infrastructure, in his remarks said that the honourees are deserving of the recognition for not only discharging their responsibilities as demanded of them as public servants but doing so within laid down principles.
“It is an honour and a privilege to welcome you to this special occasion where we celebrate unwavering commitment and integrity and excellence of our sons and daughters as government officials in public service. Today, we shine a light on those who have gone above and beyond in serving our communities, upholding the values of transparency, accountability, and compassion.
“These awards are not just symbols of achievement — they are reflections of the impact each recipient and honoree has made in the lives of citizens, often quietly, diligently, and without fanfare. These individuals have also brought the deserved attention to the quality and character of Ikorodu indigenes and our capability to be entrusted with high responsibilities in all spheres of endeavour.”
He said the award is a measure of appreciating the efforts of public servants and encouraging them to keep delivering on their mandates.
“In a world that constantly demands more from our institutions, it is the tireless work of public servants that keeps the wheels of progress turning. Whether in policy, administration, health, education, or security, your efforts shape the future of Lagos State and Nigeria.
We take this moment to express our deepest gratitude and admiration. Your dedication reminds us that public service is not just a career — it is a calling.”
The Ayangbure of Ikorodu, HRM Oba Kabiru Shotobi in his royal remarks, expressed his happiness at the caliber of Ikorodu sons and daughters in the service of Lagos State Government and their risen profiles.
He enjoined them to always identify with him and the Ikorodu Division because of the importance attached to them and called for their cooperation and support for the Ikorodu for Governor Agenda in 2027.
“I want to beg all of you and why am I begging all of you? If you want me to prostrate, I’ll prostrate for all of you. Please, I have been saying it loud and clear: enough is enough. This is our time. For us to be able to achieve it, we need your cooperation; we need your assistance.
“You, the civil servants, you are the prime movers. There is nothing we can do without your support. And what am I saying? Come 2027, we deserve it — and that is why I’m making noise now. The Governor of Lagos State must come from Ikorodu Division in 2027. It must come from you. We deserve it, and we can achieve it.“
