Ondo HoS urges Aiyedatiwa to build low-cost homes for workers

The Ondo State Head of Service, Mr Segun Odusanya, has appealed to Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa to build low-cost housing estates for public servants to ease their accommodation and housing difficulties.

 

Odusanya made the appeal on behalf of the state's workforce on Monday in Akure, at a media briefing marking the start of the 2026 Public Service Week celebration. The theme of this year's celebration is "Harnessing Public Service for Good Governance."

 

He described access to decent and affordable accommodation as another important concern for workers. According to him, the gap between housing costs and the financial capacity of many public servants puts considerable pressure on their income and general well-being.

 

"Such estates could be supported by sustainable financing arrangements and transparent allocation procedures, while complementing 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.

 

 

Odusanya also urged the state government to provide Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to ease the transportation difficulties facing public servants. He said rising transport costs continued to affect workers' punctuality, attendance and productivity.

 

"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.

 

"We respectfully appeal to the state government to consider providing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses or other affordable mass-transit arrangements for public servants," he stated.

 

The Head of Service commended the governor for prioritising workers' welfare, career progression, manpower development and a better 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.

 

According to him, the government has also approved an upward review of loan ceilings and of duty tour allowances for officers on official assignments within and outside the state, including international assignments.

 

Odusanya said all officers due for promotion in the 2026 exercise had received their promotion letters, and that preparations for the 2027 exercise were already underway. The promotion exercises, he explained, covered the mainstream civil service, the primary and secondary teaching services and relevant government parastatals.

 

He further commended the Aiyedatiwa administration for the prompt payment of salaries and leave bonuses, and for 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.

 

Speaking on the Public Service Week, Odusanya said the celebration underscored the importance of professionalism, integrity and accountability in governance.

 

"Government's investment in workers' welfare and institutional capacity must be matched by improved productivity, discipline, integrity and accountability.

 

"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.

 

He said the six-day celebration would feature a health walk, a novelty football match, a workers' convergence, a public service lecture, a panel discussion and a thanksgiving service.