The Ondo State Government has reviewed Ondo State civil service rules with new measures, including strict penalties for sexual harassment, extended maternity leave, and the introduction of paternity leave.
Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip, announced the changes on Thursday in Akure during the Annual General Meeting of the Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries of the South-West. He explained that the updated rules provide dismissal and criminal prosecution for cases of sexual harassment within the service.
According to him, maternity leave has now been increased from three to six months, while male civil servants are entitled to two weeks of paternity leave. He also highlighted the state’s new guiding principle in public service: “don’t deliver short and don’t deliver late.”
Philip noted that Ondo State, with 42,000 workers and 13,000 pensioners, has cleared all arrears of staff promotion. He said the reforms were aimed at aligning the civil service with 21st-century standards to boost efficiency and productivity.
Calls for South-West Civil Service Reform
Speaking at the event, the association’s Ondo State Chairman, Mrs. Mojisola Ajayi, urged South-West governors to restructure the civil service for better efficiency. She stressed the need for pension reforms, saying many retirees were struggling under economic hardship.
Ajayi added that the governors should replicate the regional success of the Amotekun Corps by extending similar collaboration to other sectors. She commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his “compassionate and visionary leadership,” especially in prioritizing pensioners’ welfare.
Also, the South-West President of the association, Dr. Ebenezer Okebukola, revealed that the group had submitted a blueprint on economic development to governors in the region. He praised Aiyedatiwa’s financial support and urged other governors to contribute more to the association’s projects.
Aiyedatiwa Commends Retired Leaders
Governor Aiyedatiwa, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Segun Omojuwa, described the association as “noble and credible,” noting its members’ contributions to governance and development in the South-West.
“Even though you have retired, you are not tired,” he said, appreciating their influence on policy formulation and development.
Election of New Executives
The meeting also featured the election of new executive officers for the association. Elder Demola Badejo from Ogun State was elected Regional President, while Elder Daniel Aina from Ekiti emerged as Vice President. Other elected officers include Mrs. Adenike Olufadewa (Oyo), Alhaji Adekunle Adegbite (Ogun), Mr. Segun Olorunsogo (Osun), Mrs. Adesunbo Abolarin (Lagos), Mrs. Juliana Folabi-Fayehun (Ondo), and Barrister Adeoye Popoola (Osun).
In his acceptance speech, Badejo promised to work with the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission and the South-West Development Commission to drive rapid socio-economic growth across the region.
Ondo’s Renewed Civil Service Commitment
Chairman of the Ondo State Forum of Permanent Secretaries, Mr. Bunmi Alade, described the gathering as “inspiring and significant,” stressing that retired leaders remain critical to strengthening values of professionalism, discipline, and integrity in public service.
The new reforms, especially the dismissal and prosecution of offenders of sexual harassment in Ondo civil service, mark a turning point in the state’s effort to modernize governance and protect workers’ rights.
