As part of the ongoing civil and Public Service transformation, the Oyo State Government has trained 100 top leadership cadres across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in a specialised executive training workshop, titled, “Talent Management and Mentoring as Panacea for Sustainable Institutional Development.

The two-day interactive workshop was held at the American Open University, Ashi-Bodija, Ibadan. It was organised by the Ministry of Establishments and Training in collaboration with the university.

The training workshop, convened for the top management cadre of the Oyo State civil service, was structured to strengthen talent management and subordinate mentorship frameworks. The overall objective is to build a reliable succession pipeline, ensuring that retiring senior officials leave behind competent officers capable of sustaining exemplary service standards and advancing the state’s developmental agenda.

In her keynote remarks, the Oyo State Head of Service, Mrs Adenike Fasina, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Career Management Services, Office of the Head of Service, Barrister Sunday Olagoke, stated that the relevance of talent management to sustainable institutional development cannot be overemphasised, stating that organisation with robust talent management systems ensure continuity, with capable officers always available to take over from those exiting the system.

Mrs. Fasina further stated that it will curb panic hiring and prevent staff exodus, as an efficient succession plan, being the bedrock of the Oyo State Civil Service, has already addressed these contingencies.

Addressing journalists at the programme, the Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives, and Industry, who was immediate past Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Professor Saliu Abdulwaheed Adelabu, explained that participants needed to acquire the soft skills required to increase efficiency, enhance service delivery, and mentor their subordinates for the overall development of the civil service.

Professor Adelabu revealed that the training would be held regularly, adding that the Ministry of Establishment has commenced an in-house training at the Simeon Adebo Staff Development Centre. He noted that a series of certificated training programmes across all cadres in the civil service would follow, in line with the understanding with the American Open University.

“We need to begin to hunt for talent, even while in the service, and develop expertise in your field. Over one hundred thousand civil and public servants rest on the shoulders of less than 150 of you. What are you doing about talent hunting, mentorship, and monitoring? You will not be there forever,” he said.

Speaking on the partnership, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Establishments and Training, Mr Hameed Alade Bello, appreciated the University for the collaboration, and stressed that the workshop is a challenge to the participants’ leadership abilities and urged them to take it seriously.

Representing other participants, the Permanent Secretary of Investments, Trade, Cooperatives, and Industry, Mr Olajide Mamud Okesade, and the Permanent Secretary of the Civil Service Commission, Mrs Abidemi Adejumo, expressed their positive experiences during the training; they added that the training provides the opportunity to look inward for those to whom the baton could be handed over and those who can be utilised to realise the state’s vision of making Oyo State the fastest-growing economy in Nigeria.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Establishments and Training, Mr. H. A. Bello, accompanied by the members of the management staff, paid an official visit yesterday to the Ministry of Finance to congratulate the newly appointed Head of Service, Mrs. Adenike Abayomi Fasina, on her emergence as the Oyo State Head of Service.

During the visit, a prayer session was held to seek success and divine guidance for her tenure.

The Oyo State Government has reiterated that it will not relent on the premium placed on training and re-training of Public and Civil Servants, as a two-day Human Capacity Building workshop was organised, titled, “Building a Sustainable Human Resources Development System,” also called EVER READY SCHEME, for 35 workers, at Simeon Adebo Staff Development Center, recently.

The training was organized by the Ministry of Establishments and Training, in collaboration with Development Advocacy and Value Renaissance Initiative (DAVRI).
It was designed to train the trainers using a certified sampling system across Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

Speaking with newsmen shortly after declaring the workshop open, the Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Professor Saliu AbdulWaheed Adelabu, reaffirmed the government commitment to improving workers’ intellectual capacity. He noted that retirees are also in the training opportunities, particularly on “Life After Retirement.”

According to Professor Adelabu, civil servants are the assets who ensure the success of both the political and civil office holders. He stressed that every worker needs to undergo a mindset change by engaging in a self-sponsored training, including the online workshop that can be accessed with ease.

The Commissioner further stated that the workshop is certified, and the certificates are valid anywhere in the world.

Addressing the alleged 10% gratuity fraud, Professor Adelabu described the claim as false.

“People think everyone working in the ministry is either a thief or corrupt, including the Commissioner. They mentioned 10% and 5%, but many people do not substantiate their claim. But to the glory of God, with what is being released, there is transparency and accountability about the payment of gratuity.”

He explained, “What happened was that for a long time people who retired as far back as 2008 were unable to get their gratuity. We started cleaning the register up to 2014. But the God-sent Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde when he realized that his tenure liabilities were accumulating, we had to go back to Omituntun 1.0 now. The beauty of it is that he has assured all retirees in the state that he will not owe a dime by the expiration of his tenure. So we should support him in prayer.”

