GOVERNOR AIYEDATIWA APPROVES COLLATION OF VACANCIES ACROSS PUBLIC SERVICE
…Orders Immediate Payment Of 2026 Leave Bonus To LG, State Workers
The Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa has ordered the collation of existing vacancies across all ministries, departments and agencies in the state.
This was made known by the Head of Service, Sir(Chief) Segun Odusanya while briefing newsmen on the programmes and activities lined up for the 2026 Public Service Week celebrations.
The Head of Service said Governor Aiyedatiwa has assured of general recruitment, noting that it has been observed that the service is top-heavy.
Odusanya stressed that the financial implications have been put into consideration, stating that the proposed engagement of the potential workers would attract over 800 million naira additional wage bills monthly.
The Head of Service also announced that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has ordered immediate payment of 2026 leave bonus to the state and local government workers.
According to the Chief Odusanya, the payment of the leave bonus to the local government workers has commenced while the Accountant- General has been directed to effect the payment to the state workers.
Odusanya said the Governor has also ordered that the promotion process of the 2027 promotion of workers should commence immediately.
He opined that “Prompt Payment of Salaries and Leave Bonuses. The Government has continued to discharge its obligations regarding the payment of workers’ salaries and applicable allowances, including leave bonuses.”
“This remains an important component of its commitment to workers’ welfare and financial stability.”
“I was with Mr Governor with labour leaders on the issues of Workers’ welfare and Mr Governor ordered immediate payment of the leave bonus.”
“All officers due for promotion in the 2026 cycle have received their promotion letters, while preparations for the 2027 promotion exercise are already underway.”
“These exercises cover the Mainstream Civil Service, Primary and Secondary Teaching Services, and relevant government parastatals.
“Accordingly, attention has been given to workers’ welfare, career progression, manpower development and improvements in the working environment.
“Some notable interventions include the following: Workers’ Welfare and Loan Schemes; The Government has approved an additional seed fund of ₦500 million for the housing and motor vehicle loan schemes for public servants.”
“It has also approved upward reviews of the loan ceilings and Duty Tour Allowance payable to officers undertaking approved official assignments within and outside the State, including assignments outside the country.”
“These measures are intended to improve workers’ welfare and respond to prevailing economic realities.
Promotion and Career Progression
The Government has continued to demonstrate its commitment to career progression through regular promotion exercises.”
“Payment of Pensions and Gratuities
The Government has continued efforts towards the gradual settlement of inherited gratuity arrears affecting State and Local Government pensioners.
“Another significant development is the harmonisation of pensions for retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries. This initiative is an important step towards addressing pension-related concerns and recognising the contributions of these senior officers who devoted their productive years to the service of Ondo State.
“The Administration’s attention to pension and gratuity obligations reflects the importance of honouring the service of retired public servants and promoting their financial well-being.”
PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES
A six-day programme has been arranged for the 2026 Public Service Week Celebration, following a pre-event interactive session held on Thursday, 8th October, 2026.
“During the interactive session at the Adegbemile Cultural Centre, Akure, I engaged with public servants across the Service to listen to their concerns and discuss issues affecting the administration and performance of the workforce.”
The official programme is as follows:
Day One – Monday, 12th October, 2026: Press Briefing
The briefing formally unveils the celebration and informs the public about its objectives, activities and expected outcomes.
Day Two – Tuesday, 13th October, 2026: Health Walk and Novelty Football Match.
The day will feature a health-walk from the Adegbemile Cultural Centre to the Akure Township Stadium, followed by a novelty football match between the Mainstream Service and the Teaching Service.
These activities are designed to promote physical fitness, teamwork and camaraderie.
Day Three – Wednesday, 14th October, 2026: Workers’ Convergence
Public servants from the Teaching Services, Local Government Service, Judiciary, Legislative Arm and Mainstream Civil Service, representing the three senatorial districts, will converge at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Arcade, Akure.
The gathering will promote unity, solidarity and a shared commitment to effective service delivery.
Public servants drawn from the Primary and Secondary Teaching Services, Local Government Service, Judiciary, Legislative Arm and Mainstream Civil Service, representing the three senatorial districts of the State, will converge at the Gani Fawehinmi Arcade, Akure, for a day of interaction, solidarity and celebration.
The gathering is intended to foster unity and solidarity across the different segments of the State’s workforce, reinforce the understanding that we belong to one Public Service with a shared responsibility to the people of Ondo State, and reaffirm our collective commitment to supporting the Government in the effective implementation of its policies and programmes for the overall development of the State.
Day Four – Thursday, 15th October, 2026: Public Service Lecture and Panel Discussion.
This will be the major intellectual and commemorative highlight of the celebration.
The Public Service Lecture will examine this year’s theme, “Harnessing Public Service for Good Governance,” with particular attention to the responsibilities of public institutions and officers in promoting effective administration and citizen-centred service delivery.
The accompanying panel discussion will bring together selected retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries whose wealth of experience will provide valuable lessons for serving officers.
The session will offer an opportunity for participants to ask questions, exchange ideas and draw practical lessons from the experiences of distinguished Public Service veterans.
“We expect the engagement to strengthen institutional memory, encourage intergenerational learning and inspire serving officers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and public accountability.”
Day Five – Friday, 16th October, 2026: Muslim Thanksgiving Service
Muslim public servants will gather at the Government House Mosque for a Jumat service to offer prayers for the continued peace, progress and development of Ondo State.
Day Six – Sunday, 18th October, 2026: Christian Thanksgiving Service
The celebration will conclude with a Christian thanksgiving service at the Chapel of Grace, Government House, Akure.
