Lagos State Public Service Celebrated as Pillar of Integrity and Excellence — Chief Tunde Fanimokun

Editor 1 week agoLast Updated: April 15, 2025

0 150 3 minutes read

By DAYO ADESULU

Fanimokun Commends FG for Upgrading YABATECH, Pledges More Support to Education

Chief Tunde Fanimokun, Chairman of the DSE Foundation and an esteemed statesman, has praised the legacy of the Lagos State Public Service, describing it as a model of integrity, excellence, and resourcefulness. He made this declaration while delivering the First Distinguished Service Lecture of Yaba College of Technology, themed: “Excellence, Integrity, Resourcefulness and Selflessness: The Hallmarks of Lagos State Public Service as a Case Study in Progress, Unity and Prosperity (1967–2025)”.

The lecture, held at the Yusuf Grillo Auditorium of YABATECH, came at a timely moment following the Federal Government’s announcement of the institution’s upgrade to a full-fledged university—a move Fanimokun described as a “birthday gift” and a milestone for the educational sector.

Fanimokun Reflects on Personal Connection to YABATECH

Chief Fanimokun, who also holds the traditional title of Agba Akin of Iru Kingdom, recounted how he became closely connected to Yaba College of Technology. “Nobody introduced the institution to me. I was drawn to it through its visible commitment to excellence and need for support,” he remarked.

He praised the YABATECH management for sustaining their engagement with him, emphasizing how the administration regularly seeks his counsel on developmental strategies. Fanimokun pledged to construct new buildings for the institution when it officially commences as a university.

Lagos State Public Service Lauded as Benchmark of Integrity

Using his lecture to chronicle the journey of the Lagos State Public Service, Chief Fanimokun paid tribute to the late Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson, the first military governor of Lagos State (1967–1975), for laying the foundational values that still define the state’s civil service. He praised Johnson’s commitment to fiscal discipline and incorruptible leadership, stating, “He left office unblemished and became a pacesetter for other states.”

He also celebrated the legacy of the first civilian governor, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, for continuing the legacy of incorruptibility and visionary governance. “Our collective prayer should be for more visionary leaders like Jakande,” Fanimokun declared.

Lagos as Economic Powerhouse and Model of Development

Highlighting the economic impact of Lagos State Public Service, Fanimokun referenced the recent report that places the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at $259 billion—ranking Lagos as the second largest economy in Africa.

He attributed this success to the core values upheld by public servants in Lagos over the decades. “To build a positive legacy and impact the world for good, the principles of excellence, integrity, resourcefulness, and selflessness must guide public service,” he said.

According to him, these values are what distinguish Lagos from other states and are the driving force behind its rapid infrastructural and socioeconomic progress.

Public Service as a Trust, Not a Means to Enrichment

In a passionate call to action, Chief Fanimokun stressed that public service should be seen as a sacred trust, not a platform for self-enrichment. “Around the world, corruption remains a deadly disease and a great impediment to development,” he warned.

He also commended the Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries (ALARHOSPS) for their continued advocacy for integrity in the civil service. “Their work has reinforced the standards of accountability and dedication in our public service system,” he noted.

Fanimokun Urges Continued Support for Legacy Institutions

While reflecting on his pride as a product of the Lagos State Public Service, Chief Fanimokun expressed hope that the next generation of leaders would continue to uphold its rich legacy. He pledged unwavering support to educational and civil institutions and reaffirmed his commitment to helping shape a brighter future for the state and Nigeria as a whole.

Photo Caption: l-r: The Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, Chairman, Governing Council of Yaba College of Technology, Prof. Funsho Afolabi, the Guest Speaker and Chairman, DSE Foundation, Chief Tunde Fanimokun, Rector, Yaba College of Technology, Dr Engr Ibraheem Abdul and representative of the Executive Secretary, National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Elder Ayo Aroge at the College 1st Distinguished Service Lecture and Staff Award, after Chirf Fanimokun was presented with a plaque of honour, held at Yusuf Grillo Auditorium of the institution

#LagosStatePublicService,
#TundeFanimokun,
#YABATECHUpgrade,
#IntegrityInGovernance,
#PublicServiceLegacy,
#LagosGDP,
#VisionaryLeadership,
#NigeriaDevelopment,
#EducationSupport,
#LagosStateProgress,