The newly appointed Head of the Ondo State Public Service, Pastor Kayode Olaniyi Ogundele has assured that the State Government will continue to provide enabling environment for the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) to fulfil its mandates in the Niger-Delta Areas of the State.

This was revealed during a courtesy visit paid to the corporate headquarters of the Commission in Oba-Ile on Tuesday 23rd August 2022.

The visit was in furtherance of the promise of the head of the Ondo State Bureaucracy, who resumed office early August, to promote a harmonious relationship between his office and all agencies and departments of government in the Ondo State Public Service.

While welcoming the Head of Service and his entourage to the Commission, the Secretary of OSOPADEC, Dr. Victor Koledoye congratulated him on his well-deserved appointment.

According to him, the visit is historic as it is the first of its kind in the history of the Commission.

Koledoye informed the visitors that as a proactive and responsive agency, the Commission is passionately committed to the development of Ondo State through its programmes and projects in the mandate areas. He said the Commission has also been sensitive enough to make the state policies its first choice and guiding principles.

In his words, “as at today, I can say we are probably the first agency that has gone as far as the implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS). We are equally set to key into the Ondo State Health Insurance Scheme as soon as it commences full operation. As a trailblazer, the Commission is one of the government agencies in the State that prioritize staff training and development; an exercise often undertaken at the Ondo State Public Service Training Institute, Ilara-Mokin”.

Koledoye further revealed that the Commission currently has on its payroll about 450 staff, majority of whom are teachers and health workers in Ilaje and Ese-Odo Local Government Areas of the State. “Our activities cut across every sphere where government provides services to the public”.

OSOPADEC, according to the Secretary also maintains a close working relationship and regular consultations with government agencies and department including: Office of Establishments and Training, Civil Service Commission, Service Matters, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Budget and Planning and the Ministry of Works amongst others.

Dr. Victor Koledoye, on behalf of the Commission’s Chairman, Elder Sam Erejuwa who was unavoidably absent due to official engagements, wished Pastor Kayode Ogundele a successful tenure filled with landmark achievements in the Ondo State Public Service.

He equally assured him of the Commission’s dedication and support for the Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu’s administration.

While responding, the Head of Service, Pastor Kayode Ogundele appreciated the Chairman, Board and Management of OSOPADEC for their partnership with the State Government, especially through the Commission’s developmental projects in the mandate areas. He said his visit to the Commission is geared towards consolidating the harmonious working relationship and to ensure the inclusiveness of all public agencies in Ondo State.

In his words, “I am happy to be here this morning. We have been to about three other agencies who have equally affirmed that no Head of Service had ever visited. This is to mean we are opening a new door and a new vista in the Ondo State Public Service. It is a vista of inclusiveness, and involvement for everybody. Everyone will be carried along and will contribute to the development of Ondo State”.

The topmost bureaucrat recounted the short but unforgettable time he spent in the Commission as a Board member. This he said enabled him to be involved in taking part in decision making, initiate policies that promote the welfare of staff and shape their careers. He promised to do more even in his present capacity.

“I am assuring you that where we stopped as a Board member of OSOPADEC, we will continue from there as the Head of Service. The happiness, joy and fulfilment of the members of staff will remain our priority. We will try as much as possible to ensure we provide you the enabling environment that will assist you to fulfil your mandate of being proactive and responsive.” He assured.

The Head of Service charged the Commission to be alive to its responsibility as a proactive and responsive interventionist agency.

According to him, “you have a great responsibility to the people of the Niger-Delta which is the area with the greatest complaint in Nigeria despite the humongous resources being invested in the areas. The Commission and its staff must therefore be above board in ensuring that the dividends of democracy are felt by these people. Whatever little resources we have now, we must ensure we sit down to allocate them efficiently and effectively. It is only by doing this that we will be fulfilling our mandates as people who are proactive and responsive”.

Pastor Ogundele assured that the government is interested in the welfare of the staff and that matters presented before the Governor will always be given necessary attention. However, since much is expected from whom much is given, the Management and Staff of the Commission must always endeavor to give their best, rededicate themselves to efficient service delivery and assist the government in filling the necessary gaps.

Present at the event were Core Management and Staff of the Commission.