The Ogun State Government on Thursday held a grand send-forth ceremony in honour of the outgoing Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Olufemi Onasanya, mnipr, FNuj, as he officially retired from the civil service on the occasion of his 60th birthday.
The colourful event, held on May 22, 2026, also featured the retirement send-forth of Onasanya’s predecessor, Mr. Kolawole Peter Fagboun, alongside 28 retired Permanent Secretaries.
The atmosphere was filled with tributes, gratitude and celebration as government officials, labour leaders, pensioners, family members and associates gathered to honour the retired Head of Service for what many described as impactful and visionary leadership during his two-year tenure.
Mr. Onasanya attended the ceremony alongside his wife, Mrs. Folasade Onasanya, daughter, Faith, as well as close family members and associates.
Speaking at the event, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, commended Onasanya for his dedication and unwavering commitment to the development of the state civil service.
“You ran the engine room with discipline, loyalty and foresight. You are leaving the service better than you met it,” the governor stated.
Governor Abiodun described the retired HoS as a dependable administrator who served as a bridge between policy formulation and effective execution, noting that his administration benefited immensely from Onasanya’s professionalism and problem-solving approach.
Members of the Body of Permanent Secretaries also paid glowing tributes to the outgoing Head of Service during a valedictory session held in his honour, describing him as “our compass” and praising his open-door leadership style, professionalism and calm disposition in managing challenges within the service.
Read Also:
Labour leaders equally acknowledged his role in sustaining industrial harmony across the state. Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Ogun State, Comrade Hakeem Benco, said Onasanya maintained cordial relationships with labour unions through dialogue and sincerity.
“You listened, you engaged, you kept your word. That is why industrial harmony held under your watch,” Benco said.
The Association of Retired Heads of Service also commended the outgoing HoS for upholding the core values of the Ogun State civil service. Speaking on behalf of the association, retired Permanent Secretary, Mr. Obawunmi, presented a detailed account of Onasanya’s achievements in office.
“You have upheld the values we left behind. Ogun State is in safe hands, and you have made us proud,” he remarked.
Also speaking, the President of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Baba Oloyede, described the retired Head of Service as a compassionate administrator who prioritised the welfare of pensioners and senior citizens during his tenure.
According to him, several welfare packages introduced under Onasanya’s leadership significantly improved the well-being of retirees in the state.
In his remarks, Mr. Onasanya attributed the successes recorded during his tenure to divine grace, teamwork and the support of Governor Abiodun.
“I thank the Lord Jesus for life, for strength, and for the privilege to serve at the peak of my career,” he said.
“I thank the Governor for the opportunity, my colleagues for their partnership, and the entire workforce for walking this journey with me. What we achieved is not by my power, but by God’s grace and the collective commitment of this team.”
The ceremony ended on a celebratory note as guests described the retirement of Mr. Kehinde Olufemi Onasanya as a glorious and well-deserved exit from public service.