The Commissioner advised participants to take the training seriously and look forward to more.

“The participants should look forward to the subsequent ones because the programme is designed to be continuous. It is the only way to improve Human Capital Development among those in strategic positions and high-cadre officers, who in turn will mentor the junior staff.”

In his remark, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Establishments and Training, Mr Alade Bello, described the training as a wake-up call to all civil servants. He charged participants to rise to any challenge that may arise in the cause of discharging their duties so as to keep the office relevant.

The Head of Operation,
Development Advocacy and Value Renaissance Initiative (DAVRI, Dr. Adebimpe Aderounmu, stated that Human Capital Development is non-negotiable. He advised the government to re-address, review, restructure and activate development, assuring that it brings more honour, productivity and enhanced government performance.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,
Commissioner for Information,
Oyo State.

…Plans To Expand Training To All Cadres

The Oyo State Government, through the Ministry of Establishments and Training, has trained 130 civil servants to enhance public service delivery in the State.

The Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Professor Saliu Adelabu, stated this at a 3-day workshop organized for civil servants across five cadres held at the Simeon Adebo Staff Development Center, Secretariat, Ibadan.

He explained that the ministry is set to expand its capacity-building programmes to cover all cadres in the State civil service through a new initiative called ‘Project 360 Degree.

According to the commissioner, the State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde is working assiduously to restore the center to its formal status as the premier training institute not only in the southwest but in the whole of Nigeria.

He pointed to the ongoing projects at the facility and the increased budgetary allocation for training as clear evidence that the Governor remains steadfast in fulfilling his promises.

“This administration continues to prioritize workers’ welfare and training as key pillars for sustainable development, as well as the prompt payment of salaries, pensions, and gratuities, and the approval of the N80,000 minimum wage effective from January 2025, thus making Oyo State a pace-setter in workers’ remuneration in Nigeria.”

“In the same vein, today marks the commencement of a series of workshops of which you are beneficiaries, as this administration knows that a motivated workforce is the engine of progress.”

“This further underscores the unwavering commitment of the Seyi Makinde-led administration to strengthening workforce morale and equipping employees to compete effectively with their counterparts in other sectors, with the clear understanding that a healthy and satisfied workforce is the foundation of productivity and prosperity.”

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Alade Bello, charged the participants to utilize the training as a platform to enhance their service delivery.

He emphasized that the government expects to see improvement in their operational performance as a result of the workshop.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Simeon Adebo Staff Development Center, Mrs Stella Okedum reiterated the center’s commitment to designing and implementing impactful programmes aimed at strengthening the State civil service and aligning it with global best practices.

The Oyo State Government has debunked a misleading report circulating from an interest group concerning the payment of retirees’ gratuities between 2015 and 2018.

The Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Prof. Salihu Adelabu, described the report as a misrepresentation of his discussion with the group.

According to the Commissioner, during a meeting with the group led by Comrade Ojekunle Tope, he clearly explained that the present administration of Governor Seyi Makinde inherited unpaid gratuities dating back to 2008.

He clarified that the Governor commenced payment of the backlog from 2008 upon assumption of office, and the process has remained consistent and ongoing.

Prof. Adelabu further disclosed that following the increase in the monthly allocation for gratuity payments from ₦1 billion to ₦3 billion, effective January 2026, the Ministry of Establishments and Training has intensified efforts and re-strategised its payment structure to accelerate disbursement.

He revealed that in January 2026 alone, over 500 beneficiaries received their gratuities, including pensioners whose entitlements became due in 2019.

The Commissioner explained that retirees who qualified for payment in 2019 but are yet to receive their gratuities may be experiencing documentation or processing challenges, which the Ministry is working to resolve.

He appreciated pensioners for their continued understanding and support, urging them to remain patient while assuring that all legitimate outstanding gratuities will be paid in due course.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State.

…Pledges To Clear All Backlogs By 2027

The Oyo State Government has approved an upward review of monthly gratuity payments from ₦1 billion to ₦3 billion, reaffirming its commitment to prioritising the welfare of pensioners and addressing long standing backlog obligations.

The Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Prof. Salihu Adelabu disclosed this on Tuesday in his office, adding that  a total number of 4,612 retirees, have benefitted since the inception of  Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration.

According to the Commissioner, Governor ‘Seyi Makinde has again increased the monthly release of gratuity by 200%, with the total allocation rising from ₦1 billion to ₦3 billion effective from January 2026.

He lauded Governor Makinde for his vision, focus, and people-friendly governance, emphasizing that no civil servant is left unattended to.

He assured that all outstanding gratuity arrears will be cleared by the end of the Governor’s tenure in May 2027.

The Commissioner added that Governor Makinde’s intervention demonstrates his commitment to securing the welfare of retirees and ensuring prompt, transparent and effective payment of pension and gratuity.

