Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Friday presented cars to six outstanding civil servants in the state in recognition of their contributions to the state public service.
Sanwo-Olu, who presented the cars during the Governor’s Lunch With Outstanding Officers at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Ikeja, applauded the civil servants for their dedication and doggedness.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 210 civil servants, comprising 117 senior and 93 junior officers, were selected at the event out of whom six emerged as the most outstanding.
“Earlier today, I met with some elderly citizens and they were all full of praises for each and every one of you; they were all full of praises for what we’ve done.
“Let it be said that we’re actually the best out of all the states in the country. So, we don’t mince words when we say that we are the best civil servants in the country,” he said.
The governor, who also said that the federal civil service was trailing behind that of the state in terms of excellence, said: “Let’s be clear that our heads are held up high.
“It’s time we continue to reflect excellence in the public service and all we do. The reward for hard work is more work.”
Sanwo-Olu, therefore, urged all the honourees not to rest on their oars.
NAN reports that the initial arrangement was to give five cars to the senior officers category but after the raffle draw, only one female was picked while four men made the cut.
Sanwo-Olu, who expressed his belief in equal representation, picked a female to ensure balance.
NAN also reports that all the five junior officers selected from the raffle draw went home with cash awards of about N5 million.
Responding, the state Head of Service, Bode Agoro, thanked the governor for his unwavering commitment to prioritising staff welfare.
Agoro also commended Sanwo-Olu for approving 100 per cent of the basic salary as the 13th-month salary for civil servants in the state and for implementing the new minimum wage.