By Olasunkanmi Akoni

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, yesterday, warned public servants against any acts of negligence, indiscipline and abuse of trust on duties, saying that anyone found wanting would be sanctioned.
Ambode made the remark at the 2016 Lagos State Long Service Merit Award ceremony, in Alausa, Ikeja, organized by the office of State Head of Service, for 555 civil servants who had spent between 30 to 35 years in service, themed, ‘Inclusiveness and Public Service Delivery.”

Addressing the awardees and other workers,The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pensions, Dr. Akinola Benson, said, “Negligence, indiscipline and abuse of trust shall be sanctioned appropriately in line with the rules and regulations of public service.

“Public servants/officers owe it a duty to show good examples as law abiding citizens of the state. Let us therefore work together to strengthen public trust and confidence in public institutions by being proactive, diligent, responsive, innovative and timely in service delivery. This is the desired goal of the various reforms and restructuring that we have introduced and implemented in the last one year,” he added.

Ambode however assured that his administration is committed to the workers welfare, saying “we will adequately reward hard work and exceptional performance.” Ambode explained that the presentation of the awards to the public servants was to show the government’s appreciation of their contribution to the development of the state. The governor, therefore, urged the awardees to remain “diligent, loyal and committed” in the discharge of their duties, so as to strengthen public trust and confidence in public institutions by being proactive, diligent, responsive, innovative and timely in delivery.

“The modest achievement for which I have accolades could not have been possible without the hard work and commitment of the engine room which the state public servants represent,” he said. Earlier, the Head of Service, Mrs. Olabowale Ademola urged all awardees not to relent in their service, urging them to continue to exhibit a high sense of responsibility, commitment to their duties and demonstrate unwavering loyalty.

Ademola assured the state’s public servants that the state government would continue to provide necessary and conducive environment for the attainment of their lofty goals. She said, “Let me assure you that government will also continue to place high premium on the welfare of its staff members with a view to enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in order to bring out the best in them.”