By Adesakin Adefemi
Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has approved the appointment of Mr. Olanrewaju Iskeel Saka as the new Head of the Public Service of Ogun State, in a move aimed at ensuring continuity and strengthening administrative efficiency within the state bureaucracy
The appointment takes effect following the statutory retirement of the immediate past Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, who bowed out after attaining the mandatory retirement age. Onasanya was celebrated last week for his decades of service and contributions to the growth of the state’s civil service.
Until his elevation, Saka served as Permanent Secretary in the Bureau of Cabinet and Special Services. In that role, he was credited with overseeing policy coordination, cabinet affairs, and administrative support functions within the governor’s office, positions that placed him at the centre of government decision-making processes.
Saka began his career in the Ogun State Public Service as a classroom teacher on Grade Level 08 on May 15, 1993. His early experience in the education sector gave him firsthand insight into grassroots service delivery before he transferred to the mainstream civil service in 2006 as a Senior Administrative Officer on Grade Level 09.
Born on February 15, 1968, he is regarded as a seasoned administrator with extensive experience in policy implementation, human resource management, and public sector reforms. Colleagues describe him as detail-oriented, calm under pressure, and committed to institutional efficiency and discipline.
The new Head of Service is a member of several professional bodies, including the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management. He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Policy Management Development, credentials that underscore his standing in public administration and policy circles.
According to a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, the appointment recognizes Saka’s hard work, dedication, and consistent record of service to the state. Talabi noted that the choice reflects the administration’s preference for promoting competence and merit within the public service.
Talabi said the governor expects the new Head of Service to bring his wealth of experience to bear in strengthening the Ogun State Public Service and supporting the seamless implementation of government policies and programmes. The administration has placed priority on building a responsive and professional civil service capable of driving its development agenda.
The appointment comes at a time when the Abiodun administration is pushing reforms aimed at improving efficiency, accountability, and service delivery across ministries, departments, and agencies. Stakeholders say Saka’s elevation signals a commitment to leveraging institutional knowledge to sustain the momentum of governance in Ogun State.
