The Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, Honourable Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Rabiu Olowo and several other top government officials have applauded the sterling qualities of the retired Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Ganiyat Abidemi Raji, describing her as a major contributor to the various reforms witnessed in the State’s finance sector since the inception of the present administration.
Speaking at the send forth ceremony, Dr. Rabiu Olowo acknowledged the resourcefulness of the retiree, saying that she is an outstanding civil servant instrumental to all the successes recorded by the Ministry.
He emphasised that the contributions of Mrs. Raji could not be undermined in the area of improved reforms in the Ministry such as Land Use Charge Review as well as the raising of the biggest bond ever recorded by any sub-national entity in Nigeria.
Dr. Olowo, who was represented by the State Accountant-General and Permanent Secretary, State Treasury Office (STO), Dr. Abiodun Muritala, maintained that his working relationship with the retiree was hinged on their determination to prioritise the agenda of the State Government in delivering a very virile financial sector that will be an envy of other States.
Speaking earlier, the Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, commended the celebrant for contributing her quota to the Greater Lagos vision of the administration of Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.
Muri-Okunola, who spoke through the Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, Mr. Samson Ajibade, reiterated the need for civil servants to support the State government in ensuring that the dividends of good governance are bequeathed to Lagosians, irrespective of their localities.
Responding to all the goodwill messages and encomiums showered on her, Mrs. Raji thanked everyone present at the event and maintained that there is a need for government employees to be self-driven and self-motivated.
She, therefore, encouraged all civil servants to be passionate about personal development without being prompted by the government, advising staffers to “strive to learn and relearn and unlearn because the government cannot do everything for us all”.
Mrs. Raji retired from the Lagos State Civil Service at the age of 60 years.