Ondo State Head of Service, Mr Segun Odusanya, has appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to build low-cost housing estates and provide Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to ease accommodation and transportation challenges facing public servants.
Odusanya made the appeal on Monday in Akure during a media briefing to mark the commencement of the 2026 Public Service Week celebration, themed “Harnessing Public Service for Good Governance.” He said rising housing and transportation costs were putting pressure on workers’ incomes and well-being, while affecting their punctuality, attendance and productivity.
Odusanya said access to decent and affordable accommodation remained a major concern for public servants, noting that the gap between housing costs and workers’ financial capacity placed considerable pressure on their income and general well-being.
He urged the state government to consider developing low-cost housing estates supported by sustainable financing arrangements and transparent allocation procedures to complement the existing housing loan scheme.
“We recognise that these proposals require careful planning and resources. Nevertheless, we believe they deserve consideration as part of a comprehensive approach to public service reform and workers’ welfare,” he said.
The Head of Service commended Aiyedatiwa for prioritising workers’ welfare, career progression, manpower development and improvements in the working environment.
He disclosed that approximately 6,000 personnel had been recruited into the state public service since 2024 to address manpower shortages in critical sectors.
Odusanya also said the government had approved an upward review of loan ceilings and duty tour allowances for officers undertaking official assignments within and outside the state, including international assignments.
He added that all officers due for promotion in the 2026 exercise had received their promotion letters, while preparations for the 2027 promotion exercise were already underway.
According to him, the promotion exercises covered the mainstream civil service, primary and secondary teaching services, and relevant government parastatals.
Odusanya further commended the state government for the prompt payment of salaries and leave bonuses, as well as the gradual settlement of inherited gratuity arrears.
He described the harmonisation of pensions for retired heads of service and permanent secretaries as another significant intervention aimed at addressing pension-related concerns.
Odusanya, however, appealed to the state government to provide Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to ease transportation difficulties confronting public servants.
“Transportation has become a major concern for many public servants. Rising commuting costs and difficulties in securing affordable and reliable transport can affect punctuality, attendance and overall productivity,” he said.
Speaking on the significance of the Public Service Week celebration, Odusanya said the event highlighted the importance of professionalism, integrity and accountability in governance.
He noted that government investment in workers’ welfare and institutional capacity should be matched by improved productivity, discipline, integrity and accountability among public servants.
“Every officer has a responsibility to discharge assigned duties diligently, treat citizens with courtesy, protect public resources and avoid unnecessary delays in official processes,” he said.
Odusanya said the six-day celebration would feature a health walk, novelty football match, workers’ convergence, public service lecture, panel discussion and thanksgiving service.
