Wolekanle Attributes LG Commission’s Success to Makinde’s Welfare Agenda

The Chairman of the Oyo State Local Government Service Commission, Bashorun Akinwale Solomon Akinwole, has identified Governor Seyi Makinde’s unwavering commitment to staff welfare as the primary catalyst for the positive transformation currently being witnessed within the state’s local government system. Speaking during a strategic engagement at the commission's headquarters, Akinwole, popularly known as Wolekanle, emphasized that the governor’s policy of prioritizing human capital development has significantly boosted morale and efficiency among the workforce. He noted that the administration’s focus on timely promotions and improved service delivery has created a more professional and motivated civil service at the grassroots level.

Bashorun Akinwole made these remarks while hosting the management team of the Oyo State Local Government Staff Pension Board (LGSPB), led by its Chairman, Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige, on a courtesy visit. The interaction provided an opportunity for both agencies to review their collaborative efforts and identify areas for further synergy. Wolekanle specifically commended Governor Makinde for the recent approval of an increase in pension funds, a move he described as a lifeline for retirees who have served the state diligently. He also highlighted the consistent monthly payment of gratuities and other emoluments to retired civil servants as a rare feat that distinguishes the current administration from its peers across the country.

During the meeting, the LG Service Commission boss expressed his appreciation for the governor’s prompt response to administrative requests, particularly regarding the release of funds for statutory promotions. He argued that these actions demonstrate a government that listens and values the contributions of its workers. Wolekanle and Hon. Ige pledged to deepen the harmonious working relationship between their respective agencies, recognizing that a unified approach is essential for the seamless administration of pension and personnel matters. They agreed that regular stakeholder engagement would be institutionalized to address emerging challenges and enhance operational efficiency.

Hon. Akeem Ige, in his response, thanked the commission chairman for deploying competent and experienced staff to the pension board. He noted that the quality of personnel posted to the board has been instrumental in the successes recorded so far, particularly in the digitization of pension records and the streamlining of payment processes. Ige’s comments underscored the importance of inter-agency cooperation in achieving the broader goals of the state government.

Earlier in his welcome address, Bashorun Akinwole charged the staff of the pension board to exhibit the highest level of empathy and professionalism in their dealings with retirees. He reminded them that pensioners, by virtue of their age and service, deserve to be treated with "utmost humility, respect, and patience." He stressed that the commission would not tolerate any form of disrespect towards the senior citizens who rely on the board for their livelihoods. To support this mandate, he assured both the LGSPB staff and the commission’s own workforce of continuous training programs designed to build capacity and improve service delivery standards.

The visit was attended by key officials, including the Full-Time Commissioner of the Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Yusuff Alli, as well as directors and senior officers from the administration, finance, and audit departments of both agencies. The gathering served as a reaffirmation of the Makinde administration’s "people-first" philosophy, with both agency heads committing to ensuring that the dividends of good governance continue to reach the active and retired workers of the local government service.