Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State says appointing Kehinde Onasanya as the 20th Head of Service of the state remains one of his proudest and happiest decisions he has made since assuming office.
He spoke on Wednesday at the unveiling of HoS’s autobiography: “When God Favours,” at June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta.
The governor described the Head of Service as a disciplined, visionary, and reform-driven administrator whose leadership has transformed the Ogun State Civil Service into a model of professionalism and efficiency.
Abiodun said: “I had the privilege of appointing Mr. Onasanya as the 20th Head of Service of Ogun State on merit on April 8, 2024.
“Looking back, it remains one of the decisions I am most proud of as governor.”
He described him as a master communicator and reformer whose impact would continue to resonate beyond his years in office.
He traced Onasanya’s rise from an Information Officer on Grade Level 08 in 1992 to becoming the 20th Head of Service of Ogun State in 2024.
According to the governor, the journey exemplifies courage, integrity, and uncommon devotion to public service.
Abiodun recalled the refurbishment of grounded government vehicles and revitalisation of the Ogun State Mechanical Workshop under the Head of Service.
He said the initiative improved operational efficiency within government logistics and strengthened service delivery.
He added that Onasanya also promoted workers’ development through capacity-building programmes aimed at improving professionalism and productivity.
Abiodun commended him for maintaining industrial harmony through constructive engagement with labour leaders.
“As an administration, we appreciate that Mr. Kehinde Onasanya is leaving behind a civil service that is more disciplined, innovative, and professional,” he said.
Earlier, Chairman of the occasion, Olu Okuboyejo, described the autobiography as a testament to divine grace and merit-based leadership.
Okuboyejo said Onasanya’s appointment as Permanent Secretary in 2020 marked a new era of merit-driven appointments in the Ogun State Civil Service.
According to him, the memoir offers practical lessons and inspiration for public servants striving to overcome challenges in service.
Also speaking, the Lagos State Head of Service, Bode Agoro, commended Onasanya’s leadership qualities and commitment to civil service development.
Agoro described him as an empathetic and dedicated administrator who is passionate about public service reforms.
Former Ogun State Governor, Olusegun Osoba, described Onasanya as a thorough professional and passionate administrator.
Osoba also commended Abiodun for appointing the Information Officer as Head of Service in Ogun State.
