Engr. Sunday Komolafe, the immediate past Head of Service in the Ekiti State Civil Service, has thanked Governor Biodun Oyebanji for giving him the chance to serve in that role.
Ekiti News reports that Engr. Komolafe also praised the Governor’s policies aimed at improving the welfare of civil servants in the state.
During the inauguration of four newly appointed permanent secretaries by Governor Biodun Oyebanji at the Conference Hall of the Governor’s office, Engr. Komolafe also thanked the Governor for giving him the rare opportunity to append his signature to the appointment letters of the permanent secretaries.
The inauguration ceremony marked Engr. Komolafe’s final public appearance as Head of Service, as he retired on the same day after completing 35 years of service, as required.
He said, “Today marks my last day in the civil service of Ekiti state which I started thirty-five years ago in the old Ondo State. I wish to appreciate his Excellency, Governor Biodun Oyebanji for holding on to the tenets of merits in the appointments of public officials.”
The outgoing HoS added that the four permanent secretaries were drawn from the list of successful candidates on the last examination conducted in 2023 for the state civil service and the local government service.
He highlighted additional areas where civil servants benefited from Governor Oyebanji’s welfare package. These included the approval of car and housing loans for primary school teachers, marking the first time such benefits were extended to them since the state’s inception. He also noted that the Governor inaugurated the SUBEB loans board to ensure efficient management of these loans.
In terms of workers’ welfare, Komolafe pointed out achievements such as regular payment of salaries and pensions, the implementation of wage awards that had previously been delayed in many states, and timely promotions for workers.
Engr. Komolafe said, “When I came on board, we have two years arrears of promotion, 2022 and 2023, Mr Governor has approved and many workers have started receiving their letters of promotion. Shall we also talk about the free bus service that Mr Governor has graciously approve for civil servants which was later extended to Ikere Ekiti free of charge which has greatly enhance both attendance and punctuality in the office.”