The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has added another feather to his cap via the Special Appreciation Award for the continuous regular payment of monthly pensions and resuscitation of the payment of gratuities, conferred on him by the Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries (ARHSPS), Ogun State.

The presentation of the Award Plaque was made public during the 25th Anniversary and the 2024 Annual General Meeting of the Association, held at the ARHSPS Secretariat, Abiola Way, Abeokuta.

Represented by the Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, the governor was also commended for increasing the quarterly release of gratuity and the recognition given to pensioners and elderly in the distribution of the various palliative initiatives put in place by the government for the people.

In his  speech, Prince Dapo Abiodun congratulated all the members for their invaluable contributions to the progress of the State at large, as legacies left behind by them in the Public Service cannot be undermined.

He added that the dedication and service of the Association have formed the bedrock upon which much of the successes of governance of the State and public administration have been built and promised that his administration will remain committed at ensuring that their remarkable efforts are honoured and respected, as reflected in the various support extended to the Association.

“Our administration remains committed to promoting a strong and fruitful partnership with your Association in the collective effort to advance the development of the Public Service and the State as a whole. We acknowledge the immense value your experience and knowledge have brought to the fore and we shall continue to seek your counsel and expertise as we chart the path forward for the progress and prosperity of Ogun State. 

“Rest assured that the foundations of excellence you have helped establish in the public administration of Ogun State will remain strong and that the legacy of your contributions will continue to shape a brighter future for all”, the governor said.  

Prince Abiodun appreciated the Association for the special recognition award presented to him as the Grand Patron, in recognition of his administration’s   support and submitted that the feat being recognised could not have been possible without the unyielding support enjoyed by the State Government from all stakeholders in the 'Building Our Future Together' Agenda of the administration, and congratulated all awardees whose remarkable contributions to the Association did not go unnoticed.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman, ARHSPS, Engr. Adeniyi Abiola thanked the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun for his support over the years, which include the regular and prompt payment of monthly pensions; sustenance of quarterly payment of gratuities, the recent release of the sum of N5.3 billion naira to close the gap in arrears of pension and the continuous extension of financial support towards the families of deceased members and the  construction of the association’s secretariat, amongst other things and restated that the main aim of the Association is the welfare of members, the Public Service and the society at large.

Other awardees at the event included 93-year-old Chief Oluneye Okuboyejo who is the oldest member of the Association and the last man standing among the pioneers as well as Otunba Babatunde Osokoya, Elder Adekunle Anwoo, Surv. Godwin Ogun,  Pst. Oyenuga Ositelu, Arch. Nuraini Adeleke , Princess Iyabo Odulate, Mrs. Funmilayo Lewis among others, as well as posthumous awards on Chief A.A.K. Degun, Chief T.A.Taiwo, Chief E.V.O. Koleoso, amongst others.