Olaopa pledges greater public service, vows to deepen governance reforms

The Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Prof. Tunji Olaopa, has pledged to render greater service to the public following his recognition by the Oyo State Government.

In a letter conveying his nomination for the Oyo State Merit Award as part of activities marking the golden jubilee of the state’s creation, the government said he was being honoured for his “selfless service to the growth and development of Oyo State and for ably representing the state on the world stage.”

Speaking at the award ceremony held at the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, and hosted by Governor Seyi Makinde, Olaopa described the honour as a call to sustain his efforts in advancing institutional and governance reforms to better deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.

On behalf of himself, the Afijio and Awe communities, and the Olaopa family, he thanked Governor Makinde and his team for the recognition, while reaffirming his commitment to continue pushing Oyo State “ahead on the frontier of excellence.”

Olaopa said he was proud of his Oyo origin, describing the state as “a land of historical legacies, cultural heritage and sociopolitical dynamics” that stands out in the South-West, widely regarded as the “Pacesetter State” and a state of many firsts.

He noted that from past traditional and political leaders to the current administration, Oyo State has maintained a steady trajectory of development, stressing that sustaining the pace requires innovative and forward-thinking initiatives.

Commending Governor Makinde for continuing the state’s developmental orientation since its creation in 1976, Olaopa cited visible infrastructural progress and urged the state to leverage inter-state partnerships to deepen development and strengthen the South-West economic corridor.

He also highlighted federal efforts, including the establishment of the South-West Regional Commission alongside the DAWN Commission, as potential catalysts for regional growth, adding that Makinde’s leadership has further raised governance standards and sustained the state’s legacy of excellence.