In a significant move to celebrate dedication and integrity, the Lagos State government has presented its prestigious Year 2025 Outstanding Officer Award (Senior Category) to Mr. Olaosebikan Ebenezer Olajuwon, a Deputy Director of Legislative Matters at the State House of Assembly.
A Celebration of Excellence and Technology
This high-profile recognition was a central feature of the state's 2025 Public Service Week. The week's activities were built around the theme 'Deepening Technology for a Smart and Agile Public Sector'. This initiative aligns with the broader 1994 Tangier Declaration, which calls on African nations to honour public administrators every June 23. While local scheduling shifted this year's event, the core purpose of celebrating civil servants remained powerfully intact.
The Rigorous Path to Recognition
Mr. Olajuwon's selection was no simple feat. It followed a strict vetting process managed by the Office of the Head of Service. The formal notification came in a letter signed by Mrs. A. Ashimi, the Director of Service Matters. The citation praised Olajuwon as an exemplar, stating his award was "a recognition of excellence and enduring contributions towards the development of the State Public Service."
The award ceremony, held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, capped a dynamic week filled with diverse activities designed for holistic engagement. The itinerary included:
- A Walk for Fitness and health screenings for civil servants.
- Charity outreach with donations made to orphanages.
- The entertaining "Alausa Got Talent" series, where Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) competed in choreography and Ewi recitation.
- The Long Service Merit Award, which honoured 750 veterans boasting over 30 years of service.
Motivation Beyond the Ceremony
Speaking at the event, the Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, underscored that these awards are far more than ceremonial. He emphasized they are strategic tools designed to motivate the entire workforce to emulate the dedication and endurance demonstrated by top-tier officers like Olajuwon.
For Mr. Olaosebikan Ebenezer Olajuwon, a Grade Level 16 officer in the legislative arm, this award represents a major career milestone. It also resonates with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's vision for a 'Greater Lagos'. As part of the tradition, Olajuwon is expected to attend the Governor's Luncheon, where the state's chief executive hosts the year's best-performing officers. This event provides a valuable platform for astute civil servants to interact directly with the state's executive leadership.
