By Ayomide Otitoju
Former Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Ministry of Economic Planning under the administration of the late Governor Lateef Jakande, Chief Tunde Fanimokun, has commended the Lagos State Public Service for its consistent excellence, integrity, and commitment to development.
Speaking as the Special Guest at the inaugural Annual Distinguished Service Lecture organized by Yaba College of Technology, Chief Fanimokun described the Lagos public service as a benchmark for progress, unity, and prosperity. The lecture, themed “Excellence, Integrity, Resourcefulness & Selflessness: The Hallmarks of Lagos State Public Service (1967–2025)”, celebrated the evolution and achievements of the state’s civil service.
Chief Fanimokun, who is also the Agba Akin of Iruland and Chairman of Yinka Folawiyo Group, traced the roots of the Lagos public service to the tenure of Brigadier-General Mobolaji Johnson, the state’s first military governor. He praised Johnson’s legacy of integrity and discipline, which he said laid a solid foundation for future administrations.
He further lauded the transformative impact of Lateef Jakande’s tenure, describing it as a model of incorruptible governance. “Jakande conceived and implemented a blueprint for an incorruptible public service that remains a reference point to this day,” Fanimokun noted.
Acknowledging the role of successive governments and retired officials, he commended the Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries (ALARHOSPS) for promoting a culture of integrity within the service.
Highlighting Lagos State’s achievements—including its $259 billion GDP, environmental reforms, and major infrastructure projects such as the Blue and Red Line rail systems—Fanimokun said the public service has been central to the state’s growth into Africa’s second-largest economy.
“I am a proud product of Lagos public service. I was nurtured by a system built on values, and became a Permanent Secretary at 35. The principles of integrity and selflessness shaped my journey. Public service is a trust—never forget that it’s public money you’re handling. To the younger generation: reject corruption, work diligently, and be accountable,” he advised.
Rector of Yabatech, Dr. Ibrahim Adedotun-Abdul, said the lecture series was initiated to honour distinguished service and inspire future leaders. “Chief Fanimokun’s legacy reflects what selfless service can achieve,” he said.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Yabatech Governing Council, Prof. Isola Owolabi, described the event as a celebration of public sector excellence, while Lagos State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Tolani Sule—representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu—expressed pride in the state’s public service, calling it the driving force behind Lagos’ status as Nigeria’s leading state.
