The Lagos State government on Tuesday honoured 506 officers of the Unified Local Government Service for over 30 years of meritorious service, with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, saying the state appreciates their years of service.
Speaking at the Long Merit Award ceremony organised by the Office of Local Government Establishments and Training and held at Adeyemi Bero auditorium, Sanwo-Olu said a career in public service is not measured by the number of years spent but by service that were render to ordinary citizens.
“We should be proud and happy that God has placed you in positions where you have added value. Some of you have served for more than 30 years. It is a career of service, showing up through changes in leadership, technological changes, and changes in the demographic shape of the communities that we serve. Through all of this, you stayed, you moved around, and you served the people,” Sanwo-Olu applauded the retirees.
He assured them that the state will continue to appreciate them adding that ‘this government will stand by you, and the community will stand by you.’
From left, Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor, on Rural and Urban Development, Dr Nurudeen Agbaje; Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat; one of the awardees, Mrs Olaleru Adunni and Lagos State Head of Service, Mr Olabode Agoro during the 2026 Lagos Service Merit Award Ceremony in Lago on Tuesday (18/08/26)
Sanwo-Olu called on junior officers in public service to emulate the senior ones by showing discipline and commitments.
“For the young ones just starting out, I think we should look closely at the people sitting here today. Their careers offer something no classroom can teach: the value of consistency, discipline, and integrity. Learn from their experiences and help carry the public service into a future where citizens receive faster, more transparent, more decentralised, and more responsive government,” the governor said.
The Head of Service, Olabode Agoro said the state will always recognize and celebrate officers who have put greater number of their years into service to humanity, to serve as motivation for others.
He added that the 506 officers comprises of 492 Senior Officers and 14 Junior
officers and urged not to rest on their oars, but rather, continue to uphold the highest standards of responsibility, commitment to duty and loyalty for which they were being honoured.
In her address, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Local Government, Establishments and Training, Ms. Toyin Ogunlana said the Long Service Merit Award was instituted to recognise officers whose careers have been marked by loyalty, discipline and unwavering commitment to public service.
“This initiative celebrates the values that sustain an effective and responsive public service, including integrity, diligence, accountability and excellence,” she said.
Some of the officers thanked the state government for given them the opportunity to ‘serve’.
“ It has been a pleasant experience working in Lagos State local government. My advice to other junior officers is to be committed and active. I have tried my best,” Mosunmola Otaiku, the Council Manager for Kosofe Local Government.
Also , the Council Manager for Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area, Joseph Oladeji urged junior officers to ‘ be punctual at work and ensure they display discipline.’
“ The government is always there to give incentives to workers as at when due, Others coming behind should be dedicated to their work, “ he said.