Prof. Adelabu admonished everyone to embrace hope, unity, and progress in the coming year under the purposeful and dynamic leadership of His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde.

In a New Year message, the Commissioner wished all retirees, civil servants, and residents of Oyo State a prosperous and peaceful 2026.

….As Application Form Closes on Monday

The Oyo State Government has announced that more than 250 junior officers will sit for the 2025 Conversion Examination for Clerical and Allied Staff.

The Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Prof. Salihu Adelabu, disclosed that the examination is scheduled for Friday, 19th December, 2025, at Simeon Adebo Staff Development Centre, Secretariat, Ibadan, commencing at 9:00 a.m.

According to the Commissioner, Officers eligible to participate in the exercise include Clerical Assistants, Clerical Officers, Stores Attendants, Stores Keepers, Judiciary staff and other allied personnel who have duly applied for the conversion.

Prof. Adelabu noted that examination slips will be issued only to candidates who have correctly completed and submitted their application forms on or before Monday, 15th December, 2025. He cautioned that applicants who fail to meet this requirement will not be allowed to participate in the examination.

He further stated that any candidate who does not properly complete the attendance register will not be recognized as having taken part in the examination, stressing the need for strict compliance with all examination procedures.

The Commissioner advised candidates to arrive early and maintain orderly conduct to ensure a smooth and hitch-free examination process.

E-Signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State.

The Oyo State Government, through the Ministry of Establishments and Training, has dismissed misleading message circulating on social media instructing TESCOM retirees from the year 2015 to submit their Pension Authority Certificate at Room 85, Ministry of Establishments and Training, Secretariat.

The Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Prof. Salihu Adelabu, on Tuesday stated that the message did not originate from the Ministry and should be entirely ignored by all concerned retirees.

Prof. Adelabu reaffirmed that the state government, through the Ministry of Establishments and Training, is paying gratuities according to an approved schedule and following due process.
He emphasized that no TESCOM retiree is required to submit any Certificate of Authority at the said office, and no additional documentation outside the official procedures has been announced.

The commissioner also warned retirees not to allow anyone to extort or deceive them with claims of helping to “fast-track” gratuity processing.
He stressed that no payment is required for the processing of gratuity entitlements, urging retirees to report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.

Prof. Adelabu also said the Oyo State Government remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the welfare of all retirees in the state

The Oyo State Government, through the Ministry of Establishments and Training, has announced that the 2025 Confirmation Examination for junior officers will be held on Tuesday, 30th September 2025, at 10:00 a.m, highlighting the venue for the exercise is the Simeon Adebo Staff Development Centre, Secretariat, Ibadan.

The Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Professor Salihu Adelabu, disclosed that a total of 643 junior officers are expected to participate in the examination.

He said that the affected personnel include Clerical Assistants, Clerical Officers, Store Attendants, Store Keepers, Judiciary staff, and other allied cadres.

According to him, the confirmation examination will assess the officers’ understanding of the Public Service Rules 1 & 2 (2013), Financial Regulations, and Current Affairs.

He emphasized that the examination is a key part of the State Government’s broader agenda to promoting professionalism, discipline, and capacity building within the public service.

“This exercise is a vital step in ensuring efficiency, accountability, and meaningful career progression in the civil service,” he stated.

The Commissioner urged all eligible officers to prepare thoroughly and ensure punctuality on the day of the examination.

E-Signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade

Hon. Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State.

The Oyo State Government has disclosed that more than 8,545 pensioners have received their gratuities within the last six years.

This was revealed by the Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Prof. Salihu Adelabu, during a live appearance at Television Station in Ibadan.

According to the Commissioner, the remarkable progress was made possible after the present administration increased the monthly gratuity payment from 100 million to ₦1 billion.

He explained that this bold step significantly accelerated the clearance of outstanding gratuities, ensuring that more retirees received their entitlements promptly.

Prof. Adelabu further explained that the implementation of the ₦80,000 minimum wage positively impacted pensioners’ benefits. He added that recomputation exercises carried out for those who retired as recently as July last year up till present ensured fair and improved payments, thereby easing the lives of retirees.

Highlighting the 2025 records, the Commissioner disclosed that a total of 1,906 pensioners have so far received their full gratuities this year.

He noted that between May and August alone, about 1,500 retirees, particularly those whose gratuities were between 1million – 3.5million were successfully settled.

Professor Adelabu assured pensioners that Governor Seyi Makinde remains committed to their welfare. He emphasized that the administration is determined to clear all outstanding backlogs of gratuities before the end of its tenure.

“The Governor has assured us that no backlog will be left behind. The welfare of our pensioners remains a top priority of this Government,” the Commissioner stated.